Conceptual Analysis of Transformational Leadership Approach as a Productive Management Process in Universities

Abstract

From all indications ranging from literature, observations and experience, the university system is faced with multifaceted challenges. Among these challenges are organisational conflict, student unrest, unethical politicking, and attrition rate. This problem has negatively affected university productivity and calls for attention. This study proposed the transformational leadership approach as an alternative to the university management process for effective productivity to answer the question: how can transformational leadership theory be presented as an alternative to effective management of the university system? This argument is located within the interpretive paradigm to guide the argumentative interpretation of the theory toward providing solutions to the challenges. The study presented transformational leadership theory and adopted conceptual analysis to interpret the approach and its assumptions and how they could affect the operating system of universities. The study concluded that the transformational leadership approach, through its assumptions (inspirational motivation, exemplification of moral standards and unity of purpose), is the best managerial approach to ensure unhindered university operations towards productivity. Hence, the study suggests that inspirational motivation, exemplification of moral standards and unity of purpose should be made a fundamental practice among the leaderships of various university departments.