The Basics Of Leadership: Understanding Leadership Attribute Assessment And Development

Abstract

This exploratory study of leadership as a social-psychological process identifies and measures the perceived level of critical attributes that must be held by the leader in order for the leadership process to be effective.  Leadership research literature was reviewed to discover the twelve most commonly agreed to primary attributes.  Attributes were analyzed and categorically assigned as having either a cognitive or an affective basis of development.  Data was collected and analyzed relative to the perceived level of effectiveness of each attribute by the leader and the group involved in the process. Qualified conclusions and recommendations for further are included.