Difference Between Trait and Behavioral Theories of Leadership

The key difference between trait and behavioral theories of leadership is that trait theory states that leaders have inborn traits, whereas behavioral theory rejects inborn virtues of leaders and states that leaders can be trained.

Theories of leadership are schools of thought that explain how certain individuals become leaders. Trait and behavioral theories are two such popular theories of leadership.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Trait Theory
3. What is Behavioral Theory
4. Relationship Between Trait and Behavioral Theories of Leadership
5. Side by Side Comparison – Trait vs Behavioral Theories of Leadership in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is Trait theory?

Trait theory is also known as the virtue theory of leadership. The foundation of this theory is the characteristics of different leaders – both successful and unsuccessful ones. The trait theory emphasizes that leaders have inborn traits; these are “born leaders”, who cannot help but take control and guide situations. Basically, a leader is born with specific virtues according to trait theory.

Trait theory is based on the characteristics of leaders and helps to determine and forecast the effectiveness of their leadership. The theory identifies core virtues that decide whether a leader will be successful or not. The core traits identified in this theory include emotional maturity, cognitive ability, self-confidence, business knowledge, honesty and integrity, leadership motivation, and drive for achievement. However, these are not solely responsible for determining leadership effectiveness. There can be other factors that will recognize leadership potentials.

Strengths of Trait Theory

• It is a naturally pleasing theory.
• It has been validated with lots of research.
• Moreover, it serves as an index against which the leadership characteristics of an individual are assessed.
• Besides, it gives detailed knowledge and understanding of the leader element in the leadership process.

Limitations of Trait Theory

• Existence of subjective judgment in determining who is a ‘good’ or ‘successful’ leader
• The list of possible traits tends to be very long.
• The most important trait for an effective leader is not identified.
• Also, the model attempts to relate physiological traits such as height and weight to effective leadership. Most of these factors relate to situational factors that can vary tasks-wise. For instance, minimum weight and height required in the military leadership position do not suit for a manager in a business organization.
• Above all, this theory is very complex.

Implications of Trait Theory

The trait theory provides constructive information about leadership. It is possible to apply this to people at all levels in all types of business organizations. Managers can use information from this theory to evaluate their position in the organization and to assess how they can make their position stronger in the organization. They can also get an in-depth understanding of their identity and the way they will affect others in the organization. Overall, this theory makes a manager aware of his or her strengths and weaknesses while teaching him or her to develop leadership qualities.

What is Behavioral Theory?

Behavioral theory explains that it is possible to train and develop a leader. It rejects that leaders are born or that certain people have their inborn potential to become leaders. According to this theory, anyone can be a leader, but there must be a good atmosphere and training for leadership qualities to develop. Also, it mainly focuses on specific behavior and actions of leaders, instead of their characteristics.

Moreover, as per this theory, best leaders are those that have the flexibility to change their behavioral style and choose the right style suitable for different situations.

Strengths of Behavioral theory

• Promotes the value of leadership styles with an emphasis on concern for people an collaboration.
• Helps to evaluate and understand how their behavioral styles affect the relationship within the team.
• Also, helps managers to find the right balance between different styles of leadership and helps them  to decide how to behave as a leader.

What is the Relationship Between Trait and Behavioral Theories of Leadership?

Both models often emphasize that there are recognizable actions that any leader must be capable of performing in any given condition. Behaviourism is a “trait” theory, in the sense, it too holds that leaders must show certain common personality markers or habits of mind. However, it claims that it is possible to prompt these from anyone at any time and that no one person has more potential than another.

What is the Difference Between Trait and Behavioral Theories of Leadership?

According to behavioral theory, becoming a leader is just a matter of proper training, while trait theory emphasizes that a leader must have certain inherent, inborn qualities. So, this is the key difference between trait and behavioral theories of leadership.

Basically, trait theories believe that a leader is “born.” They often describe leaders in terms of their personal characteristics, such as charismatic and driven. Behaviorists, on the other hand, believe leadership can be taught, or fostered, by providing the necessary training and skills to an individual. Therefore, this explains the difference between trait and behavioral theories of leadership.

Summary – Trait vs Behavioral Theories of Leadership

The key difference between trait and behavioral theories of leadership is that trait theory states that leaders have inborn traits, whereas behavioral theory rejects inborn virtues of leaders and states that leaders can be trained.

Reference:

1. “Behavioral Theories of Leadership.” Technofunc, Available here.
2. “Trait Theory.” Changing Minds, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1623888” (CC0) via Pixabay

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXFn5yrnZ6YsqOx07CcnqZemLyue8OinZ%2Bdopq7pLGMm5ytr5Wau27A0ZqgrWWRo7FursShmK%2Bhn6eurXnToZyoqpmawG67xWajnpmUmr%2B0tMipZg%3D%3D