Transformational and Inspirational Leadership
1. Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the concept of transformational leadership, and to examine why many consider it as being overshadowed by inspirational leadership.
In order to do that, the assignment starts with a general idea of Leadership, and differentiating it from Management, as many confuse them as the same thing.
An explanation of how authors like Burns and Bass wrote about Transformational Leadership, and pointing out its differences from transactional leadership. Continuing by defining transformational leadership and analysing its components, as well as a demonstration of how authors like Bass and Yukl contributed to the idea, followed by a critical analysis to the topic.
In the second part of the paper, there is a brief explanation of Inspirational Leadership, comparing it with transformational leadership, trying to identify the reasons that many consider inspirational leadership is overshadowing the transformational leadership.
The third part follows, outlining conclusions towards future leadership approaches, followed by the Summary.
2. Defining Leadership
Many researchers and writers have explored the area of Leadership throughout the years, but yet there is no one single definition that describes it precisely. Leadership is continuously evolving, and one of the restraints of explaining, as Georgiades states (1998), is that our images of leadership are entirely personal. Therefore, everyone has a different perception of leadership.
Crainer points out that there are about 400 definitions related with leadership (Mullins, 2007). However, Mullins (2007) defines merely leadership as: the relationship through which one person influences the behavior or actions of other people.
Another definition of leadership given by Robbins (sited in Capon) is “the ability to influence a group towards the achievement of goals”, completing that many times leadership is associated with the role of manager.
The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the concept of transformational leadership, and to examine why many consider it as being overshadowed by inspirational leadership.
In order to do that, the assignment starts with a general idea of Leadership, and differentiating it from Management, as many confuse them as the same thing.
An explanation of how authors like Burns and Bass wrote about Transformational Leadership, and pointing out its differences from transactional leadership. Continuing by defining transformational leadership and analysing its components, as well as a demonstration of how authors like Bass and Yukl contributed to the idea, followed by a critical analysis to the topic.
In the second part of the paper, there is a brief explanation of Inspirational Leadership, comparing it with transformational leadership, trying to identify the reasons that many consider inspirational leadership is overshadowing the transformational leadership.
The third part follows, outlining conclusions towards future leadership approaches, followed by the Summary.
2. Defining Leadership
Many researchers and writers have explored the area of Leadership throughout the years, but yet there is no one single definition that describes it precisely. Leadership is continuously evolving, and one of the restraints of explaining, as Georgiades states (1998), is that our images of leadership are entirely personal. Therefore, everyone has a different perception of leadership.
Crainer points out that there are about 400 definitions related with leadership (Mullins, 2007). However, Mullins (2007) defines merely leadership as: the relationship through which one person influences the behavior or actions of other people.
Another definition of leadership given by Robbins (sited in Capon) is “the ability to influence a group towards the achievement of goals”, completing that many times leadership is associated with the role of manager.
References: Ader J. (2002) Inspiring Leadership: learning from great leaders, London : Thorogood Avolio, B.J Bass, B.M. and Avolio, B.J., (1990) Multifactor leadership questionnaire, Consulting Psychologists Press, Palo Alto, CA. Bass, B.M. and Avolio, B.J.,(1994) Improving Organizational Performance Trough Transformational Leadership, Sage Bass, B.M Burns, J.M. (1978) Leadership, Harper and Row Capon C Mullins, Laurie J., 2007, Management and organisational behavior 8th edition, Financial Times, Prentice Hall Kirkbride P Rahan, A’(2002) Meaning of Leadership in 2002, Professional Manager Yukl G Yukl G. (2006), Leadership in Organisations 6th edition, Prentice Hall Zaleznik A