Which theory suggests that leadership is influenced by personal traits, behaviors, and environmental circumstances?

The contingency theory of leadership posits that a leader's effectiveness is contingent upon a variety of factors, including their personal traits, the specific behaviors they exhibit, and the environmental circumstances they face. This theory suggests that there is no single best way to lead; instead, effective leadership varies according to the context in which it occurs.

For example, a leader may adopt different styles based on the situation at hand, considering factors such as the team's composition, the nature of the task, and external pressures influencing the organization. By acknowledging the interplay between a leader’s attributes and situational variables, the contingency theory provides a more nuanced understanding of leadership effectiveness than theories that focus solely on either innate traits or specific behaviors.

In contrast, behavioral theory emphasizes the actions of leaders rather than situational variables, while trait theory focuses primarily on individual characteristics without considering context. Integrated theory, though it combines aspects from various leadership theories, does not specifically address the interplay of traits, behaviors, and circumstances in as focused a manner as contingency theory does. Thus, the choice reflecting the influence of personal traits, behaviors, and environmental circumstances is indeed the contingency theory.