“You might ask why a person with that background wants to run the federal government.” (Lunney, 2012). This was the phrase that caught my eye when I read the article, All Business, in the September issue of Government Executive. By now I’m sure you know that I’m referring to Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. Mr. Romney has been heralded (by many) for his business acumen, but others question his ability (or traits) to govern our country. This leads me to Lesson 2 in PSYCH 485 – the Trait Approach. In this lesson we learned that there are natural occurring tendencies or traits that we as humans have that can either help or hurt our ability to lead.
The Five-Factor Personality Model or the Big Five Personality Factors is a scientifically researched grouping of the personality traits that make-up an individual’s personality. The Big Five includes: Neuroticism – tendencies toward depression, insecurity and hostility; Extraversion – tendencies toward sociability and positivity; Openness – tendencies toward creativity and insightfulness; Agreeableness – tendencies toward acceptance and nurturing; and Conscientiousness – tendencies toward organization, dependability and decisiveness. Further research in this area concluded that extraversion was the single most important trait associated with leadership. (Northouse, 2013).
With this in mind, I’m not sure how well Mr. Romney measures up. On one hand, he comes from good stock; he is the son of an accomplished politician. But he also has his detractors, especially when he was the Governor of Massachusetts. In the All Business article, Lunney talks about the state legislature being “put off” by not only his policies but also by his personality. She talks about Romney’s inability to remember law maker’s names and the fact that he showed little to no interest in the day-to-day operation. (Lunney, 2012). If this is the case, then Mr. Romney may not have what it takes to lead our country, not if you go with the Big Five. At this point obviously the jury is still out and we will need to see where he stands when it comes to his extraversion, openness and agreeableness…
Reference: Northouse, Peter G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice/Sixth Edition. Los Angeles. SAGE Publications, Inc.
Reference: Lunney, Kellie (2012). All Business. Government Executive, (September, 3012, pp. 18-17.
STEPHANIE ANNE OLSEN says
I found your blog interesting as I chose a similar topic. I took a neutral approach to the political arena and used the trait approach as ways to determine what traits I felt were important for our future president. I used the Leadership Trait Questionnaire (LTQ) traits as a guideline. I found the response I got from another reader interesting. I ranked Trustworthy as a five the highest rating I could give. I feel this is important trait for any person that would lead our country.
When I saw the comment made, it didn’t occur to me that politicians generally have a stigma of being untrustworthy. In today’s world news travel fast through many electronic forms and it is easier for a politician to get caught in a scandal and the news to spread. Along with the traits you mentioned are still to be determined extraversion, openness, and agreeableness, I recommend you rate the candidates and how you feel they would do using the LTQ.
References:
Northouse, P. G., (2013). Leadership: theory and practice (6th edition), Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
SHELLY ANN ROBINSON says
First, let me start by saying that I am not an Obama fan; however couldn’t agree with you more about Mitt Romney. I have read on more than one occasion that he can’t remember people’s names and doesn’t get involved in the day to day dealings with his businesses. This scares me as these are not great traits for someone who wants to lead this country!