Which leadership style is defined by motivating and empowering subordinates?

• A. Situational Leadership
• B. Transformational Leadership
• C. Democratic Leadership
• D. Transactional Leadership

Answer: (B)

Motivating and empowering subordinates is a hallmark of transformational leadership. This style inspires a shared vision that energizes people to go beyond what’s required and to invest in the group’s success. It also empowers by fostering growth, encouraging creative thinking, and giving individuals opportunity to take initiative and develop their strengths through supportive relationships and individualized encouragement. That combination of uplifting motivation and concrete empowerment is what makes this leadership approach the best fit. By contrast, adapting style to follower readiness describes situational leadership, democratic leadership emphasizes participation and consensus, and transactional leadership relies on rewards and punishments rather than empowering subordinates.