Transformational and Transactional Leadership

Transformational and Transactional Leadership
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Transformational and Transactional Leadership
There are different leadership approaches that an individual or organization can adopt. The transformational and transactional leadership approaches are some of the effective ways through which individuals can communicate. Transactional leadership is usually centered on controlling processes and procedures and needs a strict management approach to achieve. On the other hand, transformational leadership is usually centered on coordinating, cooperating, and communicating different aspects of the organization. All these are central issues that determine how far or how effective individuals can enhance their performance.
The two leadership styles are different. They are applicable in different business settings and depend on the nature of an organization or how an individual prefers to do certain things. In transactional leadership, the focus is on getting the thing done, the main reason it focuses on processes and procedures. On the other hand, transformational leadership centers on people, their needs, challenges, and experiences. The aim is to ensure that their concerns are addressed and understand the organization's objectives or business. The purpose of the essay is to explore the differences between these two leadership styles and assess their relevance to management in the contemporary business world.
Transactional Leadership
There are unique traits that define transactional leaders. They usually replace the wants of the leaders with the wants of followers, emphasize the development in processes, goals, and direct people towards these objectives. Further, transactional leaders also strive to control the outcomes in any business process. It is an essential aspect that guarantees how far an individual can ensure that they achieve the desired outcomes. Transactional leaders are also responsible for making important decisions in the management of a business or entity. Therefore, they are defined by a strong personality that protects their needs and desires (Khan, 2017).
This leadership style aims to promote compliance among team members through rewards or punishments. While this is a short-term motivational approach, it is never sustainable in meeting the objectives of the business. The focus is basically on short-term goals and objectives, focusing on future innovation and change. Notably, productivity is also an important aspect that is considered in the transactional leadership style. Therefore, the leader is willing to offer tangible rewards or threats to inspire people towards productivity. Certain traits are associated with transactional leadership, including a responsive leadership style, following rules and objectives, rewards and punishments, enhancing productivity, and fitting people within the organizational culture. The people are motivated based on the perceived benefits arising from the processes. Individuals are pushed to attain specific objectives based on what the leader wants.
Notably, transactional leadership is applicable in specific business settings. During crises and emergencies, transactional leadership is a proper basis for meeting short-term obj...