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Individual Literature Review
Transformational Theory
Change theories have long been used to address leadership styles in education and other positions of power and respect. One of the theories to which educational leaders widely subscribe is transformational theory. This theory involves the study and understanding of leadership as a process by which one individual engages with another (Wolinski, 2010). From that engagement a connection is formed. It is believed that connection will create stronger morality and better motivation in both the leader and the followers (Anderson, 2010). Transformational leadership is sometimes likened to other, similar styles such as charismatic leadership and servant leadership (Wolinski, 2010). All of these leadership theories discuss leaders as having specific qualities like extroversion, confidence, and values that are strong and clearly stated (Anderson, 2010). Leaders who have those things are better at motivating followers, overall, than leaders who follow styles where there is little connection with followers -- such as transactional leadership.
An important key for people who use the transformational style of leadership is the attentiveness the leader has to his or her followers. The motives and needs of followers are important to the leader, and a good leader studies those areas in an effort to help each follower reach his or her maximum available potential. Additionally, anyone who works under the theory of transformational leadership also looks to initiate and develop important changes that can then by implemented in an organization (Anderson, 2010). This leadership style can apply to businesses in the public and private sector, to non-profit organizations,...
Transformational leadership is especially important within education because there are many disadvantaged and underprivileged students who need to feel as though someone believes in them (Wagner & Kegan, 2006). These students can reach great heights, but only if they are encouraged in the proper way -- which can be done through transformational leadership.
Seeing transformational leadership as a process is significant to anyone who is trying to understand the differences between the leadership theories and/or attempting to learn more about a specific leadership style (Wolinski, 2010). Transformational leaders work together with their followers to bring out the best in everyone, instead of remaining distant and giving orders that followers are then expected to blindly follow. That is one of the main reasons that transformational leadership works so well in an educational setting. Students are followers, but they can have a hard time following a leader (teacher) who does not appear to value them or want to actually teach them anything (Kezar, 2001). When students learn, they need not only someone to give them instruction but also someone to guide them. Teachers who use transformational leadership are much more likely to guide students and help them move forward -- especially if those teachers work with students who have special needs or are part of a disadvantaged group (Wagner & Kegan, 2006).
When a leader of any kind sees a group purpose, and not just what the situation can provide for the leader, everyone benefits. All of society can benefit from students who are correctly taught by a teacher who cares about them.…
References
Anderson, D. (2010). Organization development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Burke, W. (2008). Organization change: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Kezar, A.J. (2001). Understanding and facilitating change in the 21st Century: Vol 28. ASHE-ERIC. Higher Education Report. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Wagner, T., & Kegan, R. (2006). Change leadership: A practical guide to transforming our schools. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Wolinski, S. (2010). Leadership Theories. Blog: Leadership. Retrieved from http://managementhelp.org/blogs/leadership/2010/04/21/leadership-theories/
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