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Chapter 18

Leadership

4.1 Introduction

There are three main groups of leadership theories: trait theories, style theories and
contingency theories.

4.2 Trait theories

These argue that good leaders have certain natural attributes to allow them to lead
(such as cheerful personality, or fairness). Leaders are therefore born, not made.

4.3 Style theories

These argue that certain leadership approaches or ‘styles’ can be learnt and used by
a manager, depending on the situation.

There are two main style theories you need to be aware of.

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