Which leadership style focuses on enforcing structure?

The focus of transactional leadership on enforcing structure comes from its emphasis on clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations within an organization. Transactional leaders prioritize maintaining order and achieving specific organizational goals through established processes and rewards or penalties based on performance. This leadership style is characterized by a clear directive approach, where leaders provide guidance and oversight to ensure that subordinates meet predetermined standards and fulfill their responsibilities.

In contrast, transformational leadership is more about inspiring and motivating team members to achieve a shared vision, often encouraging innovation and change rather than strict adherence to existing structures. Servant leadership places the needs of the team and organization first, promoting a supportive environment rather than enforcing rules. Participative leadership emphasizes collaboration and involves team members in decision-making processes, which can lead to less hierarchical structure and more fluidity in roles.