Advancing a relational perspective on leadership between neurotypical leaders and neurodivergent followers: An integrated systematic review and research agenda

Kirkwood, Mya ORCID: 0009-0002-6911-9168, Radcliffe, Laura ORCID: 0000-0002-7801-1995, Lyubovnikova, Joanne ORCID: 0000-0003-0710-3929 and Otaye‐Ebede, Lilian (2025) Advancing a relational perspective on leadership between neurotypical leaders and neurodivergent followers: An integrated systematic review and research agenda International Journal of Management Reviews. ISSN 1460-8545, 1468-2370

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Abstract

Abstract Leaders are widely positioned as cornerstones of neurodiversity inclusion within research and practice. Despite this, the management discipline remains plighted by lack of cohesive understanding regarding leadership in the context of neurodiversity—an issue only exacerbated by the fragmented nature of extant interdisciplinary research. Given the pressing need for empirical synthesis and clearer conceptualization, we present the first interdisciplinary integrative systematic review examining the experience and enactment of leadership within neurotypical leader–neurodivergent follower dyads. By reviewing 43 articles, across 13 disciplines, we identify 3 key themes: reciprocal communication, consequences of communication and multi‐level contextual influences on reciprocal leader–follower communication practices. Next, to integrate these themes into a cohesive conceptual framework, we draw on two existing theoretical perspectives—the double‐empathy problem and relational leadership theory. Together, these lenses enable us to present novel relational insights into how the enactment of leadership is experienced and constructed within these dyads, identifying two leadership pathways that explain how the double‐empathy problem may be either alleviated or exacerbated. Finally, we present an evidence‐informed future research agenda covering theoretical and methodological recommendations that will be instrumental in advancing this emerging research field and enhancing inclusive practices of leaders in organizations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, 3507 Strategy, Management and Organisational Behaviour
Divisions:	Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > School of Management Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > School of Management > Management School Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > Faculty of Humanities & Social Sci (All T&R Staff) Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > School of Management > Work, Organisation and Management (WOM) Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences > School of Management > School of Management (T&R Staff)
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	11 Dec 2025 09:21
Last Modified:	28 Feb 2026 15:07
DOI:	10.1111/ijmr.70008
Related Websites:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3196063
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