Development and Revelation of Leadership Trait Theory

Abstract - This article summarizes recent developments of leadership trait theory, explaining, in detail, the content and characteristics of charismatic leadership theory, implicit leadership theory, effective leadership theory, leadership competency theory and other modern leadership theory. On this basis, this article points out that shifting of research paradigm and comprehension of research level, system of research methods are the key to development and its social importance. At the same time, development of leadership trait theory shows that leadership trait theory still has a large value of theory and application, personality traits can promote or impede the efforts of leaders’ influence on others, and leadership traits can be formed and developed and acquiesced in practice. This is good for our comprehensive, in-depth understanding of leadership trait theory, promoting study on leadership trait theory.

Keywords - Leadership trait theory, Charismatic leadership theory, implicit leadership theory, effectiveness of leadership, development

I. INTRODUCTION

Leadership is with humans, but it was not until early in the 1930 of the 20th century, scientific research of leadership really began. Leadership trait theory is the earliest branch of the theoretical leadership study. In the 1930 of the 20th century, researchers applied psychological research methods on the characteristics study of the leaders, thus forming the leadership trait theory. Study on the trait theory of leadership during this period focused on mental, character, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics of leaders, whether there is a difference in essence exists between leaders and followers, whether a particular personality traits, physical property, intellectual or personal values will distinguish followers and leaders. In 1948, Stodgily conducted a study of relevant literature, came to the two main conclusions that, first, there is no essential difference between