Exploring leader motives and motivations: towards the creation of a transcendental leadership scale

Abstract

Standard texts on leadership have tended to focus on leadership styles and what makes an effective leader. There is great need, however, of relational leadership theories: transcendental leadership is found among these. Transcendental leadership goes beyond
transformational leadership in that it is a relationship of influence between leaders and collaborators, one that is based on a special kind of leader motivation to contribute to the good of those he leads. Motivations and motives are important in the exercise of ethical leadership. Based on the survey form by Alcázar (2012), this paper shares and analyses the responses to a survey about transcendent motives from a class of undergraduate students in a Management course. Overarching themes are: Service, respect, happiness, compassion, selflessness, meeting affective needs, and dignity. This paper could lead to the eventual formulation of a transcendental
leadership scale, which can then be used for leadership and management teaching.