Step 1: Concept
Leadership theories aim to explain how leaders interact with their followers. Transformational leadership is one of the most prominent modern theories.
Step 2: Meaning
Transformational leadership occurs when a leader inspires followers to look beyond their own self-interest for the good of the organization, thereby transforming their mindset and capabilities.
Step 3: Analysis
• The concept was initially coined by sociologist James V. Downton in 1973.
• However, its emergence as a major management and political theory was established by presidential biographer and leadership expert James MacGregor Burns.
• Burns introduced it in his seminal 1978 book titled "Leadership," distinguishing it from purely "transactional" leadership.
• Bernard M. Bass later expanded the theory, but Burns is credited with giving the foundational concept to the management world.
Step 4: Conclusion
James MacGregor Burns is academically recognized as the originator of the concept of Transformational leadership.
Final Answer: James MacGregor Burns