ABSTRACT
This chapter provides overview of the literature on transformational leadership theory. It provides the reader with a general overview of transformational leadership, including the literature that seeks to enlighten us on how transformational leaders can positively influence those around them. The chapter then moves toward highlighting the trending literature, which attempts to answer an ongoing debate about whether or not transformational leadership can be generalized across cultures with different values. More recent studies tend to accept that transformational leadership is effective, as research has moved toward developing a richer understanding of the contexts and environments in which leadership theories are effective. Earlier studies of transformational leadership also call for more attention toward identifying limiting conditions of transformational leadership. The contention of transformational leadership being contextually dependent therefore has practical implications on leadership training as it suggests the necessity of adapting leadership training programs with an awareness of cultural contexts.
