Trait Theory

Stogdill is one the main scholars of trait theory appraoch to leadership. Two of Stogdill's surveys established certain traits which were consistent of leaders.

The first survey concluded: intelligence, alertness, insight, responsibility, initiative, persistence, self-confidence, and sociability were traits found among leaders. These traits did not automatically make a person a leader. The person also needed the right situation (a leadership opportunity) and work with others.

The second survey added more traits which included: drive, vigor and persistence inpursuit of goals, venturesomeness and originality in problem-solving, personal identity, willingness to accept consequence for actions and decisions, ability to influence another person's behavior.

These surveys took place from the 1930s-1950s.

Other scolars of the trait approach were: Mann, Lord, and Kirkpatrick and Locke.

There are five traits in the contemporary studies of leadership: intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability. The traits have not changed much over the decades of trait research. Of course, this is one approach to leadership. There are more and these will be written about in days to come.

Another article

Here is another article found on traits . It is still a very relevent topic for discussion even though it is one of the oldest models of leadership.