Leadership in the public services is a crucial aspect that determines the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided to the citizens. Different leadership styles can be observed in the public services, and they have their unique strengths and limitations. In this essay, we will compare two commonly observed leadership styles in the public services: transformational leadership and transactional leadership.
Transformational leadership is a leadership style that focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to not only achieve their goals but also to strive for personal growth and development. The leader in this style focuses on the needs and development of the followers and creates a vision that inspires and motivates them to achieve it. Transformational leaders are visionary, energetic, and enthusiastic and are able to inspire and motivate their followers to achieve their full potential. They encourage creativity and innovation and foster a positive work culture.
On the other hand, transactional leadership is a leadership style that focuses on the exchange of rewards and punishments for the achievement of specific goals. The leader in this style sets clear expectations and goals for the followers and rewards or punishes them based on their performance. Transactional leaders are more authoritarian and rely on a system of rewards and punishments to motivate and manage their followers. They focus on achieving short-term goals and maintaining the status quo.
One of the main differences between transformational and transactional leadership is the focus on the long-term versus the short-term. Transformational leadership focuses on creating a long-term vision and inspiring followers to achieve it, while transactional leadership focuses on achieving specific goals in the short-term. Another difference is the focus on the needs and development of the followers. Transformational leaders focus on the personal growth and development of their followers, while transactional leaders focus on achieving specific goals and managing their followers through a system of rewards and punishments.
In the public services, both leadership styles have their strengths and limitations. Transformational leadership can be effective in creating a positive work culture and inspiring followers to achieve their full potential. It can also be effective in addressing long-term issues and challenges in the public services. However, it may not be suitable in situations where there is a need for quick decision-making and immediate results.
Transactional leadership, on the other hand, can be effective in achieving specific goals and maintaining the status quo in the short-term. It can also be effective in situations where there is a need for quick decision-making and immediate results. However, it may not be suitable in fostering a positive work culture and inspiring followers to achieve their full potential.
In conclusion, both transformational and transactional leadership styles have their unique strengths and limitations in the public services. The appropriate leadership style will depend on the specific needs and context of the situation. It is essential for leaders in the public services to be aware of these different leadership styles and to be able to adapt and use the appropriate style in different situations.