17.7 THEORIES OF LEADERSHIP 17.7.1 Trait Theory: This theory described by
Kelly (1974) attempts to classify what personal
charactristics such as physical, personality and mental, are associated with leadership success. Trait
theory relies on research that relates various traits to the success of a leader. A lengthy list of traits
has been made to describe an effective leader in terms of certain characteristics.
Classification of traits: 1. Physical characteristics of the leader, such as age, height, weight.
2. Background characteristics - education, social status, mobility and experinece.
3. Intelligence - ability, judgement, knowledge.
4. Personality - aggressiveness, alertness, dominance, decisiveness.
5. Task oriented characteristics - achievement need, responsibility, initiative, persistence.
6. Social characteristics, supervisory ability, cooperativeness, popularity, prestige, tact, diplomacy.
Studies are researches prove that persons possessing above traits could became successful leaders.
Trait theory suffers from the following weakness: 1. It has not been possible to identify universal or specific traits common to all leaders.
2. It does not make clear as to how much of any trait a person should have.
3. It emphasises mainly the personal traits and does not consider environment.
4. There cannot be generalisation of traits for a successful leader.
5. Trait studies describe, but do not analyze, behaviour patterns.
17.7.2 Behavioural Theory of Leadership: According to the behavioural approach, leadership is a
function of effective role behaviour. An effective leader is are who performs those acts which help the
group to achieve its objectives.Behavioural theory is based on three main models.
a. The Michigan Studies
b. The Ohio State University studies
c. Mouton’s Managerial Grid.
