Disadvantages Of Transformational Leadership Theory

Transformational leadership is among the more recent leadership theories. It focuses on a leaders ability to inspire followers and it does so by focusing on a vision that can change the structures around the organisation. Its objective is clear when you simply look at the word the theory is built around: transform.

But how do you get people to follow a vision? Is transformational change always a good idea?

In this guide, we will hope to answer the above questions and delve deeper into the model of transformational leadership. We’ll start by examining the ideas behind the style, its core elements and the requirements of a transformational leader. We’ll also examine the advantages and disadvantages of the leadership theory and present you with

The book came out in 1978 and it examined different leadership models of the time in detail. According to Burns, most of these models focused on a transactional process, focusing on different exchanges between the leader and the subordinates. On the other hand, he thought transformational leadership is different, as it engages the leader to form a relationship with the subordinates and ensure it motivates them and improves their moral behaviour. Transformational leadership was a process in which “leaders and followers help each other to advance to a higher level or morale and

Bass. Bass extended Burns’ ideas in 1985 in Leadership and Performance. His focus was on highlighting the psychological mechanisms influencing transformational leadership and to provide a test for measuring a leader’s transformational capabilities. The Multifactor Leadership Quiz (MLQ) will be explored in detail in the section in the next section.

In essences, Bass wanted to explore the ways leader is able to influence subordinates. Bass expanded on Burns’ trait theory and emphasised the leaders characteristics in order to transform the subordinates’ view on things. While Bass believed transformational leadership to be about challenging the status quo and creating a shift in the way things are conducted, he also saw that the framework could include transactional aspects. For Bass, the two leadership models were not mutually exclusive, but more of a continuum of models.

Transformational Transactional Laissez-Faire

Leadership leadership Leadership

The above image represents the continuum and shows that while the styles are different, they are not exclusive of each other. According to Bass, a leader can operate by using all of the three frameworks, rather than sticking to