Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Trait theories in leadership theories are based on which belief?

1. People develop skills through experience.

2. People have inherent qualities that make them leaders.

3. Leadership is based purely on situational response.

4. Effective leaders are made, not born.

The correct answer is: People have inherent qualities that make them leaders.

Trait theories in leadership posit that certain inherent qualities or characteristics distinguish successful leaders from non-leaders. This perspective suggests that individuals are born with specific traits, such as intelligence, confidence, determination, and sociability, that predispose them to be effective in leadership roles. The emphasis is on identifying these intrinsic attributes, which can be observed in those who have succeeded in leadership positions. This approach contrasts with other leadership theories that focus on the development of skills through experience or the influence of situational factors on leadership effectiveness. Trait theories assert that while experiences and situations can shape a leader, the fundamental attributes are innate and significantly contribute to an individual's potential to lead. Thus, the belief that people possess inherent qualities that make them leaders forms the backbone of trait theories in leadership.