The traits and skills of effective political leaders

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the relationship between personality traits and skills and effective political leadership. Therefore, it was hypothesized that: 1. Personality has a role to play in explaining leader behavior and leader effectiveness; 2. Skills of political leaders also contribute to their effectiveness; and 3. Culture influences leadership, and, therefore, effective leadership styles and practices in one culture are not necessarily effective in others. Summarizing the studies on leadership effectiveness that were reviewed, support for all the hypotheses is found. Indeed, personality traits have a significant influence on political leadership. For example, it is found that self-esteem is one of the most important traits that a leader should have. Also, it is desirable for a leader to be charismatic, but this trait is not necessary in all situations. With respect to skills, it is concluded that communication, problem solving, and negotiation are among the most important skills for effective political leadership. Also, it should be pointed out the style of effective political leadership will vary according to the situation in which the leader finds himself/herself. Finally, it is concluded that country culture can have a major effect on the style of leadership exhibited by a person. For example, it would be expected that an effective Russian leader would behave in an authoritarian manner. Conversely, an effective Scandinavian political leader would most likely exhibit a participative style. It is concluded that the best way to “test” a leader is by looking at his/her performance over time in different situations, since it is not advisable to use personality tests to measure political leaders’ traits of leaders before they enter office. Furthermore, political leaders’ skills can develop over time, but it is not clear what is the most effective way to accomplish this development. In today’s world, one of the biggest obstacles to leadership effectiveness is leaders’ unethical attitudes and behavior in many countries (both developed and undeveloped). Finally, it is concluded that, in the short run, a charismatic/revolutionary type of a leader is necessary to bring about needed changes in certain countries. But, in the long-run, societies themselves bear a significant responsibility to not passively accept unethical leader behavior.