Reading both Bass and Burns’ articles about transactional and transformational leadership styles it is clear that, in the past and today, transactional leadership is less effective and successful than transformational leadership. Building a quick relationship with someone for the sake of gaining one thing in return provides no opportunity to foster growth in that relationship. There is no incentive or need to continue associating oneself with that leader or trying to learn from the leader when the leader has no desire to continue teaching their followers. In comparison, transformational leaders work to benefit both themselves and their followers. Through a process of teaching and working to accomplish their follower’s motives, followers and leaders are able to build a relationship that continuously grows. Burns specifically notes that this type of relationship elevates both groups and provides a greater feeling of accomplishment.
Going deeper into the distinctions between the two Bass describes it as seeing what can you do for a certain group versus what that group can do for you and how you can benefit (Bass 10). Most transactional leaders simply see themselves as a priority and put their needs above those of their followers. Instead of the transformational leaders who combine their needs with their followers, the transactional leader works to separate the two. Bass continues by noting the benefits of transformational leadership–by combing one’s goal with their leaders, the followers are able to move further up Maslow’s chart in order to be closer to self- actualization.
I agree with your statement that transactional leadership is less effective then transformational leadership. I also like how you quoted Bass saying “seeing what can you do for a certain group versus what that group can do for you and how you can benefit.” I think this quote sums up the way we see transactional and transformational leadership.
I for sure agree with your statement in saying that transactional leadership is less effective than transformational. When an individual is only in a relationship to receive something whether that be a personal gain, it is extremely difficult to provide a natural and healthy relationship as the relationship is superficial. If they are truly in it for a gain then there is no possible chance for the relationship to last or to dig under the surface from a conversational perspective.
I agree that it is more effective to foster a relationship over time and for growth than a short one for personal gain. A short relationship won’t be effective in the long run.
I agree with your comment about transactional leadership being less effective in the way it pertains to relationships. In leadership the relationship established between follower and leader is valuable in what can be established and through transactional leadership there is less an emphasis on developing a relationship and more focus on merely benefiting from it.
I disagree that transactional leadership is less effective than transitional. I think that for leaders of social movements and political campaigns, transformational is a better fit. But because there are so many leaders in this world, I think there are positions where a transactional style of leadership has its place.