Critical Analysis of Trait Theory and Leadership Style - MAN6006

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership theories, focusing on trait theory and leadership styles. It includes a literature review, primary evidence from interviews with managers at Drakes Supermarket, and secondary evidence related to leadership competencies. The report defines leadership and trait theory, explains different leadership styles (autocratic, transformational, etc.), and offers criticisms of both trait theory and style-based leadership. Examples of famous leaders and recommendations for improving leadership approaches are also included. The research methodology involved online research and evidence collection from past experiences. The report concludes that leaders are made through experience and that effective leadership is crucial for organizational success. The assessment is for the module MAN6006 The Real World of Management at Birmingham City Business School.

LEADERSHIP
MANAGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Research Methodology
• Literature Review
• Definition
• Explanation
• Criticism
• Evidence
• Methodology of collection
• Primary Evidence
• Secondary Evidence
• Criticism Commentary
• Conclusion
• References

LEADERSHIP
• Leadership is defined as the ability which helps in developing
a vision which helps in motivating the others to move with the
passion towards the common goal for the entire success of the
organization in an efficient manner (Anderson and Sun 2017)
• Proper leadership is essential in nature which helps in
managing the different activities of the organization who will
be the one who direct the employees in performing the
activities in a positive aspect (Asrar-ul-Haq and Kuchinke
2016)

THEORY STATEMENT
• Trait Theory will help in identifying the
traits along with the different
characteristics of the individuals which
are used in order to analyze the
effectiveness of the leaders. The traits in
the leadership are inherited and this can
never be learnt.
• The style of the leadership is being referred
to the behavior and characteristics of the
individuals which are being used while
implementing the different plans and
motivating the different individuals. There
are different styles of leadership which are
being followed by various leaders in the
organizations.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The main aspect of what will be conducted in the entire
presentation has been shown in the diagram wherein the
main theme will be analyzed along with the theory related
to leadership. More than 55% of the time has been spent in
online research in order to gain literature review on the
following leadership approaches along with the different
criticisms on the theory from the different past authors. The
evidence is furthermore collected in evidence base on the
past experiences which helped in managing the different
aspects of leadership in real world in an effective manner.

LITERATURE REVIEW
• Yahaya, and Ebrahim (2016), has commented that the different traits if leadership
helped in analyzing the different approaches of leadership which are being
followed in the organization in an efficient manner. Williams (2017), has
hypothesized that leader is inborn as this was believed in the past that the leaders
are born and the great man theory helped in analyzing that the great attributes of
the individuals are being concentrated which helps in determining the specific
kind of traits which will be helpful in differentiating themselves from the other
leaders.
• On the other hand, Saleem (2015), has opined that the trait theory helps in
assuming that the people inherit few qualities along with the different traits which
helps them in making the best. The different early leadership studies helped in
focusing mainly on identifying the different traits which are necessary and this is
required to be possessed by the various leaders as well.

DEFINITION- TRAIT THEORY
Traits Skills
Too adaptable to various situations Socially skilled in nature
Cooperative in nature Creative in nature
Decisiveness Intelligent in nature
Dependable Tactful and fluent in speaking skills
Self confident Persuasive in nature
Tolerant of Stress Have huge knowledge regarding the various tasks
Assertive and ambitious in nature Skilled

STUDY ON TRAITS AND SKILLS OF
LEADERSHIP
Anderson and Sun
2017
Holten and Brenner
2015
Keskes 2015 Yahaya and
Ebrahim, 2016
Nanjundeswaraswam
y and Swami 2014
Initiative Masculinity Achievement Cognitive kind of
abilities
Self-Monitoring
Self confident Dominance Persistence Integrity along with
confidence
Cognitive abilities
Responsible Conservatism Influence and
sociability
Knowledge on various
tasks
Social intelligence
Alertness Insight Motivation Problem Solving

LEADERSHIP STYLE
• Anderson and Sun 2017- The style of leadership helps in analyzing the different
approaches of the leadership which helps in providing direction to the different
employees working in the organization.
• Holten and Brenner 2015- Leadership is the inspiring concept which helps in pursuing
the different dreams and this helps in gaining competitive advantage in the same.
• Keskes 2015- The leadership is the process through which this is the social influence
and this helps in maximizing the efforts towards the achievement of the different goals

EXPLANATION OF TRAIT THEORY
Fleeson, W. and Jayawickreme, E., 2016. Whole trait theory: Does it work for virtue?
The respective author in the article helped in analyzing that the effective kinds of leaders
are essential in managing the different activities in the organization and this will
maximize the overall effectiveness of the tasks which are performed in the
organization. The motivation is the major concept which is required to be analyzed and
adopted as this assist in managing the morale of the employees in performing the
different activities.

EXPLANATION OF STYLE OF
LEADERSHIP
There are different styles of leadership which is inclusive of the following:
• Autocratic leadership
• Transformational leadership
• Cross-cultural leadership
• Laissez-faire leadership
• Democratic leadership
Kurt Lewin tried in holding a group of researchers which helped in
managing the different activities in an efficient manner in which the
different styles of leadership are taken into consideration and this helped
in managing the overall effectiveness of the organization.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF
LEADERSHIP
• Autocratic leadership
• Transformational leadership
• Cross-cultural leadership
• Laissez-faire leadership
• Democratic leadership