Transformational Leadership
Transformational Leadership
Transformational Leadership
Leadership
Chapter 9
Transformational Leadership
Northouse, 4th edition
Overview
Transformational Leadership (TL) Perspective A Model of Transformational Leadership
Transformational Leadership
Description
Process - TL is a process that: changes and transforms individuals frequently incorporates charismatic and visionary leadership Influence - TL involves an exceptional form of influence that moves followers to accomplish more than what is usually expected of them
Transformational Leadership
Description
Core elements - TL
is concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals includes assessing followers motives, satisfying their needs, and treating them as full human beings
Encompassing approach TL
describes a wide range of leadership influence
Specific: one-to-one with followers Broad: whole organizations or entire cultures
follower(s) and leader are inextricably bound together in the transformation process
TRANSACTIONAL
TRANSFORMATIONAL
PSEUDOTRANSFORMATIONAL
TRANSACTIONAL
PSEUDOTRANSFORMATIONAL
Mohandas Gandhi raised the hopes and demands of millions of his people and in the process was changed himself
TRANSFORMATIONAL
Process of engaging with others to create a connection that increases motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower
TRANSFORMATIONAL
Charismatic Leadership
Transforms followers self-concepts; tries to link identity of followers to collective identity of the organization Forge this link by emphasizing intrinsic rewards & de-emphasizing extrinsic rewards
Throughout process leaders Express high expectations for followers help followers gain sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy
Leaders who exhibit TL: have a strong set of internal values & ideals are effective in motivating followers to support greater good over self-interest
Ls use symbols & emotional appeals to focus group members to achieve more than self-interest; team spirit promoted
Stimulates followers to be creative and innovative Challenge their own beliefs and values those of leader and organization Leader supports followers to
try new approaches develop innovative ways of dealing with organization issues
Leaders who provide a supportive climate in which they listen carefully to the needs of followers
Leaders act as coaches and advisors encouraging self-actualization
The exchange process between leaders and followers in which effort by followers is exchanged for specified rewards Management by Exception
Leadership that involves corrective criticism, negative feedback, and negative reinforcement Two forms
Active - Watches follower closely to identify mistakes/rule violations Passive - Intervenes only after standards have not been met or problems have arisen
Nonleadership Factor
Laissez-Faire The absence of leadership A hands-off, let-things-ride approach Refers to a leader who
abdicates responsibility delays decisions gives no feedback, and makes little effort to help followers satisfy their needs
practices
Enable leaders to get extraordinary things accomplished Model the Way
Exemplary leaders set a personal example for others by their own behavior
Transformational Leadership
Focus of Transformational Leaders Overall Scope
TLs empower and nurture Describes how leaders followers can initiate, develop, TLs stimulate change by and carry out becoming strong role significant changes in models for followers organizations TLs commonly create a vision TLs require leaders to become social architects TLs build trust & foster collaboration
Strengths
Broadly researched. TL has been widely researched, including a large body of qualitative research centering on prominent leaders and CEOs in major firms. Intuitive appeal. People are attracted to TL because it makes sense to them. Process-focused. TL treats leadership as a process occurring between followers and leaders. Expansive leadership view. TL provides a broader view of leadership that augments other leadership models.
Criticisms
Lacks conceptual clarity
Dimensions are not clearly delimited Parameters of TL overlap with similar conceptualizations of leadership
Measurement questioned
Validity of MLQ not fully established Some transformational factors are not unique solely to the transformational model
TL treats leadership more as a personality trait or predisposition than a behavior that can be taught TL is elitist and antidemocratic Suffers from heroic leadership bias TL is based primarily on qualitative data Has the potential to be abused
Application
Provides a general way of thinking about leadership that stresses ideals, inspiration, innovations, and individual concerns Can be taught to individuals at all levels of the organization Able to positively impact a firms performance