Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What does 'trait theory' suggest about management ability?

1. It can be learned through experience over time.

2. It can be forecast through personal traits such as intelligence and initiative.

3. It mainly depends on the educational background of an individual.

4. It is determined solely by an individual's emotional intelligence.

The correct answer is: It can be forecast through personal traits such as intelligence and initiative.

Trait theory suggests that management ability can be forecast through various personal traits, such as intelligence, initiative, and other inherent characteristics. This approach posits that certain traits are associated with successful leaders and effective managers. It implies that individuals possessing these desired traits are more likely to excel in management roles. In the context of management development, this theory points to the idea that recognizing and leveraging these inherent attributes can contribute to one’s effectiveness as a manager. For instance, intelligence can help in decision-making processes, while initiative can drive innovation and motivate teams. By understanding these traits, organizations can better predict and select individuals who may thrive in managerial positions, thus supporting the idea that certain qualities influence managerial success. The other options suggest different perspectives on management ability, such as learning through experience, focusing solely on educational background, or being determined only by emotional intelligence. While these factors can play roles in managerial effectiveness, trait theory specifically emphasizes the influence of personal traits on forecasting management ability.