The Paths of Leadership

Transactional leadership can be defined as a leadership style which emphasizes the structural and procedural side of leading others. Transactional leadership theory does not concern itself with questions of personal empowerment and inner processes. The philosophy of this approach deals primarily with the observable, procedural actions engaged in by the leader. For example if follower A does action X, then follower A will be rewarded with Y.

Transformational leadership seeks to garner a deeper understanding of the inner processes and traits of leadership. Within the scope of transformation are those practices which focus on personal empowerment and self actualization.