This theory focuses on trails (qualities) of person. It listed out some qualities which are required to be a good leader.
Early studies focused on the qualities required by effective leaders. Lists were compiled of required leadership qualities including:
– Physical traits, such as drive, energy, appearance and height
– Personality traits, such as adaptability, enthusiasm and self-confidence; and
– Social traits, such as co-operation, tact, courtesy and administrative ability.
Certain other writers selected other personal qualities which were thought to be desirable in leaders, who are ‘born and not made’. Many great leaders were considered to have:
– Above-average intelligence
– Initiative – independence and inventiveness and the capacity to perceive a need for action
– Motivation
– Self-assurance and self-confidence
– The ‘helicopter factor’ – the ability to rise above the particulars of a situation and perceive it in relation to the surrounding context
– Other ‘essential’ qualities included enthusiasm, sociability, integrity, courage, imagination, determination, energy, faith, even virility.
It indirectly saying that the leaders are made.
Limitations of Trait Theory:
– The theory is not strongly proven.
– The real traits of person is found on tough and weak situations.
– Unclear evidence of the relationship between traits and leadership.
– This theory was the first theory explaining leaders and leadership and on the basis of trait theory’s weakness the next theories are made (Behavioural and Contingency theory).