The biology of leadership

Scholars are beginning to recognize important biological elements that may influence those who move into leadership positions and who are effective in such roles (Arvey, Rotundo, Johnson, Zhang, & McGue, 2006; Balthazard, Waldman, Thatcher, & Hannah, 2012). Although consistent with the general “trait” model of individual differences as influencing leadership emergence and effectiveness, other biologically based influences also may play a similar role in determining those who move into and are effective in such leadership capacities. A growing literature on the role of biological factors has not yet been abstracted and summarized. It is the aim of this chapter to provide a succinct and useful summary of the various biological factors that have been identified as being associated with various leadership criteria and to provide directions for future research in these areas.