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Understanding Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership theory focuses on how leaders can create positive change in followers. It describes two leadership styles: transactional leaders who gain compliance through rewards and benefits, and transformational leaders who inspire followers and motivate them to support each other and the organization. Transformational leaders demonstrate individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and idealized influence. Research over 30 years has linked transformational leadership to improved individual, group, and organizational performance. However, results from the most common assessment have been inconsistent and research has focused on senior leaders.

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4 views1 page

Understanding Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership theory focuses on how leaders can create positive change in followers. It describes two leadership styles: transactional leaders who gain compliance through rewards and benefits, and transformational leaders who inspire followers and motivate them to support each other and the organization. Transformational leaders demonstrate individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and idealized influence. Research over 30 years has linked transformational leadership to improved individual, group, and organizational performance. However, results from the most common assessment have been inconsistent and research has focused on senior leaders.

Uploaded by

Lea Condalo Tantao
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Transformational Leadership

Theory
THURSDAY, MARCH 18TH, 2010 | COMMENTS OFF |SHARE:

What Is Transformational Leadership Theory?

Transformational leadership is a relatively new approach to leadership that focuses on


how leaders can create valuable and positive change in their followers. James
MacGregor Burns first introduced the concepts of transformational leadership when
studying political leaders, but this term is now used when studying organizations as
well. Burns described two leadership styles: transactional and transformational.

Transactional leaders focus on gaining compliance by giving and withholding rewards


and benefits. Transformational leaders focus on “transforming” others to support each
other and the organization as a whole. Followers of a transformational leader respond
by feeling trust, admiration, loyalty, and respect for the leader and are more willing
to work harder than originally expected. Another researcher, Bernard M. Bass, added to
the work of Burns by explaining the psychological mechanisms that underlie
transformational and transactional leadership. Bass’ work established that
transformational leaders demonstrate four factors: individual consideration, intellectual
stimulation, inspirational motivation (charismatic leadership), and idealized influence.

Transformational leadership theory is supported by nearly 30 years of research


correlating transformational leadership to positive performance outcomes including
individual, group, and organizational level variables. It also solidified the need to study
followers in leadership research. Transformational leadership was the first developed
and validated theory to emphasis morals and values in leadership. However, research on
the theory is primarily based on the multifactor leadership questionnaire, which has
produced inconsistent results. Research has also focused heavily on senior-level leaders.
Transformational leadership also has the potential to be used negatively by leaders
“faking it.” Regardless, transformational leadership theory is a valuable and widely used
approach to studying and teaching leadership.

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