1. Trait Theory of Leadership
Andrew Pecoraro
GOVT 522
17 June 2017

2. Definition and Background
Definition: the trait theory of leadership proposes that certain traits differentiate leaders from other individuals (Colbert).
Background: The search for the traits of effective leaders dominated leadership research during the first half of the twentieth century.
Wanted to identify traits that would predict who would become a leader

3. Early Problems
Research was not done uniformly and considered too many independent variables
43 separate characteristics were examined early on
 Northouse (2013) points out five major characteristics that are considered “major” leadership traits, which include intelligence, self- confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability (PennState).
But which of these are actually inherited? Intelligence seems likely but the others? Sociability and Confidence may come from learned interactions
Several psychologists who would put more emphasis on early interactions (Bandura, Piaget, Skinner)

4. Born Leadership Traits
Development of the five factor model of personality
neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
“As a group, the Big Five personality traits predicted both leadership emergence (R = .53) and leadership effectiveness (R = .39)” (Colbert)

5. Genetic Factors?
After analyzing DNA samples from 4,000 people, the team from University College London discovered that those with the gene were up to 25 per cent more likely to have a supervisory role at work (Prigg).
Genotype: rs4950
However, half the population has the gene so it is clearly not the only factor.
Environment, social skills, experience

6. Meyers Briggs Type Indicator
This study looked at MBTI’s to see if certain types were more effective project managers
“The results clearly indicate that there is an agreed-upon set of leadership traits that, if possessed by the project manager, improve the chance of project success” (Gehring)

7. Examples
Although Trait Theory has lost prominence, some of its claims are apparent.
Nelson Mandela: Had a magnetic personality, a commanding presence, and was considered by many to be a natural born leader.

8. Ethical Dilemma
Many researchers point out a potential problem that could arise if we begin to identify leaders by genetics
A sense of predestination and superiority
Possible new area of civil rights
Those without leadership traits being discriminated against

9. Conclusion There is evidence for the trait theory of leadership
However, even if a specific DNA sequence predisposes you to become a natural born leader, there are so many other factors that it can only help you part of the way.
Not being born with these traits will not prevent you from becoming a leader

10. Works Cited
Colbert, Amy. Assessing the trait theory of leadership using self and observer ratings of personality: The mediating role of contributions to group success. The Leadership Quarterly. Volume 23, Issue 4, August 2012, Pages
PennState. “Do ‘Natural’ Born Leaders Exist?”. 5 September Web.
Prigg, Mark. “The secret to being a great leader? It's in your genes, researchers say.” DailyMail: Science and Tech. 15 January 2013.
Gehring, Dean R. 03/01/2007. APPLYING TRAITS THEORY OF LEADERSHIP TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT, Project management journal, 38(1), 44. (ISSN: ).