Final answer:
Trait leadership theory is used by those who consider Florence Nightingale's qualities as indicative of her leadership ability. option (a)
Step-by-step explanation:
Those who depict Florence Nightingale as a leader on the basis of her intelligence, dependability, and ambition are practicing trait leadership theory. This theory suggests that certain individuals have natural leadership qualities or traits that make them effective leaders.
In Nightingale's case, her development of statistical methods to evaluate health care, dedication in working long hours to care for the injured, and challenge against societal perceptions of nursing, all highlight traits considered characteristic of a leader.