Predicting unit performance by assessing transformational and transactional leadership.

TLDR

The study investigates whether leadership ratings collected under stable conditions predict unit performance when operating under high stress and uncertainty. The authors analyzed predictive relationships of transformational and transactional leadership ratings from 72 light infantry platoon leaders on unit potency, cohesion, and performance during combat simulation exercises. Transformational and transactional contingent reward leadership ratings positively predicted unit performance, with potency and cohesion partially mediating the effect.

Abstract

How do leadership ratings collected from units operating under stable conditions predict subsequent performance of those units operating under high stress and uncertainty? To examine this question, the authors calculated the predictive relationships for the transformational and transactional leadership of 72 light infantry rifle platoon leaders for ratings of unit potency, cohesion, and performance for U.S. Army platoons participating in combat simulation exercises. Both transformational and transactional contingent reward leadership ratings of platoon leaders and sergeants positively predicted unit performance. The relationship of platoon leadership to performance was partially mediated through the unit's level of potency and cohesion. Implications, limitations, and future directions for leadership research are discussed.