Physical Attributes May Not Be Important For Leadership
In earlier days, as Huges et al (2007) describes physical characteristics such as "leader taller than follower" is considered as distinguished uniform trait considered by many expert. However, this conception is not always true. Although fact still remain that experts are today also looking for ways to find uniform traits to distinguish leaders from followers such as good physique, more intelligent, more studious, more loyal, more dependable, or more active. Grazia (2007) states quoting Dr. John B. McConaughy's research in 1950 that findings indicate, the political leaders were decidedly less neurotic than the general male population. They are, to a large degree, more self-confident than the average person and have fewer feelings of inferiority; and they are less irritable and tense than the average person. However, Dr. Ralph M. Stogdill, who surveyed 124 studies of leadership and found only a small amount of agreement concerning the traits of most leaders. It can be stated that political vary so greatly that the situation require different type of leader in different place and time. Therefore, concluding that a coincident of two leaders being tall and their winning of election depicts a uniform trait for leaders for political situation would be wrong. To further understand whether or not leaders have uniform trait, we need to understand the trait theory. The trait theory examines specific attributes that are common to all successful leaders. Through an experiential research approach, early trait theorist hypothesized that leaders have a universal set of physical characteristics, personality types and aptitudes that combine to form the basis of their leadership success (Joseph, 2007). John Gardner studied leaders and organization in North America. His study indicates that there seems to be some similar traits in leadership attributes. He has identified the following attributes in his trait theory analysis: 1. Physical vitality and stamina Joseph (2007) argued that such attributes were flawed due to the limitation in the scope of research. These attributes based on trait theory failed to consider other factors that contribute to leadership. The early trait theorist also failed to consider interaction/interdependency framework of leader, follower and situation defined by Huges et al (2007). Another drawback of the trait theory is that assumption is being made that all personality traits will remain constant over on infinite period of time. There are a number of drawbacks to early trait theory and those are given below: 1. The theory examines leadership in only one context. However, based on the trait theory, the traits that were consistent determinant of leadership success are: 1. Emotional Stability and Composure: Remaining calm, confident and predictable, particularly when under stress. As it is clear from the uniform trait list above, physical attributes is not one of them. Since the body of leadership knowledge is continually growing, a number of new theories are develop to explain new findings and those theories are: a) Behavioral Theory, b) Situational/Contingency Theory, c) Cognitive Theory and d) Transformational leadership theory. It is understood that each of these theory was developed on the success or shortcomings of its predecessor. Changingminds.org (2007) states that there have been many different studies of leadership traits and they agree only in the general saintly qualities needed to be a leader. However, recently inherited traits are sidelined as learned and situational factors were considered to be far more realistic as reasons for people acquiring leadership positions. Therefore, to summarize, we could assert that there may be some uniform traits that are common to leaders, however, physical attributes is not one of them. Although, earlier assumption in trait theory considers being tall or such attributes are important for leaders, there is no evidence or research result that will support such assumption. As the learning of leadership trait attributes are constantly evolving and new findings are added, it is difficult to denounce any assumption since the dynamics of leader and follower is complex and researchers are still finding or justifying attributes. The bottom-line, so far researcher could not relate physical attributes of a leader to the leadership success nor follower preference. Therefore, it can be conclude being tall is not a leadership attribute. Reference Alfred de Grazia, 2007. POLITICAL BEHAVIOR: Volume one of The Elements of Political Science, Rev Edition. Alfred de Grazia. [online] available from http://www.grazian-archive.com/politics/PolBehavior/tabcon.htm [Cited December 9th, 2007] Richard L. Hughes, Robert C. Ginnett & Gordon J. Curphy, 2007. Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of experience fifth edition. [cited December 9th, 2007] Shawn Powell Joseph, June, 2007. Leadership Models. University of Phoenix, USA. [online] Available at http://works.bepress.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=shawn_powell_joseph [Cited December 9th, 2007] Changingminds.org, 2007. Trait Theory. Changingminds.org [online] available http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/theories/trait_theory.htm [Cited December 9th, 2007] |
