The Relative Importance of Situational and Individual Variables in Predicting Leader Behavior

Abstract

This study assessed the relative influence of personality traits of leaders, job characteristics, expectations of superiors and subordinates, and trust and loyalty upward upon leader behavior. Results indicated that subordinates' levels oftrust and loyalty toward their leaders were most predictive of supportive leader behavior, whereas personality traits of the leader were most predictive of demanding leader behavior. The findings are discussed in terms of new avenues to pursue in attempts to more fully understand the complicated dynamics of leader behavior.