Leadership Theory and Practice TRAIT APPROACH

Transcription

1 MGT 656 Leadership Theory and Practice TRAIT APPROACH

2 What is trait approach? First systematic approach to study leadership Great man theories Challenged using the arguments of lack of Challenged using the arguments of lack of universal traits, no consistent set of traits differentiating leaders from non-leaders Recently concept of charismatic leadership has drawn new attention to trait approach

3 Trait Approach What could be some leadership traits that you will seek in your leader? (assuming you are an employee) What leadership traits you will seek in a candidate you are interviewing for a position in your organization? (assuming you are the CEO)

4 Studies on Leadership Traits and Characteristics Stogdill (1948) Mann (1959) Stogdill (1974) Intelligence Intelligence Achievement Alertness Masculinity Persistence Insight Adjustment Insight Responsibility Dominance Initiative Initiative Extraversion Self-confidence Persistence Conservatism Responsibility Self-confidence Cooperativeness Sociability Tolerance Influence Sociability

5 Studies on Leadership Traits and Characteristics Lord, De Vader, & Alliger (1986) Kirkpatrick & Locke (1991) Zaccaro, Kemp, & Bader (2004) Intelligence Drive Cognitive abilities Masculinity Motivation Extraversion Dominance Integrity Conscientiousness Confidence Cognitive ability Task knowledge Emotional stability Openness Agreeableness Motivation Social intelligence Self-monitoring Emotional intelligence Problem solving

6 Major Leadership Traits Intelligence Self-confidence Determination Integrity Sociability

7 Intelligence Intellectual ability positively related to leadership Leaders tend to have higher intelligence than non-leaders (Zaccaro et al. 2004) Steve Jobs How intelligent should a leader be from his/her subordinates?

8 Self-confidence Ability to be certain about own skill and competence Steve Jobs Laurence Kemball-Cook young entrepreneur, Founder of Pavegen Tiles

9 Determination Desire to get the job done Persistence, drive, initiative, dominance Uasin Bolt, Michael Phelps Anyone else you can think of in the context of Bangladesh? Share personal experience with the class

10 Integrity Quality of honesty and truthfulness George W. Bush Weapon of mass destruction Nelson Mandela Clinton Impeachment proceedings Anyone from Bangladesh you might want to add to this list? Share personal experiences

11 Sociability Leader s inclination to seek out pleasant social relationships Friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, pleasant, and diplomatic Sensitive to others needs

12 Big Five Personality Model & Leadership Big Five Personality Traits Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Agreeableness Conscientiousness Judge et al. (2002) found a strong relationship between the Big Five traits and leadership. Extraversion was found to be the best predictor of leadership followed by conscientiousness, openness, and low neuroticism. Can introverts be effective leaders as well? Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can t stop talking by Susan Cain Agreeableness was found to be weakly associated with leadership. It has been associated with low levels of career success. Why is so?

13 Emotional Intelligence What is intelligence? What is emotion? How these two are connected in the concept of emotional intelligence? What is the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership?

14 Emotional Intelligence Personal and social competencies (Goleman, 1995, 1998) Fundamental facets of leadership every leader should be concerned about context, self and others Debate continues on how significant emotional intelligence is in influencing leaders success

15 How trait approach work? The main thesis is organizations will work better if leaders have a specific trait profile For personal development and awareness as well

16 Strengths of Trait Approach Intuitively appealing Research support More emphasis on leader (a potential weakness as well) has given us a deep understanding about important leadership traits Some specific benchmark of what to look for in a leader

17 Criticisms of Trait Approach The list of traits appears endless Does not include situation Findings are too broad and extensive, subjective interpretation Failed to link traits with outcomes; more focus has been given to how traits are related to leadership emergence, not productivity or employee satisfaction Not a useful approach for training

18 How Great Leaders Inspire Action? TED Talk by Simon Sinek t