Trait and Behavioral Approach

Trait and Behavioral Approach

Early Trait Theories identified

      Physical characteristics (height, appearance)

      Personality characteristics(extrovert)

      Skills and abilities(intelligence)

      Social factors(personal skills)

Trait Theory of Leadership

Do all leaders have any trait in common?

      Technical skill

      Friendliness

      Task motivation

     

Of these the most widely explored has tended to be “Charisma”.

Application to talk

      Group task supportiveness

      Social skill

      Emotional control

      Administrative skill

      Personal charisma

      Intelligence

Behaviouristic Theory

           The University of Michigan studies (Renis Likert) identified two types of leader behavior-

        i.            Production /Job oriented Behaviour

      ii.            Employee /people oriented Behaviour

Production Oriented Behaviour

When a leader-

      Pays attention to word of sub-ordinators,

      Explains work procedures,

      Is keenly interested in performance.

Employee /people oriented Behaviour

When a leader-

      Is interested in developing a cohesive work,

      Ensures that employees are satisfied with their jobs,

Employee centered behaviour is

v  Researchers at Ohi University suggested two basis leader behaviours-

        i.            Initiating structure behaviour

      ii.            Consideration behaviour

Initiating Structure Behaviour

When a leader-

      Clearly establishes formal lines of communication

      Determines how tasks are to be performed

Consideration Behaviour

When a leader-

      Shows concern for sub-ordinates

          Attempts to establish a friendly and supportive climate

                                            Two Dimensional Model

In Brief

A.    Trait Approach

¨      What leaders are,

B.     Behavioural Approach

¨      What leaders do .