Fundamentals of Management, 8th ed

Leadership Traits

The first organized approach to studying leadership analyzed the personal, psychological,

and physical traits of strong leaders. The trait approach assumed that some basic trait or

set of traits existed that differentiated leaders from nonleaders. If those traits could

be defined, potential leaders could be identified. Researchers thought that leadership

traits might include intelligence, assertiveness, above-average height, good vocabulary,

attractiveness, self-confidence, and similar attributes.

8

coercive power

The power to force

compliance by

means of

psychological,

emotional, or

physical threat

referent power

The personal power

that accrues to

someone based on

identification,

imitation, loyalty, or

charisma

expert power

The personal power

that accrues to

someone based on

the information or

expertise that they

possess