What is a defining trait of transactional leadership?

A defining trait of transactional leadership is its emphasis on supervision and organizational goals. This leadership style is primarily concerned with maintaining the status quo and achieving specific tasks within established structures. Transactional leaders typically focus on clear hierarchies, defined roles, and a set of rewards and punishments based on performance outcomes.

In transactional leadership, the relationship between leaders and followers is often based on a transaction—leaders provide resources or rewards in exchange for the completion of tasks and compliance with organizational standards. This results in an environment where organizational goals are prioritized, and effective supervision is crucial to ensure that objectives are met. Many transactional leaders use established metrics to evaluate performance, ensuring that their team aligns with the overall goals of the organization.

The other options reflect characteristics more associated with transformational or situational leadership styles, where innovation, creativity, employee autonomy, and risk-taking are typically encouraged to foster a dynamic and adaptive organization.