Which of the following is a key characteristic of the trait approach?

The trait approach to leadership identifies certain inherent qualities or characteristics that successful leaders tend to exhibit. This approach emphasizes understanding the individual differences among leaders, such as personality traits, skills, and behaviors that contribute to effective leadership. By focusing on these individual traits, this approach aims to identify what makes certain individuals more effective leaders than others, enabling organizations to select and develop leaders based on these identified traits.

In contrast, the other options involve aspects not central to the trait approach. For instance, a focus on collective behavior would pertain more to theories that consider leadership within group dynamics rather than individual characteristics. The idea of recognizing leaders as ordinary people relates to more contemporary perspectives on leadership that emphasize relatability and shared experiences, diverging from the idea of distinct traits that set leaders apart. Neglecting historical research does not align with the trait approach as established academic frameworks often delve into historical contexts to inform current understanding of leadership traits. Thus, the emphasis on individual differences is indeed the hallmark of the trait approach.