Transformational leadership highlights the importance of trait theory Assignment - 1

Transformational leadership highlights the importance of trait theory critically evaluate the trait theory of leadership and how - Assignment Example This piece of research paper attempts to address the transformational leadership and to detail how it highlights the trait theory of leadership. This paper critically evaluates the trait theory and analyzes how and why it is relevant in today’s business contexts. Transformational Leadership Out of various types of leaderships, Charismatic and Transformational leadership styles are found to be quite similar in character. Charismatic leadership is the ability of a leader who derives his leadership quality through some unknown and God-given gif to him (Sashkin and Sashkin 2003, p. 56) and therefore his ability is often considered to be divine as they make an emotional impact on subordinates as they appeal both of their hearts and minds (Daft, 2007). Transformational leadership, though quite similar to Charismatic, is very special quality to develop innovative ideas and bring changes to the organization by recognizing the needs and concerns of his subordinates, and by helping them solve older issues in newer strategies and encouraging them to question the status quo (Daft and Lane 2009, p. 424). Wart (2007, p. 74) identified three significant successive stages for transformational leadership. ... 469). Transactional leaders, Servant leaders and Situational leaders are some other commonly discussed leadership models. Transactional leaders are those who define the roles and tasks and related requirements of their subordinates by providing proper rewards and trying to meeting their social and other needs (Daft and Lane 2009, p. 424). Situational leaders act best according to situations. Servant leaders are those who function in responsibility for subordinates and for the society and they thus serve others in good manners, rather than their subordinates serving them (changingminds.org, 2010). Why trait theory is important today Leadership trait theory describes intrinsic traits of leaders and it is based on an assumption that leaders are born with some specific leadership abilities. Intelligence, dependability, energy, drive, enthusiasm, ambition, self confidence and cooperativeness are some of the traits that are found in today’s leaders. Trait theory is very important to day because it can be used to identify qualities that distinguish today’s leaders. Advantages and disadvantages of Trait theories Trait theory can be used to explain why some people are more effective and successful leaders even if they are not trained and why some others, who are trained, are not so successful in leadership. But, trait theories are mostly psychological in approach. Social elements like social class, religion, education, gender and ethnicity are fully ignored in trait theories. It is argued that trait theory makes its difficult to establish whether traits have direct bearing on success as a leader or if a surplus of one trait may compensate for the shortage of another trait (Adeniyi, 2007,