During which period was leadership research focused on transformational theory?

Leadership research concentrated on transformational theory predominantly from the 1980s to the 2010s. This period was marked by the rising popularity of transformational leadership concepts, primarily associated with the work of scholars like Bernard Bass and James MacGregor Burns. They emphasized how leaders can inspire and motivate followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes and promote significant change within organizations.

During this time frame, the transformational leadership model gained traction in both academic and practical settings, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership and the leader-follower relationship. The theory was extensively studied and developed further, particularly in the context of organizational performance, employee engagement, and change management.

By the time we reached the 2010s, the foundational ideas of transformational leadership had become integrated into broader leadership frameworks, influencing contemporary understandings of effective leadership practices across various sectors.