From beating the odds to changing the odds: developing a shared understanding of what is meant by transformative leadership

Abstract

Scholarship on the styles and traits of leaders, and engagement between leaders and followers, has led to the broad distinction between transactional leadership: leadership that directs people; and transformational leadership: leadership that directs change. This chapter argues that transformative leadership might be distinguished from other thinking about leadership by its intention to attain systemic and social justice outcomes by employing ethical and people-centred processes. The focus of transformative leadership is on changing power structures and dynamics in society such that access to livelihoods, dignity, rights, and well-being are systemically ensured, rather than institutional or organisational change (transformational leadership) or on individual engagements between leaders and followers (transactional leadership). This framework offers a helpful map to guide thinking about what might be needed to empower young graduates to become leaders across all three spheres of influence.