(2) A strong beginning toward the development of an open system theory of leadership has been formulated by James Burns who provides the concepts and language system that help us understand the parts and how they relate to the whole.
Earlier situational versions of leadership are viewed as transformational, or establishing negotiated arrangements that satisfy participants who then agree to a course of action. Transformational leadership, on the other hand, works toward a higher order of change that establishes an integrative fit between the processes and products of the micro(international) and macro (external) environments. Hunt and Osborn argue that the behavior of most productive leaders is influenced more by the macro – than the microvariables.
“Transformational leadership takes the form of leadership as building,” Sergiovanni writes. “The focus is on arousing human potential, satisfying higher needs, and raising expectations of both leader and followers to motivate them to higher levels of commitment and performance.
To establish the best fit possible between the micro– and macroenvironments of the educational system, the transformational leader must be prepared to conduct strategic long – term planning, read the changing nature of external and internal situations, and manage organizational cultural variables to align them with action plans. The idea of transformation calls for energizing personnel to make a united response to a higher level of goals common to all those associated with the teaching – learning process. In the context of educational restructuring, transformational leadership skills can be particularly beneficial.