The Effect of Birth Order on Personality and Leadership

Abstract

Research has shown birth order influences aspects of a person’s life. Among them are intelligence, personality, and leadership. In this study we explored whether birth order influences personality and leadership style in a group activity. We used the Big Five Inventory to measure personality, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire to assess leadership style, and administered a questionnaire to gather birth order and other personal information. Participants completed the personality and leadership scales and were then assigned to a group to perform a group task. Contrary to expectations, we found no differences between firstborns and laterborns regarding either personality or leadership styles.