Module 4
MSL 680
Module 4 – Four Lecture Notes and Discussion Questions
Module Four
Discussion topics include:
1. Attributes/Trait theories of leadership
2. Emotional intelligence
3. Behavioral theories of leadership
Assignments for Session 4 include:
1. Text: Chapters 6-7
The chapters you are reading this week give you good historical background on some of the early leadership research. First, there were trait theories which looked at what traits leaders have; then came behavioral theories trying to answer the question, “How do leaders behave?” As you will see later in the course, the action today is in situational theories which suggest that successful leaders behave in appropriate ways to interact with a particular situation.
Of all the research done in the area of trait theory, the one trait that keeps coming up over and over again as positively correlated with successful leadership is intelligence. Leaders are smart. But what is intelligence? How can it be measured? And, are leaders truly smarter than the rest of us? Chapter 6 looks at these questions and zeros in on the concepts of intelligence and then the newer, hot topic of emotional intelligence. It seems that some leaders, even those with IQs off the charts, simply don’t have the emotional stability and sensitivity to be successful leaders in today’s organizations.
As you read Chapter 7, be sure to learn about the Ohio State Studies and the University of Michigan Studies. Together, they formed the basis of the field of behavioral leadership studies. Be familiar with the vocabulary of these studies like “initiating structure” and “consideration.” It was a short jump from these concepts to the The Leadership Grid of Robert Blake and Jane Mouton. While the Leadership Grid (originally the Managerial Grid) speaks of “concern for results” and “concern for people,” these are the same concepts.
Chapter 7 covers the ways of using 360 degree appraisal systems to assess leadership behavior. Also in chapter 7 is an interesting discussion of community leadership referring to the special leadership skills needed for leading volunteer activities.
Module Four Discussion Questions (due by Thursday)
Note: Please type the question and then the answer which should be about 250 words for each question.
1. Chapter 6 introduces you to the very popular MBTI personality instrument. Go to
to an external site.
Read more about the MBTI and do the sample test to approximate your own style. Tell us what style you came out, what this means, and whether or not you agree with it.
2. Go to the following link and take the Emotional Intelligence (EI) test associated with EI author Daniel Goleman. Discuss your results. Go to
3. How would you describe your own leadership style according to The Leadership Grid? What evidence can you give for choosing this style as the best representation of your leadership behavior?
