Leadership Trait Matrix and Summary

Theory Focus

Theory Description

Example(s)

Heroic or charismatic leaders. “Great man” theories.

The capacity for leadership is inherent. These theories held the underlying concept that great leaders are born, not made (Northouse, 2014)

Based on the study of people who were great leaders in history “focused on identifying innate qualities and characteristics possessed by great social, political, and military leaders (Northouse, p 19) and making assumptions about all based on a few.

Personality characteristics otherwise known as “trait theories”

Focuses on skills and abilities that can be learned and developed “skills” approach

Emphasis is the behavior of the leader, known as “style” approach

Focuses on leadership in situations or “situational” leadership theorie.

Leader–match theories look at how well the leader’s style fits the context known as “Contingency” theory