Are the Behaviors of Transformational Leaders Impacting Organizations? A Study of Transformational Leadership

[Abstract] The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual framework of the behaviors needed to be an effective leader. The authors provide an interdisciplinary model for leader effectiveness and to classify four essential behaviors needed to identify transformational leaders as: 1) a vision-builder; 2) a standardbearer; 3) an integrator; and 4) a developer. According to leadership pioneers such as Peter Drucker, John McCall, Luther Gulick and others, these behaviors are vital for effective leadership within any industry. As a result, this study identifies basic behaviors essential to effective leaders and connects them to a conceptual model of transformational leadership.[Keywords] behaviors, transformation leadership; organization;Leadership Model AlignmentMuch of the current leadership research focuses on the characteristics leaders need to be effective. Other research begins to identify the behaviors of effective leaders. The research that begins to identify behaviors tends to be focused on specific professions versus providing one integrating model of behaviors for leadership effectiveness. There is still another group of research that is not clear whether it is discussing attributes of the leaders, skills leaders need, or what leaders must do. The four behaviors identified by the authors of this study are framed as things leaders must do to be effective.The transformational leadership model has its roots in charismatic leadership, which further developed into transactional leadership. Transactional leadership progressed into the transformational leadership model. The transformational leadership model continues to contain several branches including charismatic leadership, transformational leadership, and visionary leadership (McCann et al., 2006). This article focuses on where the model posited intersects with the current models to further define these relationships.We identify four major behavior categories connected to transformational leadership that we hypothesize effective leaders need. These behaviors are vision-builder, standard-bearer, integrator, and developer. As these behavior categories have been further defined they intersect with the transformational leadership model presented.These authors have developed an interdisciplinary leadership model based on the behaviors found in transformational leadership theory. This model is consistent with findings in current transformational leadership research in that leaders have an impact on organizational culture. From a functionalist perspective leaders are responsible for culture change either through substantive, visible actions or through the symbolic roles they play (Meindl, Ehrlich, & Dukerich, 1985 as cited by Sarros, Cooper, & Santora, 2008, p. 148). Finally, transformational leaders must also be sustainable leaders. Sustainable leaders work to sustain others, sustain themselves, and sustain their organizations (Hargreaves & Fink, 2006).Conceptual FrameworkIntroductionThere are basic behaviors of leadership required for leaders to be effective and leaders will succeed if they are able to master these basic behaviors. Within the framework proposed, four overarching behaviors have been identified and are essential to effective leadership regardless of leadership style. Within each overarching basic behavior the authors have identified specific skills that contribute to success in developing these skills. In any organization, a leader's actions set the stage for how the organization will perform (Clark, 2004). The authors propose the following behavioral model to connect effective leadership to transformational leadership.Need for Measuring Basic BehaviorsThe basic behaviors of the effective leader can be measured in terms of how it impacts people. It should also be measured in terms of success and sustainability within the organization. There are many descriptions of behaviors associated with leadership. …