Transformational leadership: is it time for a recall?

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the two most prominent approaches to leadership: transformational leadership and inspirational leadership. Based on a review of the relevant literature, it is evident that the very concept of transformational leadership is ambiguous. The literature review also suggests that the idea of transformational leadership is being overshadowed by the model of inspirational leadership which despite its imperfections is more potent in practice. The paper draws on a comparison between these two approaches and argues that inspirational leadership is more practical and suitable in dynamic or non-business environments.