In the world of business management, leaders have a wide range of styles that they can adopt to inspire, motivate, and manage their teams. One such style is the transactional management style, which involves setting clear goals and rewarding employees for meeting them. In this article, we will explore what a transactional management style is, how to use it, and its good and bad points, including relevant examples.
What is Transactional Management Style?
The transactional management style is a leadership approach that emphasizes setting clear goals and objectives for employees and then rewarding them for achieving them. This style is founded on the belief that employees are motivated by rewards and incentives. Transactional leaders focus on establishing clear roles and responsibilities, enforcing rules, and providing rewards for good performance. This style is suitable for highly structured environments where employees need clear guidelines to perform their work effectively.
How to Use Transactional Management Style?
The transactional management style can be effective in certain situations where the leader can set clear goals and objectives for their team. Here are some ways to use the transactional management style effectively:
- Set Clear Goals and Objectives: Transactional leaders set clear goals and objectives for their team, so everyone understands what is expected of them.
- Establish Rules and Procedures: Transactional leaders establish rules and procedures that everyone must follow, ensuring everyone is working together toward a common goal.
- Provide Rewards and Incentives: Transactional leaders provide rewards and incentives for good performance, such as bonuses or promotions, to motivate their team to achieve their goals.
- Monitor Performance: Transactional leaders monitor the performance of their team to ensure everyone is meeting the set goals and objectives.
The Good and Bad Points of Transactional Management Style
Like any management style, transactional management has its good and bad points. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this style of management:
Advantages:
- Clear Guidelines: Transactional management style provides clear guidelines for employees, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Rewards Good Performance: By providing rewards and incentives, transactional leaders motivate their employees to perform at their best.
- Structured Environment: Transactional management style creates a structured environment that helps maintain order and stability.
Disadvantages:
- Demotivating for Creative Employees: Transactional management style can be demotivating for employees who are looking for more autonomy and creativity in their work.
- Limits Innovation: By providing specific guidelines and incentives for good performance, transactional management style can limit innovation and creativity.
- Lack of Adaptability: Transactional management style can lack adaptability, which can make it challenging to respond to unexpected challenges or changes in the business environment.
Relevant Examples of Transactional Management Style
There are several well-known examples of successful leaders who have adopted a transactional management style. One such example is Jack Welch, the former CEO of General Electric. Welch was known for his focus on setting clear goals and expectations for his employees and rewarding them for achieving them. Another example is Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s. Kroc was known for his focus on standardization and providing clear guidelines for his employees to follow.
In conclusion, a transactional management style can be an effective way to motivate employees by providing clear goals and incentives for good performance. However, this management style can be demotivating for creative employees who are looking for more autonomy and flexibility in their work. With the right approach, a transactional management style can lead to increased productivity and success in highly structured environments.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my international bestselling books available globally on all Amazon sites and Kindle via the following:
- The Employee Handbook: A Practical Guide for Managing Your Career
- The Manager Handbook: A Practical Guide to Managing Your Team
- The Talent Acquisition Handbook: A Practical Guide to Candidate Experience
- The HR Handbook: A Practical Guide to Employee Experience
You can also connect with me on social media for more content and updates by following the links here:
And don’t forget to visit my website at LeeNallalingham.com for hundreds of free articles like this one. Thanks for your support!
Lee Nallalingham 