The different characteristics of a leader within formal and informal settings

Abstract

Leadership is a timeless concept and as such research regards this matter is continuously increasing. Perhaps the most researched and debated concept with regards leadership is what are the characteristics which constitute a good leader. As a result, the main aim of this research is to explore and observe the most salient characteristics of a good leader. A quantitative approach with the use of a number of statistical tests was utilised in this study and a total of 157 Maltese university students completed a questionnaire outlining their perception on their preferred characteristics and leadership style. The results show that the students prefer the transformational leadership style and they regard a good leader to be articulately able. Furthermore, the findings suggest that there is statistical significance between birth order, and holding or have held a leading role. Additionally, the majority of students regard both genders to be equally capable of holding a leading post and that leadership skills are transferable to other contexts.