Theories of Leadership

According to the e-text, Management Theory, Practice and Application, there are four main types of leadership theories. The trait theory is the idea that leaders are characterized by certain traits which are present at birth. Early researchers believed that by studying the personality and intelligence of such leaders, they could create the combination of traits that makes a great leader. Early research was inconclusive, but it did reveal the traits that make a person an extraordinary leader. Those traits include drive, desire to lead, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, cognitive ability, and knowledge of business. Not all traits are used at the same time or for all situations.…