Transformational leadership style in improving organizational performance and effectiveness in Generation Z

Abstract

Transformational leadership is a leadership approach that emphasizes a leader’s ability to inspire, motivate, and transform individuals to achieve higher levels of performance and organizational goals. This approach has become increasingly relevant in the contemporary era, particularly among younger generations such as Generation Z, who possess distinct characteristics including a strong need for meaningful work, collaboration, flexibility, and a pronounced drive for innovation. This study aims to describe the typology of transformational leadership styles that are effective for Generation Z by reviewing various scholarly sources through a qualitative, library-based research method. The findings indicate that transformational leadership fosters creativity, innovation, and individual potential development through its four core dimensions—idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. These characteristics align with the preferences of Generation Z, who respond positively to visionary leaders, open communication patterns, and opportunities to express ideas freely. Therefore, the application of transformational leadership is believed to enhance engagement, productivity, and the attainment of organizational objectives within increasingly dynamic work environments.