One of the first systematic attempts to study leadership is known as what?

The trait approach is recognized as one of the first systematic attempts to study leadership. This approach focuses on identifying the inherent qualities and characteristics that make effective leaders. It was prevalent in the early to mid-20th century when researchers aimed to pinpoint specific traits such as intelligence, self-confidence, determination, and integrity that distinguished leaders from non-leaders.

By concentrating on these personal attributes, the trait approach laid the groundwork for subsequent leadership theories and studies. It suggested that certain individuals are naturally predisposed to be effective leaders due to these inherent traits, which sparked further research into leadership effectiveness. This early perspective is significant because it shifted the focus of leadership studies from situational factors and processes to the individuals themselves, establishing a foundation for further exploration into various leadership paradigms.