Case 2.1: Choosing a New Director of
Research
Case Synopsis and Analysis
Sandra Coke must select a new director of research. Three candidates with differing
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
Learning Objectives:
• Students should be able to decipher prominent traits based on three different job
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
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?
2.2. However, it is difficult to determine which trait is most important in a given
scenario.
Through discussion, students should be able to see that sociability may be important
Potential Teaching Approaches:
This case study is conducive to group discussions and exercises.
Below is a way to structure a class, based on the trait approach and Case Study 2.1:
• First, break the class into small groups and ask the groups to develop a list of the top
5 (or 10) major traits they believe are important for a strong leader. Students should
prepare this list without referring to the book, based on their experiences.
Exercises for This Case Study:
Northouse, Leadership 9e
SAGE Publications, 2021
1. In small groups, students will write a job description for the director of research role.
2. In small groups, students can write 10 interview questions aimed at helping them
3. Students role-play interviews with each of the candidates. Here, students are assigned
a role: Two students can be Sandra Coke and her assistant, with the others acting as
each of the candidates. Coke and her assistant develop questions for the candidates