Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Department

Social Work

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Eli Teram

Advisor Role

Dissertation Co-Supervisor

Abstract

The dissertation examines the applicability of transformational and transactional leadership style to personal social service organizations. The Executive Directors and their subordinates from 92 Children’s Aid Societies and Children’s Mental Health Centres in Ontario participated in the study. The results indicate significant positive relationships between transformational leadership (TFL) and job satisfaction, commitment, leader effectiveness, and satisfaction with the leader. While not as robust, significant negative relationships were found between transactional leadership (TAL) and job satisfaction, commitment, leader effectiveness, and satisfaction with the leader. It is pointed out that TAL and TFL are derived by averaging eight discrete factors into two sources. This procedure allows for a comprehensive analysis of TFL and TAL leadership, but results in the loss of information regarding the relative importance of the individual factors making up the score. The dissertation concludes with suggesting that TFL and TAL are useful factors in examining leadership in personal social service organizations. However, while the TAL concept is relevant as an appropriate leadership style, the adequacy of Bass’ Multi-Factor Leadership Questionnaire used to measure TAL is questioned. This research reflects that TAL and TFL is perceived as a bipolar concept rather than an independent one as suggested by Bass (1985). Areas for future research as suggested including the role of personal values in TFL; the measurement of TAL; the relevance of TAL and TFL to more direct service positions; and management training programmes to promote the development of TFL.

Convocation Year

1993

Convocation Season

Fall

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