Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Joshua D. Henson

Second Advisor

Dr. Debra J. Dean

Third Advisor

Dr. Jolene A. Erlacher

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to examine the relationships among personality traits (extraversion), leadership self-efficacy (LSE), and leader role occupancy (LRO). Grounded in trait theory and social-cognitive perspectives, the study examined whether (a) LSE related to LRO, (b) personality traits (extraversion) related to LRO, (c) personality traits (extraversion) related to LSE, and (d) LSE moderated the personality trait–LRO relationship. Participants completed the Big Five Inventory (John et al., 1991) and the Multidimensional Leadership Self-Efficacy Scale (Bobbio & Manganelli, 2009). The correlational methodology involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, chi-square test of independence, one-way analysis of variance, and Hayes’ (2017) PROCESS Model 1 to test for moderation. Consistent with past research (Dugan, 2017; McCormick et al., 2002; Paglis & Green, 2002), the study identified a significant relationship between LSE and LRO (p < .001). Individuals who reported higher LSE were substantially more likely to hold formal leadership roles, defined as a position with organizational authority. Extraversion, however, did not significantly predict LSE or LRO, and LSE did not moderate the extraversion–LRO relationship. Taken together, these findings indicate that a woman’s self-belief in her leadership capabilities may play a more central role in attaining leadership than personality traits alone. This study contributed to leadership research by integrating trait and social-cognitive theories, emphasizing LSE as a proximal mechanism for leadership attainment. Practical implications emphasize the development of women’s LSE through mentoring, experiential learning, and exposure to organizational cultures that support women's leadership advancement.

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