Introduction
The article reviews five Web sites on transformational leadership with reference to women leadership. Burn’s book shows how leadership structures have changed over the years. The writer highlights at fundamental breakthroughs in transformational leadership and leaders who have supported such changes across the world. The book raises global leadership challenges of the 21st century and provides insight into how transformational leadership can address such issues (Burns, 2003).
Challenges for transformational leadership
A study by Munirat and Grace showed that women who occupied leadership position in Nigeria performed well in their roles. Consequently, the research supports the rationale behind campaigning for women in significant leadership positions (Munirat and Nzelibe, 2012). However, they noted that women faced various challenges, which hindered their leadership potentials.
These included “the early educational system, industry unethical policy and government policy, lack of social support, cultural and traditional values” (Munirat and Nzelibe, 2012). They recommend that women should receive government support, policies that favor women, and realistic directives. In addition, organizations should also provide support to women who aspire to hold senior positions.
Women are better leaders than men are
Benson noted that women performed well than men in similar positions of leadership according to a study in Psychological Bulletin of July 2003, Vol. 34, No. 7(Benson, 2003). However, causes of such variations were unclear. The study also showed that women had potentials to be transformational leaders than men. In addition, women registered high scores in areas regarding transactional leadership such as rewarding good performances.
The author argued that women were likely to perform well than men because they had to be good leaders in order to reach management levels. The author also noted that women preferred transformational leadership style because they made bad leaders when they used other styles of leadership.
Transformational leaders share common traits
According to an article by Integrating Women Leaders, transformational leaders and other great leaders share common characteristics (Integrating Women Leaders, 2012). These traits are useful for transforming an organization and empowering others. It argued that transformational leadership was easily adaptable. Past studies on leadership styles concentrated on personality traits of leaders. This approach has changed in recent works as studies now concentrate on core competencies.
Core competencies concentrate on behaviors and activities that leaders can manipulate and adopt. As a result, organizations have started to invest in understanding core competencies of potential leaders for the future. This article also indicates that most organizations show interests in transformational leaders. In addition, studies also demonstrate that manages and workers who use transformational leadership style achieve positive results.
Women in political leadership
The number of women taking political leadership has increased in the international arena. On this realization, Sandon argues that this tendency demonstrates that women have “the same leadership abilities as men and can successfully perform as Presidents and Prime Ministers” (Sandon, 2006). The article shows that such developments in leadership and choices reflect a move towards equal opportunities for all and elimination of prejudice against women.
It also reflects women’s abilities to lead and rule. Sandon argues that it is time for women leaders to introduce new vision and novelty in leadership. Further, the author maintains that women leaders can provide the best and effective leadership in the political arena (Sandon, 2006).
The push for women transformational leadership agenda
In 2011, women leaders convened in Jamaica and encouraged other women to take leadership positions because studies showed that women were better at transformational leadership than men were (Jamaica Observer, 2011). Therefore, increasing the number of women in leadership would ensure gender equality and secure a good future. In addition, Dorothy Whyte claimed that women who were in organizations led their companies to profitability. As a result, it is imperative for both policymakers and business leaders to consider women for management positions.
References
Benson, E. (2003). Women shine at tapping worker potential. Web.
Burns, J. M. (2003). Transforming Leadership. New York: Atlanta Monthly Press.
Integrating Women Leaders. (2012). Transformational Leadership: Do Great Leaders Share the Same Traits? Web.
Jamaica Observer. (2011). Women’s convention pushes transformational leadership agenda. Web.
Munirat, Y., and Nzelibe, G. (2012). Transformational leadership for excellent result: Challenges for women in management and executive positions in Nigeria. Web.
Sandon, A. (2006). Women and Leadership. Web.