Transformational Leadership and Educational Outcomes

A Literature Review

Abstract

The effect of school leadership on educational outcomes has been widely debated in recent decades. Only a small fraction of available research studies deals with the measurement of the effects of leadership on specific educational outcomes. The paper aims to provide an overview of theory and research on the effect of transformational leadership on educational outcomes. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in an attempt to summarise the past 15 years of research on the link between transformational leadership and educational outcomes. The evidence on the effects of transformational leadership is used as the basis for conclusions and recommendations in relation to future research. These recommendations include the need for addressing methodological problems associated with leadership studies and the need to explore the link between transformational leadership and other leadership models.