Unpacking transformational leadership: dimensional analysis with psychological empowerment

Abstract

Purpose Scholarly studies have criticized transformational leadership (TFL) for its lack of conceptual clarity and inadequate operationalization. This study endeavors to do a detailed examination of the dimensions of the construct to address the lack of conceptual clarity. Further, with respect to concerns regarding operationalization, the study does an exploratory evaluation of reconceptualized TFL's relationship with psychological empowerment, a construct through which TFL mostly has its beneficial outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach Respondents (n = 335) from an Indian information technology (IT) services organization report on their psychological empowerment and the transformational behaviors of their supervisors using temporally separated (15 days) online questionnaires.

Findings As expected, the dimensions of transformational leadership are not equally salient in influencing psychological empowerment; however, they explain variance in all dimensions of psychological empowerment. Visioning relates to meaning and impact; inspirational communication relates to all dimensions of empowerment; personal recognition relates to impact and competence; finally, intellectual stimulation relates to self-determination. Contrary to expectations, however, data did not support the relationship of intellectual stimulation and supportive leadership on competence.

Research limitations/implications Data collected from a single organization limit the claims of generalizability, and the use of a cross-sectional design prevents claims of causality. Given the significant variation in relational properties of individual dimensions, scholars can use dimensions of TFL, and therefore theorizing with these is possible.

Originality/value This paper provides additional support for the unpacking of TFL, by hypothesizing and demonstrating the dimensional relationships between TFL and psychological empowerment.