Final answer:
The correct answer is option B. The trait approach to leadership identifies characteristics to separate leaders from followers, emphasizes individual attributes of leaders, and contrasts with transactional and transformational leadership styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trait approach to leadership focuses on identifying the specific attributes that distinguish effective leaders from non-leaders or less effective leaders. This approach suggests that certain characteristics, such as sociability, assertiveness, and intelligence, are inherent in leaders and can be used to separate leaders from followers. These attributes are often viewed as prerequisites for successful leadership across various situations and organizations.
Transformational leadership, on the other hand, is a style that goes beyond the day-to-day management of transactional leaders. Transformational leaders inspire their followers by being charismatic, inspirational, intellectually stimulating, and considerate. This leadership style involves a commitment to organizational change and positive development of followers.
It's important to note that while trait theory focuses on the individual characteristics of leaders, transformational leadership considers the relationship between leaders and followers, and how leaders can inspire followers to transcend their own self-interest for the good of the organization or society. Moreover, gender differences in leadership styles as well as the impact of cultural expectations on leaders can play a role in how leadership is practiced and perceived.
In summary, the trait approach to leadership (B) distinguishes the characteristics that can be used to separate leaders from followers and doesn't primarily focus on transactional or transformational leadership styles, workplace dynamics such as telecommuting, or legal aspects like EEOC regulations.