What are some of the new and cutting-edge methods used to assess leadership effectiveness?

Student answers may vary. One type of study examines social networks within organizations to determine which individuals exert influence and leadership within the network. Other studies use implicit measures to tap into automatic cognitive processes that people use without conscious awareness to describe leaders by using broad classifications such as charismatic, authentic, ethical, and empowering. Another stream of research uses biosensor methods that combine biology, chemistry, and technology to identify the physical and psychological mechanisms that underlie leader traits and behaviors, follower reactions to leaders, and the development of leader-follower relationships. Yet another cutting-edge line of research employs behavioral genetics approaches such as studies that compare the attributes of identical twins who were raised apart, or fraternal twins who were raised together, to determine the relative influence of genetic ("nature") versus environmental ("nurture") forces on leadership emergence and effectiveness. Still another emerging field of inquiry focuses on what we can learn about leadership from people's reactions to leaders' facial expressions.