Trait Theory

of Leadership
Trait Theory of Leadership

JOCELEN B. LUNA

Reporter
The trait theory of leadership is an
early assumption that leaders are born
and due to this belief, those that
possess the correct qualities and
Trait Theory of Leadership
traits are better suited to leadership.
This theory often identifies behavioral
characteristics that are common
in leaders.
 The trait approach attempted to identify :
physiological (appearance, height, and weight),
 demographic (age, education and socioeconomic
background),
personality, self-confidence, and aggressiveness),
Trait Theory of Leadership
 intellective (intelligence, decisiveness, judgment,
and knowledge),
task-related (achievement drive, initiative, and
persistence),
and social characteristics (sociability and
cooperativeness) with leader emergence and leader
effectiveness.
Successful leaders definitely have
interests, abilities, and personality traits
that are different from those of the less
effective leaders.
Trait Theory of Leadership
6 traits theory of leadership are;
Drive.
The desire to Lead.
Honesty Trait
and Integrity.
Theory of Leadership
Self-confidence.
Intelligence.
Job-Relevant Knowledge
6 traits theory of leadership are;
Drive.
The desire to Lead.
Honesty Trait
and Integrity.
Theory of Leadership
Self-confidence.
Intelligence.
Job-Relevant Knowledge
Drive: Leaders exhibits a higher effort level. They
have a relatively high desire for achievement,
they are ambitious, they have a lot of energy, and
they are tirelessly persistent in their activities and
they show initiative.
.
Trait Theory of Leadership
The desire to Lead: Leaders have a strong desire
to influence and lead others. They demonstrate
the willingness to take responsibility.
Honesty and Integrity: Leaders built a trusting
relationship between themselves and followers
by being truthful orTheory
Trait no deceitful and by showing
of Leadership
high consistency between word and deed.
Self-confidence: Followers look to
leaders for an absence of self-doubt.
Leaders, therefore, need to show
self-confidence in order to convince
Trait Theory of Leadership
followers of goals’ and decisions.
Intelligence: Leaders need to be
intelligent enough to gather,
synthesize and interpret large
amounts of information and to be
Trait Theory of Leadership
able to create visions solve problems
and make correct decisions.
Job-Relevant Knowledge: Effective
leaders have a high degree of
knowledge about company, industry
and technical matters. In-depth
Trait Theory of Leadership
knowledge allows leaders to make
well-informed decisions and to
understand the implications of those
decisions.
Trait Theory of Leadership
Advantages of Trait Theory
This is a naturally pleasing theory.
It is valid a lot of research has
validated the foundation and basis of
the theory. Trait Theory of Leadership
It gives a detailed, knowledge and
understanding of the leader element in
the leadership process.
Limitations of Trait Theory
There is bound, to be some
subjective judgment in determining
who is regarded as a good
Trait Theory of Leadership
or
successful leader.
The list of possible traits tends to
be very long.
This theory is a very complex theory.
Trait Theory of Leadership
Trait Theory of Leadership