Leadership and Management: A Report on Trait Leadership Theory

This report provides a comprehensive overview of trait leadership theory, delving into its definition, evolution, and key constituents. It contrasts leadership and management, exploring the 'Great Man' theory and the 'Big Five' personality factors. The report examines the major traits of effective lead...Read More

Critical Reflective
Evaluation Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report investigates various leadership styles in the present day scenario and
discusses the significance, importance, scope and applicability of these concepts in real world
situations. Leadership can be defined as a cognitive process that influences behaviour of people
in a way that it instils a sense of willingness and enthusiasm towards achieving a set of goals or
objectives. A leader ensures proper coordination of personal interests with organisational
objectives by inducing actions among employees by motivating them through proper guidance,
thus creating confidence and inducing change.
A detailed discussion of Trait theory has been undertaken in this report and a reflective
account has been presented thereof. Trait Model of Leadership discusses the variables that
positively as well as negatively impact the leadership effectiveness by evaluating psychological,
personality and social characteristics in an individual. Apart from this, it also sheds a light on the
strengths and limitations of this leadership style along with reviewing some of the
transformational leaders based on similarities identified in their personality traits.

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
1.0 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................1
2.0 Definition of Leadership ...........................................................................................................1
3.0 Leadership vs. Management......................................................................................................1
4.0 Evolution of 'Trait Leadership'..................................................................................................3
5.0 Major Constituents of 'Traits Leadership' theory.......................................................................4
6.0 Successors of Trait theory..........................................................................................................7
Trait leadership style....................................................................................................................7
7.0 Transformational Leaders and their Personality Traits.............................................................8
M. K. Gandhi...............................................................................................................................8
Abraham Lincoln.......................................................................................................................10
Elon Musk..................................................................................................................................11
8.0 Strengths of Trait leadership Style...........................................................................................12
9.0 Limitations of Trait leadership Style.......................................................................................12
10.0 A Reflective Account on Trait Leadership Theory................................................................13
11.0 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

List of Figures
Figure 1: Roles and Functions of Management Leadership
Figure 2: The Big Five Personality Factors
Figure 3: Constituents of Trait Leadership Style
Figure 4: Characteristics of Trait Leadership Style
Figure 5: Mahatma Gandhi
Figure 6: Abraham Lincoln
Figure 7: Elon Musk
Figure 8: Effective Leadership Qualities

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Leadership possesses different meaning to different individuals. In general, it is termed as
the activity of leading a group of people or an organization. It involves establishing a clear
vision, sharing that vision with others so that they can be good followers. This also focuses on
providing information, knowledge and methods to realize that vision. There are various theories
of leadership that is followed by leaders of the organisation to achieve organisational objectives.
Through effective leadership in business challenging goals are achieved to outperform the
competition. A effective style of leadership is termed as the art of motivating a group of people
to act towards common goal. Organisation keeps on working and a good leader in the
organisation turns all hard work in direction that brings positive results (Antonakis, Day and
Schyns, 2012).
In this project report Trait leadership approach is elaborated. This is considered as first
modern theory of leadership and become popular at the end of twentieth century. This is
influenced by Carlyle, Francis Galton in 1869. The project report consist of evolution of theory,
definition and leadership style used by various leaders. Together with this strengths and
limitations of Trait theory of leadership is discussed.
2.0 Definition of Leadership
When management of the organisation takes challenges, take swift and decisive action
and inspire others to perform well then it is termed as effective leadership. Trait theory of
leadership defines integrated pattern of personal characteristics that reflect a range of individual
differences. The Trait model of leadership is based on the characteristics of many leaders that are
successful and unsuccessful. This theory of leadership possess assumption that leaders are born
and due to this belief those who are available with correct qualities and traits then it suits better
to them. Focus of the theory is to provide answers regarding why some leaders are good and
others are not. This theory mentioned that leaders are born with some special skills that is
available in their working such as self-confidence, futuristics and productive results (Trait
Theory of Leadership, 2013).
3.0 Leadership vs. Management
While working in an organisation both leadership techniques and effective management
plays important role to bring productive results. Management and leadership is misunderstood as
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one and the same but there exist difference between them. As leadership is setting a new
direction or vision for a group that is followed by them. A leader is considered as spearhead for
that new direction. Leadership in each organisation is based on trust that followers have on a
leader. Main focus of leadership is inspiring people by setting examples and encouraging the
adaptation of fast changing environment. Leadership in an organisation is based on principals
and guidelines that is provided in leadership theory followed by leaders of the company. A leader
is the person with whose vision overall organisation works and perform various functions. It is
required that leaders of the company have good foresightedness. This will benefit the
organisation by corrective future planning and productive results (Burke and Barron, 2014).
On the other hand management controls or directs people or resources in a group
according to principles or values that have been established. It is also termed as an art of
systematically organizing and coordinating things in an efficient way. Management emphasis on
various managing activities that are performed in different departments of the organisation.
Managing department in an organisation is available with power to set rules that needed to be
followed by workers. Various management activities that are performed by managers are
formulated on the basis of policies and procedures. Management team in an organisation possess
perspective for short term targets.
Management Leadership
Managers gives directions. Leaders ask questions.
Managers have subordinates. Leaders possess followers.
They follow authoritarian style while
performing their duties.
Leaders follow a motivational style in their
work.
Managers have ideas regarding various
business activities.
Leaders are the one who implements these
ideas into plans to work on them.
Managers react to change. Leaders create changes and implement them.
While working in the organisation managers
exercise power over people.
Leaders in the organisation develops power
with the people who are working with them.
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Figure 1: Roles and Functions of Management Leadership
4.0 Evolution of 'Trait Leadership'
At early stage of evolution of trait theory it is called as “Great Man” theories because
they focused on qualities and characteristics possessed by great social, political and military
leaders. Studies on leadership traits were quite strong in early nineties and enjoyed a renewed
emphasis beginning in 1970's. In 1980' researchers linked leadership to the “Big Five”
personality factors.
Figure 2: The Big Five Personality Factors
These five factors are openness, dependability, surgency, agreeableness and neuroticism.
It was considered as one of the first systematic attempt to study leadership. This theory of
leadership has come a long way as in the current scenario this theory is used by various business
houses to have effective leadership (Daft, 2014). Importance and evolution of this theory can be
admired on the basis that some big leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Moses Joan. Both the
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leaders were great influencer on large group of individuals. Qualities that they possess was not
learned by then but it was in born to them. Trait theory has evolved a lot and used in current
business entities to have effective leadership.
5.0 Major Constituents of 'Traits Leadership' theory
As this theory of leadership says that leaders are born they can not be made. This
statement indicates that individuals possess variety of skills that are available with them since the
beginning. Some skills can be developed over a period of time but skills that a good leader needs
to have must be present in then since they born as it can be taught. There are some major traits
that a leader possess while using this form of leadership which is intelligence, determination,
self-confidence, integrity and sociability. These must be present in each leader while following
trait leadership theory.
Intelligence: In general sense it is the capacity of an individual to put logic,
understanding, self-awareness, learning, knowledge, planning, reasoning, creativity and solving
various issues. A leader must be intelligent and smart enough to lead all the employees and
subordinates in the organisation. Intelligence got evolved and enhanced with experience and
passage of time (Ghasabeh Soosay and Reaiche, 2015). This is a essential requirement to be
intelligent as leader is the person who deals with various difficult situations and motivate others
to work hard. Intelligence will also help leaders to take decision by understanding complete
scenario that may influence decision making. Together with this emotional intelligence plays a
great role in maintaining positive relationships with peoples around and being successful leaders.
Leaders of the organisation needs to be emotionally strong and intelligent to take effective and
productive results. A emotionally intelligent leader knows how to react to various circumstances
and motivate followers instead of the difficult circumstances.
Determination: It is a positive emotional feeling that involves preserving towards a goal.
Leaders of every organisation should be determined towards achieving organisational objective
and encouraging subordinates to work in the same direction (Huber, 2017). It is one of the
important trait in leadership that generates desire to get job done and includes characteristics
such as initiative, persistence, dominance and drive. Leaders are the role-model of workers that
are associated with the organisation and determination is required to maintain momentum
towards goals and to inspire others. A determined leader towards work have a clear vision of the
preferred future and encourage and inspire others even things seems to be heading the wrong
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direction. A determined leader is strongest and most successful in performing various activities
and passionate towards work. One of the strongest benefit of determined leadership is that
leaders become emotionally strong and can not be easily shaken. To build determination
priorities are set and no control on others thoughts are made.
Figure 3: Constituents of Trait Leadership Style
Self-confidence: Defined as a feeling of trust and belief that each individual possess in
themselves. It is a positive quality that is reflected in leaders when duties and responsibilities are
fulfilled by them. Termed as an important key to success for an organisation with a great
combination of a state of mind and strong feeling of self belief. This is used when self-assurance
is required for personal decisions and judgements. A confident leader have a vision and courage
that they wants to accomplish while working in the organisation. Their communication is very
strong as their confidence and influences followers with motivating talks. Self-confidence beings
assurance in own decisions and capabilities. When decisions and actions are taken with
confidence then it will help to boost level of satisfaction with the work done. A confident leader
will make a long lasting and strong relationships with team members and associates (Kumar,
2013). Confident leaders are quite ambitious and motivated to set goals on regular basis and try
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harder to accomplish them. Person with high self-confidence will have more risk taking
capability and that will in long run provide desired results. Confident leadership not only consist
of decision making ability but also includes application of those decisions and putting them into
operations.
Integrity: Having personal quality of being honest and fairness is termed as integrity.
This is also read as doing right thing in reliable manner. Following moral or ethics while
performing various business operations and doing right things in all the circumstances reflects
integrated behaviour. Individuals with integrity are true to themselves and do nothing that
demeans or dishonours them. It is important principal that makes sure that all the activities
performed by leaders are with truthfulness and honesty. Dishonesty in business operations
becomes one of the strongest reason that makes organisational operations unsuccessful. A good
leader motivates others in the organisation and with quality of being honest in each situation
influences others to be fair in their work. Integrity helps leaders to take fair decisions in each
situation whether it is complex or not (MALOŞ, 2012). No partiality to any person in the
company motivates workforce of the organisation and also attracts outsiders to associate with the
organisation. A leader to being followed by others needs to create trust and having quality of
integrity enhances trust of others on leaders.
Sociability: It is the final trait of leadership that defines degree to which individuals in an
organisation tends to associate in social groups and form corporate and personal relations.
Quality of being social is possessed by leaders to encourage effective relationship in the working
environment. Being social develops some qualities like friendly attitude, self-control,
adaptability, integrity and team spirit. Those individuals are social plays role of great leaders for
an organisation. Having this trait in leader allows employees and co-workers to communicate
ideas and gain various opinions on particular decision. This might increase chances of success in
the workplace for individual and also to the organisation as one unit. Being social helps leaders
to be aware about perspective that employees of the company possess regarding a particular goal
or decision. This will enhance thinking capacity and decision making capability of leaders will
be affected in a positive direction. Being social at workplace reduces stress available in the
organisations and improves working environment. Leaders who are social will have more
followers by influencing large consumer group with communication skills and friendly
behaviour at the same time (Manning, 2012).
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These five traits must be available in leaders to have effective leadership in an
organisation. Decisions of leaders who possess all these qualities will results in more productive
outcomes and contribute towards achievement of organisational goal.
6.0 Successors of Trait theory
Trait theory is the approach for studying the personalities of humans. The trait theorists
are mainly interested in measuring the traits such as behaviour, emotions and thoughts.
According to this theory, traits are components of personality which becomes stable over the
time and differs in the individuals. The successor of Trait theory becomes the trait leadership
style which will be discussed below:
Trait leadership style
The trait leadership style is based on the different characteristics of both successful and
unsuccessful leaders for predicting the effective leadership (Marion and Gonzales, 2013). The
resulted traits are then matched with the potential and successful leaders for determining the
likelihood of failure or success.
Figure 4: Characteristics of Trait Leadership Style
The scholars or trait theorists determine the physiological, demographics, personality,
intellectual, task-related, and social characteristics etc. for the effectiveness of leaders. These
traits does not state that the leader will become successful in future but they states the
preconditions which enable the people for leadership potential. Some of the core traits which are
identified are given below:
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 Achievement drive: The successful leaders provides high level of effort and energy for
initiating the work or project. Leadership motivation: The successful leaders has an intense desire to lead others for
achieving the shared goals. Honesty and integrity: Effective leaders are trustworthy, reliable, and open for
communication and interaction. Self-confidence: A effective leader has the belief in self, ideas, and ability to lead the
others to their destination. Cognitive ability: A good leader is capable of exercising good judgement, strong
analytical abilities, and conceptually skilled which assist them to attain their goals and
objectives. Knowledge of business: A successful leaders has the necessary knowledge of industry
and other technical matters (Ng'ethe, Namusonge and Iravo, 2012). Emotional Maturity: Effective leaders are well adjusted and they does not suffer from
severe psychological disorders.
 Others: Also the successful leaders has the charisma, creativity and flexibility in their
working due to which team members takes their support in problems.
7.0 Transformational Leaders and their Personality Traits
M. K. Gandhi
Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi is also known as Mahatma Gandhi in which 'Mahatma'
means “Great Soul” and also called as Bapu in India. He was honoured as the father of the
nations due to his contribution in the freedom movement of India (Northouse, 2017). Under his
leadership, the freedom movement in India gained speed and momentum and in the end leads to
independence of India in 1947. He was a leader, freedom fighter, humanist and visionary who
was not only the role model of common people but also for the leaders such as Martin Luther
King and Nelson Mandela as well.
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Figure 5: Mahatma Gandhi
MK Gandhi was not a leader by birth, but he showed the trait of leaders from the
childhood. He was a simple man who practised values of equality, unity, truth, honesty, non-
violence and justice which shows that he was a effective leader. His values and personality were
proved very useful in fighting with the British and their huge army. He had the patient to know
that independence is not a simple task. He demonstrated characteristics such as charismatic,
creative, mature, knowledgable, confident etc. due to which the people of India followed him in
the freedom struggle. Some characteristics of MK Gandhi are discussed below:
Charismatic and extraordinary
In 1900's, The people of India was desperate for freedom and to end their suffering, but
they don't have a solution. So, Gandhi came forward with the vision of “Independent India” and
started to led movements against the Britishers from front . The condition of India provide the
proper stage to Gandhi to rise from the masses and lead India forward towards the independence.
His actions were proved highly unconventional as he fought the Britishers using the method of
Non-violence, truth and silent resistance instead of using the Violent method. These methods of
protest inspired the people to follow him and they saw him as an extraordinary men who comes
to earth for saving them.
Simple and encouraged
There were several situations when Gandhi sacrificed their life and took personal risks.
He was a lawyer who can live comfortably if he want, instead he desires to free the India from
the torture of the Britishers. He stopped wearing the western outfits and start wearing Dhoti to
blend with his followers. He got beaten several times and even went to jail for leading the
revolution against the British (Ojokuku, Odetayo and Sajuyigbe, 2012).
Confident and Enthusiastic
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He draw huge attentions and admiration because of his intentions, ethical standards and
high moral values. A man without wealth, property and titles, But still become the leader of a
giant nation due to his confidence and enthusiasm. He was not the commander of armies or rule
of huge land yet people paid tribute to him from all over the world, When he died. He was
Gandhi was highly confident in the freedom of India and believes that India will gain freedom
one day. It was his belief and it doesn't matter 'when' and 'how'. The India got freedom due to his
confidence and enthusiasm which united the people of India to accomplish their shared mission
of Independent India.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was 16th president of United States. He was a exemplar and a model of
virtue for several people. Because of his accomplishments and qualities, he is still remembered
by the people. He was not born with such characteristics but he acquired these characteristics
throughout the life. He practised these characteristics regularly for developing them. He also
made mistakes and possessed human flaws in his life. He acknowledge his mistakes and
compensate for them. He provides equal treatment to the people not based on discrimination.
Through continuous practice and efforts, He achieved the position of president of United States.
Even, he treats everyone with courage, justice, humanity, honesty, grace etc.
Figure 6: Abraham Lincoln
His life provides us strong lessons such as being honest, possessing a never ending
conquest, facing the fear, treating others with compassion, kindness, etc. even after his death. We
need such lessons in our present world than ever before, This lessons must be integrated into the
society, business, education etc.
Characteristics of Abraham Lincoln Honesty: He always strives for dealing with individuals on a fair basis with the Truth.
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 Empathy: He always seems concerned for the feelings of other people. Humility: He always worked for the betterment of the society and other people without
taking interest in self (Rosch and Anthony, 2012). Perseverance: He always showed hope and determination when defeated by other or
facing any loss. Courage: He stood with the courage and bravely for the right thing in front of the
opposition and fears of self. Vision: He was governed by the set of principles and ideas of future which must be
achieved.
 Leadership: He has the leadership qualities and capabilities for leading the other people
with justice and fairness.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk was born in South Africa and bullied by the local children and even ended up
in hospital after threw down and beaten by the children. Due to such beginning, he moved to
Canada for further studies. He is a born inventor and investor. His age is roughly 39 years old
and He is presently the CEO of Space x, Tesla motors and Chairman of solar city. He has also
invested in Space x, Tesla motors, PayPal and Zip2. The leadership style of Elon Musk is about
the vision, obsession and relentless enough to change the world (Sharma and Jain, 2013).
Characteristics of Elon Musk are discussed below:
Creative: He believes that the processes restricts the innovative and creative abilities. The
education system denies the creativity due to which the innovations are impossible. He says that
the a individual needs to stay encouraged for behaving like a gear in a machine.
Collaborative: He understand the importance of teamwork for any team to succeed and
achieve the desired goals. He says that Talent is extremely important and It must be implemented
into a team for working in a team-oriented fashion. Elon musk states that doing is necessary then
telling and it is the important quality of an effective leader.
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Figure 7: Elon Musk
Innovative: In the starting of Space x, the first 2 launches failed but still he took this
failure as opportunity to learn and innovate new things. He says that Failure is an option and if
the things are not failing, then a individual is not innovative. Innovation is impossible if a person
is confined to the walls and do not expand. He encourages individuals and employees to learn
something new and innovate new things.
Decisive: Elon Musk says that the change which a person wants won't happen until the
person commits to act in present. He says that decision needs to be made on urgent basis and the
strategy and actions leads to the results.
8.0 Strengths of Trait leadership Style
There are various advantage or strengths of the trait theory. This theory is generally a
pleasing theory and also this theory is valid as several researches has validated the foundation
and basis of this theory. This theory serves as a yardstick through which the traits of leadership
in individuals can be evaluated. It provides a detailed in depth knowledge of the leader element
in the process of leadership. This theory also provides the bench mark which can be used for
becoming a successful leader. It also assist the leadership image as a special kind of people who
can perform extraordinary in their working and the followers see the leader as gifted person. This
theory relies on hard data or statistical analysis. The personal experiences of theorist are not
considered in this theory (Solaja, Idowu and James, 2016). The last strength is that this theory is
not biased.
9.0 Limitations of Trait leadership Style
There are several limitations also of this theory which will be discussed further. This
approach does not have the limited traits or characteristics due to which the list of traits is
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endless. This theory also failed in taking the situations into account. The data obtained from this
theory is not based on the reliable research and also has the subjective interpretation of meanings
of the information. This theory also failed to explain the effect of leader's traits on teams and
organisation. The traits are fixed psychological structures which limits the value of training and
teaching the leadership. Another limitation of this theory is that it cannot predict the future
behaviour. This theory does not states the changes in personality in both short and long term. It
also does not states ways to change the trait aspects. Also this theory does not explain the ways
for highlighting the positive traits and eliminating the negative traits.
10.0 A Reflective Account on Trait Leadership Theory
Figure 8: Effective Leadership Qualities
According to my view and opinion, A successful leaders must have the intelligence,
determination, confidence, integrity and sociability. Through these traits, a leader can effectively
lead their followers at the workplace. As an employee, I also needs to have these traits so that I
can effectively manage and lead my team members. Through these traits people such as Elon
Musk, MK Gandhi and Abraham Lincoln becomes successful in their aims and goals. So, these
traits will also help in leading my followers towards the predetermined goals and objectives. I
must have the intelligence and confidence so that I can take proper decisions for the betterment
of my team members. Through the determination, I can effectively execute the assigned work
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with the required confidence and when fails provides me another opportunity to learn. Through
the sociability, I can interact with my followers and team members for sharing the ideas and
suggestions. These traits can assist me in leading the people towards their aims and to coordinate
with them in an effective manner (Youssef and Luthans, 2012).
11.0 Conclusion
Based on the above discussed Trait theory and leadership style, It can be concluded that
the characteristics plays a essential role in the development of leaders. The leaders needs to have
positive traits or characteristics such as Honesty, charm, personality, truth etc. for effectively
leading the followers. As per trait theory of leadership five major traits must be available in each
leader of organisation. As per this style of leadership quality of being leader is in born and can
not be taught and trained. Famous personalities such as Elon Musk, MK Gandhi and Abraham
Lincoln also follows the trait leadership style for leading their followers. Following this style of
leadership made all the adopters a great leader.
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REFERENCES
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Sciences.
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7) MALOŞ, R., 2012. THE MOST IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP THEORIES. Annals of
Eftimie Murgu University Resita, Fascicle II, Economic Studies.
8) Manning, G., 2012. The art of leadership. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
9) Marion, R. and Gonzales, L. D., 2013. Leadership in education: Organizational theory
for the practitioner. Waveland press.
10) Ng'ethe, J. M., Namusonge, G. S. and Iravo, M. A., 2012. Influence of leadership style on
academic staff retention in public universities in Kenya. International journal of
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practice. New Directions for Student Services, 2012(140), pp.37-51.
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theories. Global Journal of Management and Business Studies. 3(3). pp.309-318.
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