Which leadership style emphasizes routine, clear procedures, and reinforcement to manage performance?

• A. Transformational
• B. Transactional
• C. Laissez-Faire
• D. Situational

Answer: (B)

The assistant should focus on a leadership approach that uses clear rules, routine processes, and rewards or consequences to shape performance. This describes transactional leadership, which treats performance as a set of agreed-upon transactions: meet the standard and receive a reward, fail to meet it and face corrective action. The emphasis on standard operating procedures, supervision, and reinforcement to maintain performance is the hallmark of this style.

Transformational leadership centers on inspiring and developing followers, often through a shared vision and personal growth rather than strict routines. Laissez-faire is a hands-off approach with little direction, and situational leadership adjusts the style based on the followers’ readiness and the task, not primarily on routine and reinforcement.