Political Viewpoints and Leadership Characteristics

Abstract

Leadership remains a critical factor in organizational and societal success, and understanding how individuals perceive and value leadership traits is essential for cultivating effective leaders. This study explores the relationship between individuals’ political viewpoints—categorized as Liberal, Independent, or Conservative—and their preferences for leadership characteristics. Building on existing research, this study aims to bridge gaps in understanding the intersection of political ideology and leadership characteristics preferences. Using a quantitative approach, data from 141 respondents were analyzed through one-way ANOVA and post hoc comparisons. The results gathered of participants’ preferences for specific leadership characteristics were grouped into four categories for analysis: behavioral, personality, impact, and moral characteristics. The results reveal that political viewpoints significantly influence preferences for personality characteristics, particularly transparency, with Liberals and Independents differing in their assessments of its importance. In contrast, behavioral, impact, and moral characteristics, including the universally valued trait of integrity, exhibited no significant differences across political groups. These findings suggest that while political ideology shapes perceptions of certain leadership traits, many qualities are regarded as essential regardless of political affiliation. This research offers practical insights for leadership development, emphasizing the importance of integrity as a universal trait and advocating for the inclusion of transparency in contexts where it resonates with specific groups. The study concludes by recommending broader demographic representation, exploration of contextual factors, and mixed-methods approaches for future research. By identifying both shared and divergent leadership expectations, this study contributes to the broader research on leadership within a politically diverse world.

Start Time

16-4-2025 10:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:00 AM

Room Number

271

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Social Sciences & Business

Faculty Mentor

Tom Moore

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Apr 16th, 10:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:00 AM

Political Viewpoints and Leadership Characteristics

271

Leadership remains a critical factor in organizational and societal success, and understanding how individuals perceive and value leadership traits is essential for cultivating effective leaders. This study explores the relationship between individuals’ political viewpoints—categorized as Liberal, Independent, or Conservative—and their preferences for leadership characteristics. Building on existing research, this study aims to bridge gaps in understanding the intersection of political ideology and leadership characteristics preferences. Using a quantitative approach, data from 141 respondents were analyzed through one-way ANOVA and post hoc comparisons. The results gathered of participants’ preferences for specific leadership characteristics were grouped into four categories for analysis: behavioral, personality, impact, and moral characteristics. The results reveal that political viewpoints significantly influence preferences for personality characteristics, particularly transparency, with Liberals and Independents differing in their assessments of its importance. In contrast, behavioral, impact, and moral characteristics, including the universally valued trait of integrity, exhibited no significant differences across political groups. These findings suggest that while political ideology shapes perceptions of certain leadership traits, many qualities are regarded as essential regardless of political affiliation. This research offers practical insights for leadership development, emphasizing the importance of integrity as a universal trait and advocating for the inclusion of transparency in contexts where it resonates with specific groups. The study concludes by recommending broader demographic representation, exploration of contextual factors, and mixed-methods approaches for future research. By identifying both shared and divergent leadership expectations, this study contributes to the broader research on leadership within a politically diverse world.