Research on the role of transformational leadership in project team - Case study of China Resources Construction Corporation

Abstract

This study sought to establish the role of transformational leadership in project team- using China Resources Construction Corporation as the case study company. Subsequently the study sought to answer a set of objectives which were: To draw an understanding into the meaning of transformational leadership as defined by the available academic literatures. Additionally the study endeavoured to establish the role of transformational leadership; how China Resources Construction Corporation implements transformational leadership; employees’ attitude to project managers in the company; and suggestions on how the company can further improve transformational leadership approach their project teams. The study adopted qualitative data methods; including using a sample of ten conveniently sampled interviewees. Data collected is analysed through content analysis method. The research establishes that most literatures describe transformational leadership is the type of leadership that involves the leader working with employees to identify the changes that are needed and creating a way to guide the process of change through inspiring the employees. The key roles of transformational leadership include cultivating a shared vision among the employees, ensuring sustainable growth of the company through giving opportunity for the low-level staff to develop analytical skills. It also creates a sense of belonging among the employees hence high job commitment. The company implements transformational leadership through employing four major aspects of transformational leadership, i.e. idealised influence, individualised consideration, and intellectual stimulation. The study further established that in a general sense, the reception of transformational leadership by the company employees has generally been positive; and consequently, the employees have developed stronger bonds with their team leaders. The study proposes that in order to obtain even better results with the transformational leadership they should employ a better approach to management of change, have a representative committee to present the interests of the other employees during decision making, motivate the employee more and lastly regularly train the employees to enable them acquire new skills which will help them handle organisational tasks better.