Phd proposal Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Phd proposal - Dissertation Example There is enough scope for both qualitative and quantitative analyses on the topic. Academic research can help to explore the existing ideas and find out new implications. This research proposal, therefore, includes review of the relevant literature that inspired the selection of the topic. The proposal also focuses on the theory to which the research will relate, the methodology supposed to be used and original contribution to knowledge by the research. Research Question Leadership and management: Can transactional leadership theory add new dimensions to the future leadership practices? Research Objectives 1. Explore the concepts of transactional leadership theory. 2. Compare transformational and transactional leadership theories. 3. Find out innovative implications and methods for organisational learning and knowledge management 4. Combine the concepts of the theory with the futuristic idea of empowering leadership. 5. Find out innovative ways to apply the theory in today’s g lobal business environment with the help of case studies and academic research. Review of the Literature Transactional leadership theory has the potential to develop innovative models in the context of modern and future management practices. Some principal concepts entailed in the theory are: 1. People can perform optimally when the commands are clear and definite. 2. A justifiable system of punishment and reward motivates the workers. 3. Monitoring the subordinates is an imperative so that the business expectations are fulfilled. 4. Obedience should be ensured among the subordinates. (Bass, 1985) For a while, this sort of theoretical approach may appear to be based on the older conventions and beliefs. However, re-emergence of this theory in the sphere of modern management research can be observed in the works of Harman and Bitz (2008). According to them, studies considering knowledge management (which is critical in today’s information based global business environment) and leadership as rational variables are limited. Future practitioners may consider exploring the concepts of transactional leadership theory and its dimensions in relation to knowledge management. In this context, it must be mentioned that all leaders exhibit both transformational and transactional leadership attributes which can amply help in knowledge transfer, sharing and creation (Harman and Bitz, 2008). â€Å"Some observers view transactional leadership as the poorer version of transformational leadership, noting that the latter has a more noble or moral drive.† (Andrews, Connell and Wescott, 2010). However, this view can be strongly dismissed because â€Å"Where transactional leaders foster societies that are open and focused on public value creation, and where learning is accommodated by progressive authorizing mechanisms, agents will have space to explore new beliefs, pursue good struggles, experiment with latent abilities, and ultimately generate change that benefits others (even if there is no transformational leader appealing to higher ideals).† (Andrews, Connell and Wescott, 2010) Experimental and quasi-experimental studies conducted by Avolio and his associates show that researches on path-goal model and transactiona