Final answer:
The earliest approach to the study of leadership sought to identify different leadership styles and their effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest approach to the study of leadership sought to identify different leadership styles and their effectiveness. Researchers conducted studies to understand the characteristics of leaders and how they influenced their followers. One early approach was the trait theory, which focused on identifying specific traits or qualities that made someone a good leader, such as intelligence, confidence, and assertiveness. Another approach was the behavioral theory, which looked at the behaviors exhibited by leaders and how they affected their followers. These early approaches laid the foundation for further research and understanding of leadership.