This essay will analyze the topic of transformational leadership. The development of the transformational leadership theory will be illustrated in the beginning. Then, it will put emphasis on what kinds of behaviors good transformational leaders should have, and how they motivate their followers. At last, it is worth talking about the issue that why might someone resist following a transformational leader. This essay will demonstrate and clarify the discussion of transformational leadership by using relevant academic literature which containing reliable theories and convincing data, presenting empirical research and examples. The definition of transformational leadership in this essay is provided by Tracey and Hinkin (1998, pp 220-236). They have defined that the transformational leadership is a process that motivates people by appealing to higher ideas and moral values, defining and articulating a vision of the future, and forming a base of credibility.
First, the attention will be paid on the development of the transformational leadership theory. Since so many researchers and writers have made effort on researching it, TFL (transformational leadership) theory has been the most influential leadership theory of the last two decades (Beng-Chong & Ployhart, 2004). Burns (1978) has concluded the definition of transformational leadership by drawing a distinction between transformational and transactional leadership styles. After analyzing, he hold the opinion that the former style can be presented as a leader of innovation, conversely, the later can be understood as a manager of planning and policy. Wang and Howell (2010) have also come to a concept of transformational leadership by summarizing two different points of view. The original viewpoint shows that the transformational leadership is only influenced on individual-level behaviors, nevertheless, the later opinion presents that it also affected on group-level behaviors. Frank and Jane believed that