Identifying common traits of successful casino executives: Toward succession planning

The current study is an attempt to identify traits and skills that determine success in casino executives. Upon identification, a succession plan can be put into place to develop future leaders. In order to determine success factors, three instruments were administered; a measure of personality, the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, and two leadership/managerial styles questionnaires, the Competing Values Framework and the Leadership Orientation Survey. This study involved two participant samples. Forty-one executives from three Las Vegas hotel/casino properties completed the three questionnaires and 275 peers and/or subordinates completed the two leadership/managerial styles questionnaires on their behalf. Results of the 16 PF were inconclusive; however results of the styles questionnaires suggest some trends in effectiveness. Executives who are more balanced, those who practice situational leadership, tend to be seen as more effective