*TRAIT APPROACH*

Question 1

Generell

Great Man Theory

Costa & McCrae

Answer 1

• Great Man Theory 19th century:
  
  • Focus on characteristics a leader should have (at that time)
• Costa & McCrae 1992:
  
  • Focus on special personality factors which make a leader

Question 2

5 Traits (Great man Theory)

Focus on characteristics a leader should have

Answer 2

1. Self-confidence:

• certain about one’s competencies and skills

2. Determination :

• desire to get job done, action drive, dominance in hopeless times

3. Integrity :

• “honesty, trus worthiness, loyal” -> makes leader believable

4. Sociability :

• able to seek out pleasant social relationships friendly, diplomatic

5. Intelligence :

• intellectural ability

Question 3

BIG PERSONALITY FACTORS

5 Trait Approach Factors (Costa & McCrae)

Focus on special personality factors which make a leader

Answer 3

1. Neuroticism:

• experiences negative effects with low sensitivity
• riskaverse, careful

2. Extraversion:

• social, positive energy to others, likes to speak in big groups

3. Openness:

• informed, creative, insightful, curious, takes risks

4. Agreeableness

• ​accepting, trusting, conforming, interpersonal abilities

5. Conscientiousness

• organized, decisive, purposeful, dependable, determined, entrepreneurial characteristic

Question 4

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Trait Approach

Answer 4

Pros:

• Century of research to back it up
• Gives a benchmark
• Inituitively appealing
• HR can look for concrete things -> Leaders can evaluate themsselves

Cons:

• Only focus on the leader
• No focus on situations, dialogues, interpersonal factors
• Highly subjective determinations
• Not useful for training and development

Question 5

Adaptability of the Trait Approach

Answer 5

1. Directly focused on traits of a leader
2. Only leaders with this 5 traits are successful (not today’s message)
3. Consequence for organization: Guideline for recruiters
   
   • only have to look for traits