Stogdill's Theory Of A Trait Approach

Trait Approach

Trait approach was initially used to identify qualities possessed by historically great leaders to determine what made them successful. These initial theories were known as “great man” theories and stated that the qualities to become a leader would born, and then identified what traits determined a leader (Bass, 1990; Jago, 1982).

Stogdill conducted a benchmark study in 1948, which makes a comparison between leaders in situations, and noting that a leader may not always be a leader, if not placed in the correct conditions. This created a change in leadership to not only conduct analysis the traits independently, but rather the trait and its effect in varying circumstances and behaviors (Huges, Ginnett, & Curphy, 1996).

Stogdill conducted another survey, published in 1974, which produced similar results to the first, with more equal distribution on personality and situation. Stogdill’s initial survey discussed a leader and their significance to the circumstances. The second survey validated the original findings, with slightly more emphasis on personality. “The list included the following 10 characteristics:

1. drive for responsibility and task completion;

2. vigor and persistence in pursuit of goals;

3. risk taking and originality in problem solving;

4. drive to exercise initiative in social situations;

5. self-confidence and sense of personal identity;

6. willingness to accept consequences of decision and action;

7. readiness to absorb interpersonal