Transformational Leadership Research Paper

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is an old term first used in 1973 and is considered as an important approach to leadership to study. Transformational leadership raises transactional leadership to the next level. Transformational and transactional leadership styles are common types of leadership, which are being practiced, and focused on the exchange between leaders and followers. However, transformational leadership is more focused towards engaging with others, creating connections, motivating subordinates to achieve their goals. There are four major factors of transformational leadership according to the Full Range of Leadership Model.

 Charisma or Idealized Influence: describes leaders who are role models for followers, deeply respected and trusted.

 Inspirational Motivation describes the ability of leaders to convey high expectations to their followers, providing them with the motivation to commit to the shared vision.

 Intellectual Stimulation: describes the ability of leaders to make their followers challenge their beliefs and be more innovative/creative; and finally

 Individualized Consideration: describes leaders who provide more supportive climate for followers to convey

As a transformation leader, Steve Jobs was oriented to transform his subordinates to help each other, to look out for each other, to motivate and be harmonious and to take care about the company as a whole. In Apple, he is considered as a brilliant leader who had an idealistic and pedantic vision to provide computers as a tool to change the world, and it encouraged other talented people to follow his idea. Steve Jobs leadership style valuable and positively influenced on his subordinates, so they could change their values and the way of thinking. In his leadership style, he enhances the motivation, morale, and performance of his follower group (Antonakis,