Literature review study of the relationship between leadership style, leadership behaviour, and leadership traits

Purpose: This paper attempts to interpret and discuss leadership and the three contradicted terms to reveal the misuse of those three terms with leadership. Methodology: The study uses a systematic method to review the previous literature related to the leadership domain and the three contradicted terms related to leadership. These are leadership style, leadership behaviour, and leadership traits. In addition, this study provides the definitions of the three contradicted terms from a linguistic and management literature perspective. Main Findings: The study proposed a definition of each of the three contradicted terms. Additionally, the study suggested a conceptual framework that combined how the three contradicted terms can be related. The findings will contribute to the expansion of theoretical knowledge in the field of leadership. Applications of this study: This paper indicates that the review of the literature regarding what differentiates the three contradicted terms is an important aspect to deeply understand leadership concepts. The definition of each of the three contradicted terms will expand the understanding of junior leadership researchers and university students. The study's originality: This study will reveal the ambiguity and misinterpretation in the literature regarding the three contradicted terms of leadership. Moreover, it will present the definition of each of the three terms; leadership style, leadership behaviour, and leadership traits. Furthermore, the proposed conceptual framework will contribute to the expansion of theoretical knowledge in the leadership domain.