Leadership Qualities

Paper Summary:

This paper examines and reviews two different studies on the leadership traits and qualities of effective leaders. The paper first summarizes and analyzes an article in the "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" by D.K. Simonton, which approaches leadership assessment by using the personality theory. The paper then summarizes and analyzes "The Importance of Context: Qualitative Research and the Study of Leadership" by Bryman, Stephens, and Campo, which approaches leadership assessment by placing greater emphasis on qualitative research. Finally, the paper briefly explains the advantages of both approaches and why both research techniques can be useful in gleaning an accurate picture of how leaders really function in different environments.

From the Paper:

"In the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, (1988), D.K. Simonton used the personality basis of leadership research that looks at the effectiveness of a leader as a result of particular personality traits. For this study, Simonton carried out an archival analysis of the personalities and personal histories of thirty-nine American presidents, and related that to their perceived effectiveness as Heads of State. An analysis of eight-two separate personality characteristics were ultimately reduced to five general categories; "The interpersonal, charismatic, deliberative, creative, and neurotic styles."(Simonton, 1988). Simonton makes the point that research into leadership is frequently concerned with the question of whether a great leader is born, or becomes a great leader according to circumstances. "Is leadership a matter of being the right person, or is it due more to being at the right place at the right time?" (Simonton, 1988)."

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