Abstract
A Comparative Analysis of Toxic Leadership in Megatron and Scar
The Toxic Leadership Project exhibits a comparative analysis between Megatron, from the Transformers; and Scar, from The Lion King. These figures, despite their distinct differences, exemplify authoritative leadership. Drawing upon Haslam et al. 's, (2020) “The New Psychology of Leadership,” this analysis examines the contingency approach. This states that if these characters were not the leaders, someone else would have stepped in to fill these roles (24). Using the contingency approach, these characters make them leaders because of the situation they were placed in. Megatron is a leader that opposes the non-toxic leadership of Optimus Prime and Scar steps into the leadership role he creates when he sends Simba away. Additionally, Haslam et al. discusses the importance of having followers (26). Both characters were able to use adaptive leadership to alter their followers’ beliefs. In The Lion King, the hyenas would never have been so bold as to challenge the lion pack; however, Scar was able to challenge their status quo. In The Transformers, Megatron had followers who already shared the same interest but, through threats and punishment, he was able to use coercion and force to have his orders followed. Megatron sought complete reign over the universe by eliminating anything that stood in his way and killing off his underlings that could not properly follow his exact orders. Scar’s behavior was derived from a sense of inferiority, where he craved to steal the leadership that was passed down to his brother, Mufasa. Both characters illuminate narcissistic behaviors because they believed that they were the only ones truly fit for their leadership roles. Through manipulation, they focused on convincing, and forcing others, that their beliefs were to be followed.
Faculty Advisor
Nuchelle Chance
Department/Program
Psychology
Submission Type
online only poster
Date
4-1-2025
Rights
Copyright the Author(s)
Recommended Citation
Mickulesku, Christine B. and Pham, Lily
(2025)
"Megatron vs. Scar: A Comparative Study of Toxi Leadership,"
SACAD: Scholarly Activities: Vol. 2025, Article 21.
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/sacad/vol2025/iss2025/21
