Psychology of management

2.3. Factor-and-analytical theories of leadership 
A great step forward on the way of considering the relativity of leader’s traits and 
adaptation of traits theory to real conditions is the factor-and-analytical leadership concept which 
is often called the second wave in traits theory development. It distinguishes purely individual 
qualities of a leader and typical traits in behavior linked with achievement of certain goals. 
Between these two groups of traits there can be considerable differences. For instance, a person 
possessing such qualities as kindness, respect for others, inclination for reflection, flexibility, and 
so on, occupying an executive position for a long time in the army or similar authoritative 
structures usually loses some of his/her former traits bit by bit and forms another group of traits 
connected with the performed tasks – decisiveness, assertiveness, strictness (and sometimes 
cruelty) in relations with subordinates, absolute obeying chiefs’ orders, etc. 
The factor-and-analytical concept introduces into the leadership theory the notions of aims 
and tasks connected with a specific situation. As a result of interaction between leader’s 
individual traits and the tasks facing him/her, there shapes a style of behavior comprising his/her 
“second nature”. A leader’s style and orientation bear on themselves the imprint of certain social 
conditions. The idea of leadership’s dependence on social conditions is substantiated and 
developed by situation concept (R. Stogdill, T. Hilton, A. Goldier, et al.). This concept proceeds 
from leadership’s relativity and multiplicity. A leader is a function of a certain situation. As R. 
Stogdill wrote, “leadership is the link which exists between people in certain social situation, and 
people who are leaders in one situation will not necessarily be ones in other situations”. 
It is the formed particular circumstances that determine the leader selection and his/her 
behavior. Thus, for instance, to become a leader in a criminal organization can cunning, pert, 
immoral personalities capable of breaking the law and social norms at any moment. It is obvious 
that in another situation, for example among workers of a religious organization engaged in 
charities, personalities of this kind wouldn’t have any chances of leadership.