Dickson et al. (2004) explained that implicit leadership qualities are first accorded
to individuals; their acceptance by others is based on the connection between the leaders'
behavior and the implicit leadership held by attributers (p. 15). Dickson et al. claimed
that "implicit leadership theories constrain, moderate, and guide the exercise of
leadership, the acceptance of leaders, the perception of leaders as influential, acceptable,
and effective, and the degree to which leaders are granted status and privileges" (p. 15). Holt and Muczyk (2008) described implicit qualities as specific beliefs, personality,
character, skills and behavior of a manager that can contribute to or impede the
manager's leadership (p. 1).