Transforming Leadership Assessment Using Natural Language Processing

Abstract Advancements in computer science, specifically natural language processing (NLP), offer innovative opportunities to transform leadership assessment. This chapter first defines NLP and describes the many analytic techniques within NLP, including computer-aided text analysis, supervised machine learning, and unsupervised machine learning. For each technique, tangible examples of their use in leadership assessment research are provided. The chapter also advises scientists and practitioners interested in NLP on unique methodological considerations for its use in leadership assessment and provides resources that would be most beneficial. The chapter concludes by recommending future applications of NLP in assessing leaders, including suggestions of evaluative NLP models of leader behaviors that can offer real-time feedback to leaders.