Question

In your own words...discuss what are the strengths and weakness of transformational leadership theory and leader-member theory (LMX)? How might your knowledge of the LMX theory help you to become a better leader.

Answer 1

Transformational Leaders are the leaders who come iwtha vision and aspire to change the organization to a superior vision . They are proactive in approach and convince the human resources of the organization to walk the path with them towards changing the company and attaining new heights . These leaders typically have some charisma and an ability to inspire others .

Strengths of Transformational Leaders

These leaders come with a passion and enthusiasm coupled with their ability to size market and competition to develop a new roadmap for the organization .

They are able to inspire

Their planning is very strong

They are aware of competition and environment.

Weaknesses :

They do not have attention to detail.

They may miss on forming relationship .

Some employees may feel left out .

Difficult to motivate employees at a lower level .

LMX Theory

This is also called the vertical dyad linkage mode. The leader memebr theory propogates that all leader form an individual personal relationship with employees in their teams . They have a specific relationship with each employees and the behaviour with each is a reflection of same . As a consequence the expectations from all employees are differnt based on the type of relationship they have with the leader.

Strengths :

This helps in identification and development of people .

Right people are in charge of growth of organization .

Weaknesses

Could be full of biases

May develop ac ulture of syophanting the boss as proximity to him is more important than anything else .

May demotivate the ones who are not in closes contact

Not a good thing for large corporations .

Theory of LMX may help in the personal groeth of managers as if I know that I am forming relationships i would be more conscious of taking all employees in loop and looking at relationships more objectively . Also i would use some quantitative method before arising on people conclusion to avoid any possible bias .