Trait Theory of Leadership

Organizational behaviour

1. Trait Theory of Leadership Saroj Kiju

2. Definition This theory, also called Greatman Theory, gave way to a more realistic trait approach which views that traits are completely inborn. Theory suggests that there are certain identifiable qualities that good leaders must possess. The trait model of leadership is based on the characteristics of many leaders - both successful and unsuccessful - and is used to predict leadership effectiveness. The resulting lists of traits are then compared to those of potential leaders to assess their likelihood of success or failure. Some researcher focus on intelligence, initiative, individuality and other on scholarship, dependability, responsibility, social participation etc.

3. Seven Leadership traits Achievement Drive Leadership Motivation Integrity and Honesty Knowledge Self-confidence Intelligence Cognitive ability

4. Achievement Drive It refers inner motivation to pursue goal. 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.

5. Leadership Motivation Leaders have a strong desire to influence and lead others. They demonstrate the willingness to take responsibility . They have knowledge about the needs and requirements of subordinates and how to apply appropriate motivational tools at the right time.

6. Honesty and Integrity Successful leaders are: Trustworthy Reliable Open Integrates organizational and individual behavior

7. Self-confidence It is believing in own-self and their ideas and ability. Leaders built a trusting relationship between themselves and followers by being truthful or no deceitful and by showing high consistency between word and deed.

8. Knowledge Effective leaders have a high degree of knowledge about company, industry and technical matters. In-depth knowledge allows leaders to make well-informed decisions and to understand the implications of those decisions.

9. Cognitive Ability Intelligence has been defined in many ways, including: the capacity for logic, understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving Leaders need to be intelligent enough to gather, synthesize and interpret large amounts of information and to be able to create visions solve problems and make correct decisions.

10. Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence or EI is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, and those of the people around you.  For leaders, having emotional intelligence is essential for success. After all, who is more likely to succeed – a leader who shouts at his team when he's under stress, or a leader who stays in control, and calmly assesses the situation ? It includes major keys like Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Motivation, Empathy, Social skills.

11. Strengths/Advantages It is naturally pleasing theory. It is valid as lot of research has validated the foundation and basis of the theory. It serves as a yardstick against which the leadership traits of an individual can be assessed. It gives a detailed knowledge and understanding of the leader element in the leadership process . It is useful in developing training programs for managers at various levels.

12. Limitations The traits of successful leaders are not consistent. There are no common traits to study leadership in organization. Leaders cannot be totally different from their followers. It is difficult to define and measure traits of a good leader. This theory does not find the real causes and effects of certain behaviors in organizational setting Effective leadership is composed of leader, follower and situational variables, not a function of trait alone. There are no universal traits applicable to all situations.

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