Ch 9.2 Flashcards
What is the trait theory of leadership?
The idea that leadership depends on personal qualities or traits of the leader.
What are traits?
Personal characteristics like physical traits, intelligence, and personality.
What kinds of traits have leadership research focused on?
Demographics (e.g., age, gender), task competence (e.g., intelligence), and interpersonal traits (e.g., extraversion).
Which two Big Five personality traits are most linked to leadership?
Extraversion and conscientiousness.
How does CEO conscientiousness affect a company?
It is directly linked to organizational performance.
What is narcissism in leadership?
A personality trait combining being full of yourself, attention-seeking, and a lack of regard for others.
What are the effects of narcissistic leaders?
They can be risky decision-makers, manipulate finances, but also drive innovation and growth.
How strong is the link between intelligence and leadership effectiveness?
There is a relationship, but it’s weaker than once believed.
What is Motivation to Lead (MTL)?
A person’s desire to attain leadership roles and fulfill leadership responsibilities.
What is a major limitation of the trait theory?
It’s unclear whether traits create leaders or if leadership roles develop these traits.
Why is relying only on traits to identify leaders a problem?
It can lead to bias, discrimination, and doesn’t explain what leaders actually do to influence others.
What does leadership categorization theory suggest?
People view individuals as leaders if they match leadership stereotypes, which can lead to bias.
How does race impact leadership perception?
Studies show people often assume leaders are white and rate white leaders as more effective.
What has research found to be more important than traits for leadership effectiveness?
Leadership behaviors, which can be learned and developed.
