... attributes. With reference to the statement leaders are 'born not made', it may be that people are born with certain predispositions i.e. personality characteristics, which make them more effective as leaders, or in exhibiting leadership qualities. There are certain factors that are indisputably innate, such as family, genetics etc, however there are factors that are controversial such as intelligence, personality and status. These factors are arguably influenced by environmental and situational factors. In comparison, there are influential factors that are not innate, i.e., social influences, life-experiences, education, mentors etc. It is therefore unclear if individuals are 'born' with the qualities that make them effective leaders, if they acquire these, or if it is a combination of both. Early research such as the Great Man approach focussed on distinguishing personal traits of leaders e.g., personality. Fundamental to this theory was the idea that certain individuals were born with traits that make them ...

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