In defense of leader misconduct: the use of neutralization techniques by ingroup members

The current study is an initial effort to investigate the value of neutralization theory to understand how, by what method, to what degree, and in what condition ingroup members defend their leader against charges of misconduct. We propose that ingroup members use neutralizing techniques to defend their leaders in the same way they would defend themselves. After exploring the underlying social identity theory driving the use of leader defense, we test our proposition by analyzing the Trump-Ukraine Impeachment Inquiry Republican Staff Report. Using content analysis, we determine the presence of neutralization techniques and classify those instances into specific neutralization categories proposed in the literature. Using a post-hoc analysis, we then explore under what conditions ingroup members use specific neutralization techniques in defense of an ingroup leader. Our study extends prior theory and research by examining the use of neutralization techniques in defense of an ingroup leader’s alleged misconduct.