A research by Prof. Li Wendong from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) reveals that even if there is a particular gene that turns us into leaders, it can be a mixed blessing with complicated effects.
In the new era of genomics, researchers have begun to explore specific genetic markers involved in genetic influences on leadership. The DAT1 gene, which is the focus on his study, represents a specific genetic marker related to human dopamine systems which play a pivotal role in modulating human behaviors, such as motivation, self-regulation, and reward systems. According to the study, these functions have been found to play important roles in shaping leadership among us.
However, the researchers found that the gene also has an indirect negative effect on leadership role occupancy. One positive path was through mild rule breaking, which was positively related to leadership, but on the other hand, such gene was negatively related to proactive personality, which is considered positively trait of leadership. “having the gene is a double-edge sword,” says Prof. Li. “Even if certain specific genes can influence leadership, there may be many thousands of such genes interacting with each other as well as many environmental factors in shaping leadership.”
So, are leaders born or made? “The answer is both,” says Prof. Li.
