What Fosters Transformational Leadership?

Abstract

Leadership plays an important role for innovation (Mumford & Licuanan, 2004). This study investigates the conditions facilitating leadership and leadership behavior by exploring motivational aspects fostering transformational leadership. More specifically, we study the associations of intrinsic and prosocial motivation with transformational leadership among 252 middle managers in the largest nonprofit (religious-based) organization in Norway. In addition, we investigate the link between transformational leadership and innovation. Analyses in structural equation modelling (SEM) show a positive relationship between intrinsic motivation and transformational leadership, whereas the relationship between prosocial motivation and transformational leadership was not significant. Furthermore, a positive association between transformational leadership and innovation was shown, and the relationship between intrinsic motivation and innovation was mediated by transformational leadership. These findings indicate that facilitating leaders´ intrinsic motivation seems to increase transformational leadership and innovation. We discuss implications for theory and future research as well as practical consequences.