While theories abound on the approaches of an effective leader, two distinct motivational styles have gained increasing attention in the business world and are often compared to each other: transactional and transformational leadership. Show
Transactional LeadershipAs defined by ChangingMinds.org, transactional leadership is built upon contingency — subordinates know they will receive a reward for a job well done or chastisement for one not completed successfully. Transactional leaders define their expectations transparently so all involved parties know what is required of them. Transactional leadership depends upon followers accepting full responsibility for their work. Transformational LeadershipTransformational leadership, according to CIO, uses motivation and inspiration to encourage subordinates to innovate and bring about change within their job functions. Transformational leadership thrives in an environment that celebrates worker independence. Through this, workers gain autonomy over the decisions relating to their responsibilities. Followers can become transformational leaders themselves through training via mentorship. Developing Leadership StylesBoth styles of leadership require unique characteristics for their implementation and offer different advantages to employee motivation. According to a study described in the Online Journal of Workforce Education and Development, transactional and transformational leadership styles can work alongside each other and bring value to each other through interaction. Career Paths Best Suited to Different Styles of LeadershipEach of the styles of leadership is distinct in how it achieves results. Due to this, each has career paths that suit them better than the other. Individuals who are interested in exploring a particular career path may need to consider which one meshes with their type of leadership. Careers Based on Transactional LeadershipTransactional leadership builds on the premise that organized action brings results. Among the careers that transactional leaders are best suited are office managers, coaches, military leaders, and entrepreneurs. Careers Based on Transformational LeadershipTransformational leadership understands that ideas drive results. Among the careers that transformational leaders excel are project managers, human resource managers, management consultants, politicians, and businesspeople. Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership: Development and TrainingIndividuals can receive training to develop leadership characteristics. Advanced university degrees such as Norwich University's online Master of Science in Leadership program are an excellent way to refine and strengthen leadership skills. The curriculum focuses on:
These skills are necessary for individuals considering either a transactional vs. transformational leadership approach. Concentrations OfferedNorwich University's Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) program offers several concentrations where students can gain specialized transactional and transformational leadership techniques. Among these are:
Courses OfferedBelow are core courses of the Norwich MSL program:
The following courses are designed for students who choose the specific curriculum concentrations: Strategic Organizational Behavior: Designed for students who choose the Organizational Leadership concentration, this course teaches methods to adapt the strategic alignment of businesses to better suit individual behaviors. Using both transactional and transformational leadership lenses, students can appreciate different organizational strategy models and corporate practices. Human Resource Leadership: This course focuses on leadership in a human resources capacity, including subjects such as the impact of technology and globalization on productivity as well as organizational capabilities. Theories and Innovative Practices of Public Sector/Government/Military Leadership: Designed for students choosing the Public Sector/Government/Military Leadership concentration, the course takes an in-depth look at the various economic and social transformations that leaders in the military or government sectors face in today’s world. Change Management Consulting: Addressing students who have chosen to study Leading Change Management Consulting, the course equips them to develop the tips, tools, and techniques to be a successful consultant on change management. Benefits of an Advanced Leadership DegreeAn advanced leadership degree offers a broader knowledge scope and increases the employability of graduates. The job outlook for most leadership positions associated with these concentrations looks promising. For instance, employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 9% from 2016 to 2026, and administrative service managers are likely to see a 10% growth over the same period. Furthermore, because of their expertise in leadership, graduates also have the potential to earn more, depending on the company. For instance, according to BLS, a financial or insurance administrative manager can earn a median annual wage of up to $104,780, while a local government administrative manager can earn up to $93,630. The combination of increased employability and a better salary makes pursuing an advanced leadership degree a compelling option. Choosing an Advanced Leadership DegreeTransactional vs. transformational leadership: students interested in pursuing these paths may find the best place to start is with a leadership degree that covers the core elements of the field. Norwich University’s online Master of Science in Leadership programhelps individuals develop leadership styles and the skills to lead and inspire positive change in their organizations. This online program provides the opportunity to explore various leadership perspectives and immediately apply learned skills to the workplace to make an impact. As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has maintained a leadership position in innovative education since 1819. Through its online programs, Norwich delivers relevant and applicable curricula that allow its students to make a positive impact on their places of work and their communities. Recommended Readings Sources What are the similarities between leadership styles?A side-by-side comparison between the transformational and servant leadership reveals relatively similar attributes; both styles of leadership are people-oriented. Most notably, both types of leadership involve elements of integrity, trust, respect, delegation, vision, and influence on followers.
What are the similarities and differences between servant leadership and transformational leadership?A servant leader is one who leads from behind by supporting the development of individuals in the organization while a transformational leader provides a common goal and vision and develops individuals to meet those goals.
Are transformational and transactional types of leadership compatible?According to the full range leadership theory and the augmentation hypothesis (Burns 1978; Bass et al. 2003), transformational and transactional leadership can and should be combined to obtain the benefits of both.
What is transactional leadership similar to?Transactional leadership is most often compared to transformational leadership. Transactional leadership depends on self-motivated people who work well in a structured, directed environment. By contrast, transformational leadership seeks to motivate and inspire workers, choosing to influence rather than direct others.
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