2. Transactional Leadership- History
The theory of transactional leadership is attributed to Max Weber, a 20th
century German sociologist (St. Thomas University, 2018).
In 1947, Weber described what came to be known as transactional
leadership as “the exercise of control on the basis of knowledge” (St.
Thomas University, 2018).
Transactional leadership methods were implemented widely after World
War II to maintain structure and stability in the United States (St. Thomas
University, 2018).
By the 1980s, transactional leadership had become a prominent
leadership style by name (St. Thomas University, 2018).
3. Transactional Leadership- Tenets
Rewards and punishments system
Relationship between leader and subordinates viewed as an exchange
Clearly defined standards and expectations
Highly structured environment
Task-oriented
(Cherry, 2018)
4. Transactional Leadership- Examples
o Bill Gates
o Vince Lombardi
o Howard Schultz
(St. Thomas University, 2018)
https://www.lifegate.com/people/news/bill-gates-two-billion-in-
renewables
5. Transactional Leadership in Education
In the classroom: The teacher sets a clear goal for the class and rewards
them if it is met.
In the school: A principal motivates faculty to work efficiently by offering
early dismissal during in-service.
In policy: A teacher receives an increase in pay if student performance
improves on standardized tests.
6. Transformational Leadership- History
Sociologist James Downton coined the term “transformational
leadership” in 1973 (St. Thomas University, 2018).
In the late 1970s, leadership expert James Burns expanded upon
Downtown’s ideas. Burns defined transformational leaders as those who
seek innovation and change to improve both results and the greater
good (St. Thomas University, 2018).
7. Transformational Leadership- Tenets
Leader as positive role model
Leader as inspiring motivator
Leader demonstrates genuine care and concern for followers
Leader fosters innovation and creativity among followers
(Riggio, 2014)
8. Transformational Leadership- Examples
Nelson Mandela
Walt Disney
Douglas MacArthur
(Legacee, n.d.)
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/remembering-nelson-
mandela/
9. Transformational Leadership in Education
In the classroom: A teacher who implements new strategies tailored to his or
her class of students, not just ”tried and true” methods aimed at testing
improvement .
In the school: A principal who encourages faculty to reflect, challenge the status
quo, and bring their ideas to the table—and is willing to implement change.
In policy: Curriculum that allows for growth and student-centered instruction.
(Gunn, 2018)
10. Conclusion
Neither leadership style is “right or wrong” or “good or bad.” Both can be
effective in the right situations. However, just as its name evokes,
transformational leadership truly evokes lasting change among followers.
Individuals are acting because they are inspired, want to be better, and
want to work to improve the greater good. While this may also be true for
those under transactional leadership, it could also be simply a short-term
change implemented in order to receive a tangible reward, and unless the
reward continues, the change may not last. Furthermore, there is no need
for the styles to be mutually exclusive. In order to propel change, a
transformational leader may implement components of transactional
leadership at times. Solid leaders are able to adapt and assess the needs of
their followers.
11. References
Cherry, K. (2018). Transactional leadership. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-transactional-
leadership-2795317
Gunn, J. (2018). Transformational leadership in schools. Retrieved from https://education.cu-
portland.edu/blog/leaders-link/transformational-leadership-model/
Legacee. (n.d.). 125 Transformational leaders. Retrieved from
https://www.legacee.com/transformational_leadership/list-of-leaders/
Riggio, R. (2014). The four elements of transformational leaders. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201411/the-4- elements-transformational-
leaders
St. Thomas University. (2018) What is transactional leadership. Retrieved from
https://online.stu.edu/articles/education/what-is-transactional-leadership.aspx#history
St. Thomas University. (2018). What is transformational leadership. Retrieved from
https://online.stu.edu/articles/education/what-is-transformational-leadership.aspx#history
