The ideal politician: Impact of voters’ ideology

Abstract

The present study explores the relationship between voters’ ideology and their image of politicians’ ideal personality in terms of the Five-Factor Model and political leadership dimensions. Substantial differences between left- and right-wing voters emerged, indicating that left-wing voters preferred politicians to be higher in agreeableness and openness to experience than right-wing voters. Regardless of voters’ ideology, conscientiousness proved to be the most valued personality trait for politicians. With respect to specific political leadership traits, left-wing voters considered pacifism and friendliness more important, whereas right-wing voters preferred politicians to be higher in machiavellianism, conservatism, and achievement drive. In the discussion, the results are considered in the context of previous research on the role of personality in politics.