Transformational Leadership May Be Ruining Employees' Health

There can be many reasons for workplace stress. While racism and gender differences could lead to it, a motivational boss might also be a big reason for it.

In a three-year longitudinal study  by experts from the Norwich Business School of University of East Anglia, the link between transformational leadership and the health of workers, especially the rate of sickness and absenteeism was established. Even presenteeism, through which employees work even if they're sick, could contribute to poor health.

While assessing 155 employees in a Danish postal office, experts noted their attendance and reviewed their managers' leadership style.

They found that transformational leadership may be inspirational and charismatic enough to make them work well in the short term, but it would be harmful in the long term.

"The assumption that 'more transformational leadership is better' does not hold over time," said  Kevin Daniels, university organizational behavior professor and one of the authors. He is addressing issues with the work and organizational psychology professor Karina Nielsen.

In the long run, such a style may lead to continuous effort from sick employees, along with delays in treatment, persistent sickness and the spread of infection.

Hence, even though the study finds a number of advantages in transformational leadership, it also concludes that the leaders have complex relationships with components. Yet corporate leaders have been told to maintain a "balanced managerial strategy."

"They should monitor and check them, and encourage workers to look after their own health. Managers need to strike a balance, they can still encourage staff to perform well, but in a way that is not at the expense of their health and well-being," Daniels said.