Personality and Leadership Intention The Mediating Role of Motivation to Lead in Careers

Although personality traits have long been established as important predictors for leadership, the mechanisms that mediate the relation are relatively unclear. The present studies investigated Motivation to Lead as a multifaceted construct describing an individual's striving for leadership. In two studies, employees and students (n(1) = 380, n(2) = 176) were assessed for personality traits, Motivation to Lead, and their leadership intentions. Applying multiple mediation analyses, indirect effects for two facets were identified: affective Motivation to Lead and avoidance of leadership. The results suggested that extraverted, emotionally stable, and open individuals aspire to be leaders because they enjoy leading others and they associate less fear of failure with the role. Further support was lent to theoretical models of leadership emergence and development. In terms of practical implications, the relevance of motives for promotion and training is illustrated. Motives may change with training and coaching, whereas traits remain relatively stable.