Asked by Jessica Colley on May 09, 2024
Verified
Compare and contrast a transactional leader versus a transformational leader.
Transactional Leader
A leadership style focused on the exchange between leader and followers, where compliance is exchanged for specified rewards.
Transformational Leader
A leadership approach that causes change in individuals and social systems, by creating a vision to guide the change through inspiration, and executing the change in tandem with committed members of a group.
- Critically assess and compare distinct theories of leadership, including the Great Leader Theory, Zeitgeist Model, Leadership Grid theory, Leader/Member Exchange theory, social role theory, evolutionary theory, and the differentiation between transactional and transformational leadership, regarding their implementation in historical and contemporary periods.
Verified Answer
JS
Justin SmithMay 09, 2024
Final Answer :
Transactional leaders and transformational leaders are two distinct styles of leadership with different approaches and outcomes.
Transactional leaders focus on the day-to-day operations and tasks within an organization. They use a system of rewards and punishments to motivate their followers, often through a clear chain of command and a focus on achieving specific goals. Transactional leaders are typically more concerned with maintaining the status quo and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
On the other hand, transformational leaders are focused on inspiring and motivating their followers to achieve a common vision or goal. They often lead by example and are able to articulate a compelling vision for the future of the organization. Transformational leaders are known for their ability to empower and develop their followers, encouraging them to think creatively and take risks in pursuit of the organization's goals.
In terms of outcomes, transactional leaders are effective at maintaining stability and ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget. They are often successful in organizations that require strict adherence to rules and procedures, such as manufacturing or finance. However, transactional leaders may struggle to inspire their followers to go above and beyond their basic job requirements.
On the other hand, transformational leaders are able to inspire their followers to achieve more than they thought possible. They are often successful in organizations that require innovation and adaptability, such as technology or creative industries. However, transformational leaders may struggle to maintain day-to-day operations and may need to rely on others to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently.
In conclusion, while both transactional and transformational leaders have their strengths and weaknesses, the key difference lies in their approach to motivating and inspiring their followers. Transactional leaders focus on maintaining stability and achieving specific goals, while transformational leaders focus on inspiring and empowering their followers to achieve a common vision.
Transactional leaders focus on the day-to-day operations and tasks within an organization. They use a system of rewards and punishments to motivate their followers, often through a clear chain of command and a focus on achieving specific goals. Transactional leaders are typically more concerned with maintaining the status quo and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
On the other hand, transformational leaders are focused on inspiring and motivating their followers to achieve a common vision or goal. They often lead by example and are able to articulate a compelling vision for the future of the organization. Transformational leaders are known for their ability to empower and develop their followers, encouraging them to think creatively and take risks in pursuit of the organization's goals.
In terms of outcomes, transactional leaders are effective at maintaining stability and ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget. They are often successful in organizations that require strict adherence to rules and procedures, such as manufacturing or finance. However, transactional leaders may struggle to inspire their followers to go above and beyond their basic job requirements.
On the other hand, transformational leaders are able to inspire their followers to achieve more than they thought possible. They are often successful in organizations that require innovation and adaptability, such as technology or creative industries. However, transformational leaders may struggle to maintain day-to-day operations and may need to rely on others to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently.
In conclusion, while both transactional and transformational leaders have their strengths and weaknesses, the key difference lies in their approach to motivating and inspiring their followers. Transactional leaders focus on maintaining stability and achieving specific goals, while transformational leaders focus on inspiring and empowering their followers to achieve a common vision.
Learning Objectives
- Critically assess and compare distinct theories of leadership, including the Great Leader Theory, Zeitgeist Model, Leadership Grid theory, Leader/Member Exchange theory, social role theory, evolutionary theory, and the differentiation between transactional and transformational leadership, regarding their implementation in historical and contemporary periods.