Case 2.1: Choosing a New Director of Research
Case synopsis and analysis
Sandra Coke must select a new director of research. Three different candidates with varying
leadership traits are being considered for the position. Candidate one is persistent and insightful;
candidate two is extraordinarily intelligent and sociable; and candidate three has high levels of
integrity. All three candidates seem to have adequate experience.
The case study provides interesting opportunities for discussion of trait theory. Students will
debate which candidate has the best traits to lead simply because of their own internal biases
Learning objectives:
• Students should be able to decipher the leading traits for three different groups of job
candidates under trait theory.
• Students should gain a better understanding of the weaknesses of trait theory.
Answers to questions in the text:
1. Based on the information provided about the trait approach in Tables 2.1 and 2.2, if you
were Sandra, whom would you select?
It is very difficult to select a candidate without more information about the director of
research position and each individual candidate. Alexa Smith seems to have high levels
of determination, persistence, and responsibility. Kelsey Motts has high levels of
better selection.
2. In what ways is the trait approach helpful in this type of selection?
3. In what ways are the weaknesses of the trait approach highlighted in this case?
Trait approach has limited utility because it offers an almost endless list of traits and fails
to adequately prioritize those traits. In this case, we can imagine that all three of the
Potential teaching approaches:
This case study is conducive to group discussions and exercises.
Below is a way to structure a class, based on trait theory and case study 2.1:
• Begin the class in small groups, with students developing a list of the top 5 (or 10) major
traits they believe are important for a strong leader. Students should prepare this list
Exercises for this case study:
– In small groups, students will write a job description for the director of research role.
Each group is assigned a candidate (Alexa, Kelsey, or Thomas). They are to write a job
description that would lead to the selection of their candidate. Students should be careful
Northouse, Leadership: Theory and Practice, Seventh Edition: Instructor Resource