2.1.3 Leader Attributes Inventory (LAI)

Purpose 

The Leader Attributes Inventory (LAI) is a multirater assessment instrument designed to measure the degree to which individuals possess 37 attributes considered essential for successful leadership in vocational education settings. Leaders and observers (such as peers, supervisors, or colleagues) can participate in LAI assessments.

The LAI is primarily used in vocational education settings. It helps assess leadership attributes among individuals in these settings, aiming to identify strengths and areas for improvement in leadership skills and qualities. The LAI can be used to:

Evaluate leader attributes at a specific point in time

Measures change by tracking changes in leader attributes over time

Evaluate program impact by assessing the effectiveness of leadership

The results of the LAI can be used by leaders themselves for self-assessment and personal development purposes. Observers’ ratings can provide valuable feedback for leaders to understand how they are perceived by others and areas in which they can improve. Organizations and educational institutions may also use the LAI results for leadership development programs and training initiatives.

Description 

The LAI was developed by Moss and Lian (1990). The instrument contains two forms: (1) a self-rating form that allows individuals to assess their own leadership attributes and (2) an observer-rating form that asks others to assess the leader’s attributes. Both forms utilize a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (“very undescriptive”) to 6 (“very descriptive”) to assess the extent to which the rater believes the leader possesses each of the 37 attributes.

Research suggests the LAI possesses satisfactory psychometric properties, supporting its use as a reliable and valid assessment tool (Liang, 1990; Moss, Johansen, & Preskill, 1991; Moss, Lambrecht, & Jensrud, 1994). The LAI demonstrates robust internal consistency (Moss et al., 1991). Test-retest reliability has also been established, suggesting scores remain stable over time (Liang, 1990). Interrater reliability, as well as face and content validity, have been established (Finch et al., 1991; Moss et al., 1992). This means the LAI’s content appears relevant to the construct of leadership in vocational education settings, and experts agree that the 37 attributes capture essential leadership qualities. Studies (White et al., 1992; Migler, 1991) found a positive correlation between high LAI scores and how well others perceive a person’s leadership skills. This suggests the LAI can be a helpful tool for recognizing strong leaders. Despite these strengths, the LAI may have limitations, such as potential biases in self-rating assessments, limited generalizability to non-educational settings, and the need for ongoing validation in diverse populations.

Access 

This tool is accessible via academic journals and research databases, including in the relevant articles listed in the references section. Consult the original articles or directly contact the authors to ascertain the instrument’s availability and any associated permission requirements.

Reference

Bensen, T. M. (1994, March 20). Leadership attributes addressed in industrial technology/technology education doctoral programs as perceived by faculty and recent graduates [Paper Presentation]. 56th Annual ITEAA Conference, Kansas City, MO, United States.

Finch, C. R., Gregson, J. A., & Faulkner, S. L. (1991). Leadership behaviors of successful vocational education administrators. National Center for Research on Vocational Education, University of California at Berkeley.

Liang, T. (1990). Relationships among leader attributes, behaviors, and effectiveness of vocational education administrators [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Minnesota.

Migler, J. R. (1991). Selected leadership attributes and styles of administrators in exemplary vocational education institutions and administrators in Minnesota technical colleges [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. University of Minnesota.

Moss, J., Jr., Johansen, B. C., & Preskill, A. (1991). Developing the Leader Attributes Inventory: An odyssey. Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, 28(2), 7–22.

Moss, J., Jr., Lambrecht, J. J., & Jensrud, Q. (1994). Leader attributes inventory manual. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

Moss, J., Jr., & Liang, T. (1990). Leadership, leadership development, and the National Center for Research in Vocational Education. National Center for Research in Vocational Education, University of California at Berkeley.

Moss, J., Jr., Jensrud, Q., & Johansen, B. C. (1992). An evaluation of ten leadership development programs for graduate students in vocational education. National Center for Research in Vocational Education, University of California at Berkeley.

White, D. J., Asche, F. M., & Fortune, J. C. (1992, April). Minority leadership training: Evaluation and analysis of a five-state program: An interim report [Paper presentation]. 1992 American Education Research Association meeting, San Francisco, CA, United States. http://www.statisticssolutions.com/leadership/