The Big Five-Factor Model of Personality: A Framework for Predicting the Transformational Leadership in Educational Contexts

This study was carried out in order to identify the link between the 5-factor model of personality (the Big 5) with transformational leadership and also to identify the extent of predictability of the transformational leadership in terms of five different facets of personality. Neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience were hypothesized to predict transformational leadership. Two questionnaires were used for data collection. Personality was measured through managers/ leaders’ self ratings using the NEO-FFI while subordinates rated their leaders’ behavior, using MLQ. Results based on 56 leaders and 148 subordinates from 19 Educational Districts of Tehran Metropolitan revealed that extraversion and openness to experience positively predicted transformational leadership. Conscientiousness was also positively correlated with transformational leadership, but cannot predict transformational leadership behaviors. Moreover there was no significant relationship between neuroticism and agreeableness, and transformational leadership. Accordingly, the results indicate that leadership behaviors can be predictable based on some personality traits. Also some behavioral differences among transformational leaders may originate from some personal traits.