Final answer:
Integrity is identified by numerous studies as the most important leadership characteristic, crucial for trust, ethical decision-making, and sustainable leadership. The correct option is - B. Integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic reported by several large-scale studies as the most important in leadership is Integrity. Large-scale studies on leadership, such as the works by Deanne N. Den Hartog et al., indicate that personal qualities like integrity are seen as key elements of effective leadership. Integrity speaks to a leader's honesty and moral principles, which are essential for gaining trust and respect from followers.
A leader with integrity will consistently make ethical decisions that contribute to the foundation of good governance. Compared to charisma, intelligence, and decisiveness, integrity is often the characteristic that ties a leader's actions to their values, which is crucial for long-term sustainable leadership.