Transformational Leadership


The concept outlines core ‘constants’ that can be used to develop effective leadership within the organisation and describes the principles that underpin transformational leadership. The concept will give you an understanding of how to adopt this approach in any organisational setting.

Technique Overview

Transformational Leadership

Transformational Leadership Definition

Transformational leadership "portrays leaders as charismatic or visionary individuals who seek to overturn the status quo and bring about radical change. Such leaders use the force of their personality to motivate followers to identify with the leader's vision and to sacrifice their self-interest in favour of that of the group or organisation" (Burnes, 2009: 605).

Transformational Leadership Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Transformational Leadership *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Transformational Leadership *

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Professional Tools

Transformational Leadership videos and downloads *

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Further Reading

Transformational Leadership web and print resources *

Transformational Leadership references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Bass, B.M. (1985) Leadership and Performance. Free Press, New York.
  • Bass, B.M., Avolio, B.J., Jung, D.I. and Berson, Y. (2003) Predicting Unit Performance by Assessing Transformational and Transactional Leadership. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(2), pp. 207-218.
  • Bolman, L.G. and Deal, T.E. (1997) Reframing Organizations. Artistry, Choice and Leadership 2e. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Burnes, B. (2009) Managing Change. Pearson, Essex, UK.

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