Abstract: This study indicated that the contents of Chinese leadership theories are constructed by four major traits: personal morality, goal effectiveness, inter- personal competence, and element of versatility. The age, level of education and occupation of the rater affected ratings of leadership factors significantly. On the whole, level of education is the major variable, people of all groups tended to rate interpersonal competence as being most characteristic of leader- ship.

Key words: Implicit leadership theories, Personal morality, Goal effectiveness, Interpersonal competence, Versatility