Leading Change and Crisis: How Transformational Changes Can Be Successful Nowadays?

Abstract

Nowadays, the world scene is changing at a fast pace. The increase of competition, technological developments, financial downturns, market expansion, legal and political instabilities are forcing the international business environment to transformational changes. Researchers agree that most transformation efforts produce only middle level results. Changes can be stimulating in an organization, but are often met with negative emotions such as stress and fear which result in resistance and in organizational crisis. Literature review reveals that crisis will always accompany changes. The aims of this study are to bridge leadership effectiveness and leader’s competencies in the context of leading change and crisis under the optimal profile of transformational leadership. The study is based on a critical literature review following a qualitative research approach of reviewing secondary data and sources. The main conclusion of this study is that transformational changes can be successful with the proper guidance and support of the leaders. Transformational leadership is considered critical during times of change because of the importance leaders to encourage and implement changes but also to encourage, engage and motivate their followers to accept changes.