Deck 1: Trait Theory: Description, Analysis, and Use

Question 1

A trait is a quality or attribute that appears to mean that a leader who is successful in one situation could lead in all other situations. Is this the definition of a trait?

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Within trait theory, how does the identification of traits relate to leadership behaviour?

A) Trait theory takes differing styles of leading in terms of the person's conduct which demonstrate that leadership is pre-determined by the heritage of the individual in terms of genetic heritage
B) Trait theory is an attempt to link an individual's personality with leadership behaviour and suggests that leaders are born rather than 'made'.
C) The identification of traits in an individual leader allows the matching of their approach to different situations. It provides their proficiency to consider the emotions of others in a workplace in terms of their wellbeing
D) Trait theory allows you to identify an individual in terms of their correct traits to complete a future task and know with certainty that they will be successful in their leadership role over time in the future.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Trait theorists have had historical prominence in the understanding of leadership. Trait theorists believe that an individual's behaviour can be explained by an understanding of their traits
What is the basis of trait theory in terms of the indication of individual's actions?

A) Traits can be defined as motives or gut reactions and feelings which can be observed to indicate an individual's leadership style in differing situations
B) Traits can be defined as habitual patterns of behaviour, thought, and emotion which can be observed to influence an individual's behaviour
C) Traits can be considered as attributes in terms of intelligence which can be observed to indicate how well they know their emotional behaviours
D) Traits can be defined as approaches towards different situations
Which can be observed based upon their age or gender

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Type theory means we can post individuals into certain categories and make assumptions about their likely response to a given stimulus. Type theory enables researchers to classify individuals using models such as
The Myers-Briggs approach.
What best explains the basis of the model in terms of the determination of an individual?

A) Myers-Briggs types identify that extroversion is a predictor of the success of a leader as they will need to have extrovert characteristics to ensure others to follow them.
B) Myers-Briggs types can securely predict successful characteristics that will assure the outcomes of leaders based upon common attributes shared by other leaders.
C) Each of the Myers-Briggs types have certain characteristics that are identified by proponents to be in common with and shared by others within the same type 'box'.
D) Each of the Myers-Briggs types provide certainty of the outcomes that are identified by companies which are necessary for leaders and shared by other leaders.

Question 5

The 'Big Five Model', also known as OCEAN or CANOE considers possible behavioural characteristics based upon 5 trait factors, of which Neuroticism features.

Question 6

Galton (1869) and Carlyle (1849) both paint a similar picture of the Great Man: 'All things that we see standing accomplished in the world are properly the outer material result, the practical realization and embodiment, of
Thoughts that dwelt in the Great Men sent into the world' (Carlyle 1849:1).
Great Man theory has historically been considered important but what argument has contributed to its decline?

A) There appears to be very little correlation or agreement
Across the studies where traits seem to be the same and no consensus exists as to which traits or characteristics or competencies are essential or optional.
B) The emergence of women leaders in the workplace shows that they demonstrate there is no relevance to the traits of men as successful leaders
C) Female leadership represents different traits of the individual and which do result from elite athletes establishing their leadership from sporting coaching provided to older or bigger athletes who have greater success of becoming Great Men.
D) There appears to be correlation or agreement across the studies where traits seem to be the same. Consensus exists as to which traits or characteristics or competencies are essential or optional in assuring great leadership.

Question 7

Derailing and the Dark Side of Traits recognises that there are traits that may act as disablers to leadership.
Is it true that Emotional instability enables leadership success?

Question 8

The Hogan Development Survey is a psychometric tool that aims to 'measure' individuals against a set of scales with the aim of predicting future leadership performance. It seeks to uncover dark 'negative' traits-or at least traits that may be counterproductive in terms of accessing leadership.
Which best describes the indicator 'Leisurely' as a Leadership trait identified by the tool?

A) eager to please and reluctant to act independently or against popular opinion
B) unassertive, resistant to change, risk-averse, and slow to make decisions
C) overtly self-confident, arrogant, with inflated feelings of self-worth
D) being overtly cooperative but privately irritable, stubborn, and uncooperative

Question 9

Given the state of flux and change or their different cultures and differing needs, modern organisations find it impossible to predict the future environment. Yet Trait Theory suggests that it asks us to focus upon the personality of the leader, regardless of the circumstance.
How best might Trait Theory be used in modern organisations?

A) Trait Theory can be used to ensure that companies identify the best potential future leaders who are able to cope with the varying contexts that the organisations may find themselves faced with in future.
B) Trait Theory can be used to pragmatically allow companies to recruit to a template. It does not predict future leadership success but having a 'model recruit' can guide a company.
C) Traits can be amended to reflect the traits of women leaders and therefore they can address the future needs of the organisation through female leadership.
D) By developing the coaching and development strategies for leaders which are recruited at entry to the organisation by using Trait Theory, in recognition of new or fresh talent, all future organisational needs in changing contexts can be addressed as leaders exert their skills.

Question 10

Competency Frameworks describe the personality and characteristics associated with a 'model' recruit.