Analysis and Critique of the Theory of Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership occurs when the leader and the follower lead each other to higher levels of values and motivations. This is the product of mutual transformational influence of leaders and followers. Transformational leadership is concerned with the hearts and minds of others. Transformational leadership will help all participants to have higher satisfaction and motivation, and a greater sense of success. Transformational leadership requires trust, respect for others and facilitating needs rather than direct control. Transformational leadership indicators include: long – term discernment, empowering people, coaching, developing others and cultural challenges to generate changes. In transformational leadership, the power of the leader comes from creating mutual understanding and trust. There are three main questions concerning transformational leadership: 1) what is transformational leadership? 2) How to apply it? 3) What are key strengths and weaknesses of the theory of transformational leadership? The first and second questions have been answered by text study method and the literature review of research. To answer the third question two ways were considered: on the first, the views of management researchers were based. On the second, the propositions of the theory were investigated and analyzed by a critique within and outside the structure. On the whole, it was concluded that the theory has strengths and weaknesses and it can be strengthen.