Which theory states that people are born with certain characteristics that predispose them to be leaders?

The trait theory of leadership posits that certain individuals are inherently equipped with specific characteristics or traits that make them natural leaders. This theory suggests that qualities such as charisma, intelligence, decisiveness, and confidence, among others, are innate and predispose individuals to take on leadership roles effectively.

According to this perspective, individuals who possess these traits are more likely to emerge as leaders within a group or organization. The emphasis is on identifying and highlighting these individual differences that contribute to successful leadership, which can guide organizations in selecting and developing future leaders.

In contrast, the other theories, such as contingency and path-goal, focus on situational variables and behaviors rather than innate characteristics. Contingency theory suggests that the effectiveness of a leader is contingent upon the context and situation, while path-goal theory emphasizes how leaders can motivate followers to achieve goals by offering support and guidance tailored to their needs. Therefore, these theories do not align with the idea that leadership predisposition is rooted in inherent traits.