Which leadership style focuses on rewards and clear expectations?

The transactional leadership style is characterized by its emphasis on structured tasks, clear expectations, and the use of rewards and penalties to manage team dynamics and performance. This approach operates on a system of exchanges or transactions between the leader and the followers. In this style, leaders set specific goals and provide rewards, such as recognition, bonuses, or promotions, when those goals are met. Conversely, failure to meet expectations can result in corrective actions.

This method is particularly effective in environments where tasks are straightforward, and outcomes can be easily measured. It allows leaders to maintain a level of control while ensuring that team members understand what is expected of them and how they can achieve success. The focus on rewards helps to motivate employees, driving performance and ensuring that objectives are consistently met.

In contrast, other leadership styles mentioned do not emphasize rewards and clear expectations in the same manner. Transformational leadership aims to inspire and motivate followers, often focusing more on vision and individual development rather than explicit transactional exchanges. Nontransactional leadership lacks the structured framework of rewards and goals, focusing instead on the relational aspects of leadership. Laissez-faire leadership takes a hands-off approach, providing little guidance or expectations, which does not align with the principle of using rewards to drive performance.