Bruce J. Avolio

Re‐examining the components of transformational and transactional leadership using the Multifactor Leadership

A total of 3786 respondents in 14 independent samples, ranging in size from 45 to 549 in US and foreign firms and agencies, completed the latest version of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ Form 5X), each describing their respective leader. Based on prior literature, nine models representing different factor structures were compared to determine the best fit for the MLQ survey. The models were tested in an original set of nine samples, and then in a second replication set comprised of five samples. Results indicated the factor structure for the MLQ survey was best represented by six lower order factors and three correlated higher-order factors.

Predicting unit performance by assessing transformational and transactional leadership.

How do leadership ratings collected from units operating under stable conditions predict subsequent performance of those units operating under high stress and uncertainty? To examine this question, the authors calculated the predictive relationships for the transformational and transactional leadership of 72 light infantry rifle platoon leaders for ratings of unit potency, cohesion, and performance for U.S. Army platoons participating in combat simulation exercises. Both transformational and transactional contingent reward leadership ratings of platoon leaders and sergeants positively predicted unit performance. The relationship of platoon leadership to performance was partially mediated through the units level of potency and cohesion. Implications, limitations, and future directions for leadership research are discussed.

Transformational leadership, transactional leadership, locus of control, and support for innovation: Key predictors of consolidated-business-unit performance.

The authors used measures of leadership, locus of control, and support for innovation to predict the consolidated-unit performance of 78 managers. Results revealed that 3 transformational-leadership measures were associated with a higher internal locus of control and significantly and positively predicted business-unit performance over a 1-year interval. Transactional measures of leadership, including contingent reward and management by exception (active and passive), were each negatively related to business-unit performance. Causal relationships between the transformational-leadership behaviors and unit performance were moderated by the level of support for innovation in the business unit

Leadership: Current Theories, Research, and Future Directions

This review examines recent theoretical and empirical developments in the leadership literature, beginning with topics that are currently receiving attention in terms of research, theory, and practice. We begin by examining authentic leadership and its development, followed by work that takes a cognitive science approach. We then examine new-genre leadership theories, complexity leadership, and leadership that is shared, collective, or distributed. We examine the role of relationships through our review of leader member exchange and the emerging work on followership. Finally, we examine work that has been done on substitutes for leadership, servant leadership, spirituality and leadership, cross-cultural leadership, and e-leadership. This structure has the benefit of creating a future focus as well as providing an interesting way to examine the development of the field. Each section ends with an identification of issues to be addressed in the future, in addition to the overall integration of the literature we provide at the end of the article.

Authentic Leadership: Development and Validation of a Theory-Based Measure†:

This study developed and tested a theory-based measure of authentic leadership using five separate samples obtained from China, Kenya, and the United States. Confirmatory factor analyses supported a higher order, multidimensional model of the authentic leadership construct (the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire [ALQ]) comprising leader self-awareness, relational transparency, internalized moral perspective, and balanced processing. Structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated the predictive validity for the ALQ measure for important work-related attitudes and behaviors, beyond what ethical and transformational leadership offered. Finally, results revealed a positive relationship between authentic leadership and supervisor-rated performance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Context and leadership: an examination of the nine-factor full-range leadership theory using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire ☆

In this study, we examined the validity of the measurement model and factor structure of Bass and Avolio’s Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (Form 5X). We hypothesized that evaluations of leadership—and hence the psychometric properties of leadership instruments—may be affected by the context in which leadership is observed and evaluated. Using largely homogenous business samples consisting of 2279 pooled male and 1089 pooled female raters who evaluated same-gender leaders, we found support for the nine-factor leadership model proposed by Bass and Avolio. The model was configurally and partially metrically invariant—suggesting that the same constructs were validly measured in the male and female groups. Mean differences were found between the male and female samples on four leadership factors (Study 1). Next, using factor-level data of 18 independently gathered samples (N=6525 raters) clustered into prototypically homogenous contexts, we tested the nine-factor model and found it was stable (i.e., fully invariant) within homogenous contexts (Study 2). The contextual factors comprised environmental risk, leader–follower gender, and leader hierarchical level. Implications for use of the MLQ and nine-factor model are discussed.

Promoting More Integrative Strategies for Leadership Theory-Building.

The agenda for theory and research in the field of leadership studies has evolved over the last 100 years from focuses on the internal dispositions associated with effective leaders to broader inquiries that include emphases on the cognitions, attributes, behaviors, and contexts in which leaders and followers are dynamically embedded and interact over time. Leadership theory and research has reached a point in its development at which it needs to move to the next level of integration--considering the dynamic interplay between leaders and followers, taking into account the prior, current, and emerging context--for continued progress to be made in advancing both the science and practice of leadership.

Identifying Common Methods Variance With Data Collected From A Single Source: An Unresolved Sticky Issue

Common methods variance that can result when two or more constructs are measured by a single rater or source was examined using Within and Between Analysis (WABA). Levels of analysis effects were assessed for single-source leadership and outcome ratings obtained using surveys completed by the followers of managers employed by a multidivisional Fortune 500 high technology organization. The alignment of singleand multiple-source effects with the analytic procedures, a critique of recommended procedures for addressing problems with single-source variance, an alternative conceptual framework, and strategies to address problems with research involving questionnaire! survey self-report measures are discussed.

The ethics of charismatic leadership: submission or liberation?

Executive Overview Charismatic business leaders are often heralded as corporate heroes by orchestrating turnarounds, launching new enterprises, engaging in organizational renewal or change, and obtaining extraordinary performance from individuals. The effectiveness of these leaders may be interpreted by executives as an unqualified recommendation for such leadership in their organizations. However the risks involved in charismatic leadership are at least as large as the promises. What is missing from current discussions about charisma is consideration of its darker side. In this article we focus on a paradox that emerges whenever one discusses leaders such as Robert Campeau, Max DePree, Lee Iacocca, Ross Johnson, Ralph Larsen, and Michael Milken: why are some charismatic leaders destructive, while others are beneficial to followers, organizations, and even entire societies? Drawing on the results from an interview study as well as the popular management literature, we describe the qualities and values tha...

Developing Transformational Leadership: 1992 and Beyond

European management must become more transformational with respect to its leadership if it is to address the challenges confronting the European community after 1992. The question arises, can transformational leadership be trained? The answer is affirmative. A number of successful training experiences in North America are described in this article. These experiences form the basis for a prototype training programme now being conducted in a large European conglomerate at the junior, middle and senior management level. A general overview of these programmes are provided, as well as evidence that they are having strong beneficial effects on the participants in the workshops, and in their performance back on their jobs.