Images of the familiar: Individual differences and implicit leadership theories

Implicit leadership theories specify the qualities and behaviors that individuals associate with the term "leader." This article examines individual differences in implicit leadership theories as a function of personality traits and perceived parental traits. Personality traits, such as agreeableness, conscientiousness, extroversion, openness, neuroticism, and self-monitoring, influence implicit leadership theories. Specifically, individuals characterize a leader similar to self as ideal. Parallel results are presented for parental traits and implicit leadership theories whereby idealized leadership images mirror descriptions of parental traits.