Transformational leadership aims at enhancing the engagement and motivation of employees along with aligning them with the values of an organization, whereas transactional leadership tends to advance compliance with existing goals of an organization and expectation of performance through supervision (Hargis, Wyatt, & Piotrowski, 2001). Additionally, transformational leadership appeals to the interests of a group and the impression of the success of the organization. Transactional leadership appeals to employees’ self-interest who looks for getting rewards for their tremendous efforts in the workplace. Conversely, the leadership mentioned above theories share certain similarities. Foremost, they are both intended to spearhead the integration of desired responsibilities within organizations. Secondly, they embrace essential leadership characteristics, such as values, vision, and beliefs. Thirdly, they are pivotal in accomplishing the success of businesses. They are complementary as they fit in people’s and businesses’ development functions.
Jeff Bezos, who is the founder and CEO of Amazon, is an example of a leader who elicits characteristics of both transformational and transactional leadership. As a transformational leader, he has championed his goal of the long-term vision of ensuring that Amazon Company provides better services to its customers. His commitment to aligning its company towards a customer-centric path is incredible (Hargis, Wyatt, & Piotrowski, 2001). Also, he has exhibited the characters of a transactional leader in that he acknowledges the importance of performance appraisal. Amazon Company has adept and well-skilled employees who become rewarded upon attaining their targeted responsibilities or goals. Tellingly, it is evident that Jeff Bezos has improved the organizational values of the company by teaching innovative strategies that enhance its development functions. Therefore, by employing both leadership theories, he has developed the commitment of the business in providing better long-term products and services to its ever-growing customer base.
References
Hargis, M. B., Wyatt, J.D., Piotrowski, C. (2001). Developing Leaders: Examining the Role of Transactional and Transformational Leadership across Contexts Business. Organization Development Journal 29 (3): 51-66.Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/
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