Who significantly influenced the popularity of the Great Man Theory in the 1840s?
a) Herbert Spencer
b) Martin Luther King, Jr.
c) Thomas Carlyle
d) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: The Great Man Theory gained popularity in the 1840s and was largely influenced by the work of Scottish writer Thomas Carlyle.
How does the Great Man Theory relate to the nature vs. nurture debate?
a) It favors the "nurture" side of the argument
b) It suggests leadership ability is primarily innate
c) It emphasizes the complexity of leadership
d) It attributes leadership solely to situational factors
Explanation: The Great Man Theory leans heavily on the "nature" side of the nature vs. nurture debate, suggesting that leadership ability is primarily innate.
What counterargument did Herbert Spencer offer against the Great Man Theory?
a) Leaders are shaped by their societies and social conditions
b) Leadership ability is solely innate
c) Effective leadership is developed through training
d) Leadership is determined by situational factors
Explanation: Herbert Spencer argued that leaders are products of their societies and that their actions are shaped by social conditions.
Who are historical leaders often cited as examples of the Great Man Theory?
a) Thomas Carlyle and Herbert Spencer
b) Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi
c) Modern leadership researchers
d) Contemporary figures in business and politics
Explanation: Historical leaders cited as examples of the Great Man Theory include Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi.
What critique does Herbert Spencer offer regarding the determinants of leadership ability?
a) Leadership ability is solely innate
b) Leadership is determined by situational factors
c) Leadership is unaffected by social conditions
d) Leaders are shaped by their societies and social conditions
Explanation: Herbert Spencer argued that leaders are shaped by their societies and social conditions.
What aspect does the Great Man Theory oversimplify according to criticisms?
a) The impact of situational factors on leadership
b) The complexity of leadership by attributing it solely to innate traits
c) The importance of nature in leadership development
d) The role of training and experience in leadership
