The trait approach is not commonly used in business because there are no valid assessment tools

Learn more about the difference between the trait theory and process theory of leadership.

© Coventry University. CC BY-NC 4.0

Early ideas about leadership, described by the Great Man theory, focused on the innate qualities of individuals. In the 1950s, leadership theory focused on the situational interaction of traits, then in the 1970s personality and behaviour dominated. The current theory, known as trait theory, focuses on five major leadership traits of intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability.

Trait Theory

The trait theory of leadership suggests that certain inborn or innate qualities and characteristics make someone a leader. These qualities might be personality factors, physical factors, intelligence factors, and so on. In essence, trait theory proposes that the leader and leaders’ traits are central to an organisation’s success. The assumption here is that finding people with the right traits will increase organisational performance. Trait theory focuses exclusively on the leader and neglects the follower.

The trait approach is not commonly used in business because there are no valid assessment tools

Adapted from Kotter (1990: 3-8)

Applying the Trait Theory

One of the applications of the trait approach is that by participating in various tests, candidates can benchmark and assess how strong or weak they are in terms of leadership skills. In doing so, this can provide direction for future action plans. Based on this theory, tools and instruments have been developed that enable individuals to appraise their potential to better their performance. Some organisations use personality tests to find the ‘right’ people with the ‘right’ traits, using tools such as the Myers Briggs test and Leadership Trait Questionnaire (LTQ).

Next week, you will get an opportunity to analyse your leadership traits and skills using the LTQ and the skills questionnaire.

Process Leadership

In contrast, process leadership suggests that leadership is an event that depends on the interaction between the leader and the follower. Process theory makes leadership available to everyone, rather than restricting it to people with special qualities only. As a process, it can be observed, learned, and trained (Northouse 2018: 7).

The trait approach is not commonly used in business because there are no valid assessment tools

Adapted from Kotter (1990: 3-8)

References

Kotter, J.P. (1990) A Force for Change: How Leadership Differs from Management. New York: Free Press, 3-8

Northouse, P.G. (2018) Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice. Los Angeles: SAGE

© Coventry University. CC BY-NC 4.0

Discussion Chapter 1: Leadership Intro1)Power that is connected to holding a particular office or role is ______power.

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1)The concept of the power relationship between leaders and followersrepresents a view of leadership as something that moves followers toaccomplish more than is usually expected of them.

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2)Personal power is the power a person derives from a particular office orrank in a formal organizational system.

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3)Focusing on the exchange of information and the interactive nature ofleadership means focusing on which aspect of leadership?

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4)Dr. Knowles is interested in studying leadership. She begins by havingmanagers take a variety of measures intended to measure their uniquetraits, such as their ratings on the Big 5. Which aspect of leadership is ofinterest to Dr. Knowles?

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5)A popular rock star has millions of adoring fans who attend her concerts,buy her music, and copy her fashion. The type of power the rock starholds over her fans is ______.

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6)Coercive power is a type of position power.

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7)Carla is interested in how leadership works in her organization. Sheasks questions about the size of work teams, what they do together, andhow they work together. She is particularly interested in how leadersemerge from that work. Which aspect of leadership is of interest toCarla?

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8)Power connected to a particular rank or job authority is legitimate power.

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9)What aspect of leadership refers to a shared focus by leaders andfollowers?

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Is the trait approach used in business?

The trait theory gives constructive information about leadership. It can be applied by people at all levels in all types of organizations. Managers can utilize the information from the theory to evaluate their position in the organization and to assess how their position can be made stronger in the organization.

What is the trait approach used for?

Although it is not a fully articulated theory with well-developed hypotheses, the trait approach formed the basis of most early leadership research. This approach focuses on the personal attributes (or traits) of leaders, such as physical and personality characteristics, competencies, and values.

Is the trait approach still relevant?

In the 21st century, the trait approach may provide the foundation for supplementary leadership theories, but its validity is decreasing considerably as more research reveals that you can turn average people into champions.

What was the major problem with the trait approach to leadership?

One major problem with the trait approach to leadership is that no definitive list of leadership traits exists. Due to the large body of research, countless traits are present, making it difficult to determine which traits make the most effective leader.