Abstract

Purpose

After decades in which transformational leadership theory has prevailed as the dominant paradigm in leadership scholarship, critical voices have started raising serious concerns about its falsifiability, suggesting that transformational leadership theory should be abandoned. Although transformational leadership is key to conceptualizing ideal school leadership, the discourse did not find its way into the education field. The present work aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The essay combines a review of the critique of the falsifiability of the transformational leadership theory with a discussion of the utility and fit of the theory.

Findings

On the 25th anniversary of transformational leadership theory, I suggest to the educational administration community not to abandon transformational leadership, but to address its shortcomings and look toward future challenges as the community contemplates the promises the theory holds for the field.

Originality/value

The essay examines the current status of the transformational leadership theory in the field of educational administration and offers an interpretative critique.