ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background that underpins the framework for understanding cognitive processing and identity activation. It focuses on the individual versus social distinction in combination with dual processing perspective, using leadership as an illustrative example. The chapter describes some of the self-related theories and self-processes in the overarching framework. It discusses leadership and identity from a broader perspective that integrates the various perspectives and incorporates time as a critical element. Dual processing models maintain that there are alternative ways to process information that emphasize a fast, automatic, resource independent, but inflexible system; or a slower, conscious, attention dependent, but flexible system. Self-schemas can guide information processing when activated by contextual primes, but they operate as a coherent module. Self-identities allow one to contextualize goals and actions in a way that also reflects internal values and meanings, which carry through to evaluating action outcomes both internally and through social reactions.
