LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF ... - Drake University

transactional and transformational leadership of 72 light infantry rifle
platoon members predicted their units' potency, cohesion, and
performance during simulated training exercises. Their findings suggest
that both forms of transactional and transformational leadership enhanced
potency, cohesion, and success, and it appeared that both forms of
leadership were necessary for good performance. They determined that
transactional leadership establishes clear standards and expectations of
performance which builds trust in the leader, and that transformational
leadership builds on these levels of trust by establishing a deeper sense of
identification among the followers related to the units' values, mission, and
vision.
Additional research performed by Bass indicated that managers
tagged as high performers by supervisors are also rated by their followers
as more transformational than transactional. Their organizations also tend
to do better financially (Bass, 1990). Research among Methodist
ministers revealed that transformational, not transactional, leadership
behavior was positively related to high church attendance among
congregants and growth in church membership (Bass, 1990).
Increasing transformational leadership in the organization may help
with recruitment. Candidates are likely to be attracted to an organization
whose CEO is charismatic, demonstrating a confident, successful,
optimistic, and dynamic public image. Additionally, transformational
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