Chapter 12, Problem 1CR

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The conclusions of trait theories of leadership.

Introduction:

Trait theories of leadership gives an overview of the reason why some people are good effective leaders than others with regard to the personality and characteristics rather that the situation or the context . The significant assumption made in trait theories is, that leaders are born and not made that leads these individuals to possess the ideal and right qualities and characteristic that makes them successful in decision making and task accomplishments. Some of the common leadership traits found are; initiative, creativity, flexibility charisma, confidence and more.

Explanation of Solution

It is highly vital to understand the conclusions of trait theories to understand the difference between successful leaders and ordinary normal leaders. Throughout history it is believed, strong leaders have been described by their traits. Therefore, leadership research has long sought to identify the personality, social, physical, or intellectual attributes that differentiate leaders from non-leaders. Trait theories of leadership focus on personal qualities and characteristics. Leadership emergence and effectiveness are often evaluated separately in the vis-à-vis trait studies, therefore a better understanding can be gained.

For personality, a comprehensive review of the leadership literature organized around the Big Five framework has found extraversion to be the most predictive trait of effective leadership. However, extraversion sometimes relates more to the way leaders emerge than to their effectiveness. Sociable and dominant people are more likely to assert themselves in group situations, which can help extraverts be identified as leaders, but effective leaders are not domineering. One study found leaders who scored very high in assertiveness, a facet of extraversion, were less effective than those who were moderately high. So although extraversion can predict effective leadership, the relationship may be due to unique facets of the trait. Further leaders who inculcate these major characteristic tend to gain the opinions of other colleagues and try to analyze and include these views therefore a better decision would be generated. As a result the leaders make highly effective decisions that drive the organization forward. Further, it is discovered leaders who are willing to work with a range of people and understand their opinions and views are considered to have an overwhelming advantage in leadership.

When analyzing and understanding trait theories it is believed that leaders are born naturally and not made, as it is seen that trait theory of leadership focuses on discovering unique personality traits and characteristics that are linked to successful leadership across a wide variety of situations.