Transformational leadership at tech companies like Google and Facebook

Leadership Theory in Action

Theory in Action: Transformational Leadership

Case Summary

Among the main principles of transformational leadership is that people who are true leaders work with their followers instead of simply ordering others around and expecting them to do what they are told (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Followers work better when they can see a point to the work they are doing, and when they feel as though they are working for the common good of the company. This is what keeps them interested at companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and other tech giants. Because these companies are so focused on a flexible and unique approach to the work they do, they are much more likely to have transformational leaders as opposed to leaders who are transactional.

These companies are more open to working with people in interesting and different ways, which helps them see more success. Additionally, it helps the individual workers see success, because they want to come to work and do the best they can. Being part of the team can make a big difference in how a person feels about his or her job (Bass & Riggio, 2006). That is true for both the leaders and the followers, because they can team up on a common goal and see it come to fruition. When companies encourage that type of behavior, they are more likely to bring in employees who want to work as members of a team and who will be dedicated to the future of the company.

Recommendations and Conclusions

It would be best for any company that wants to keep its employees happy to make sure that it employs leaders who are transformational in nature. Many technology companies already do this, but they do not all have transformational leaders in all management positions. They can also have problems with employees that want to advance in their careers. Because there are so many people working as teams at large companies, it can be difficult for a person to stand out and get noticed. When a person does not get noticed, he or she has very little luck in moving up or receiving a promotion. That is one of the downsides to transformational leadership, at least for the followers who want to achieve leadership positions in the future. Still, it is often a better choice than working with transactional leaders.