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What is necessary for a leader to be considered authentic? Leadership authenticity requires transparency, balanced processing of information, ethical conduct, and self-awareness. When authenticity in leadership is demonstrated, this study found followers show positive interpersonal behaviors. Likewise, when leaders exhibit behaviors that are inauthentic, negative behavior is fostered. This study examined the elements of leadership credibility, namely; trustworthiness, expertise and dynamism. Finally, the study confirmed the influence of leadership authenticity and credibility in workplace productivity in an academic medical center. There is little research evidence that the attributes of leadership authenticity are antecedents to leadership credibility. This study shed some light on this relationship.

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Dr. McElrath serves as Chief Human Resources Officer for the clinical services division of the University of Southern California. Prior to this, he served in HR leadership roles for Arizona State University and Mayo Clinic. He completed his Ed.D. in Leadership at the University of Southern California. Matt and his wife, Inez, reside in Los Angeles.

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