Final answer:
The transactional leader is concerned with maintaining the status quo using a system of rewards and punishments, whereas the transformational leader is focused on inspiring change within an organization by being a charismatic role model and stimulating growth (B).
Step-by-step explanation:
The concerns of transactional leaders versus transformational leaders are fundamentally different. Transactional leaders are focused on maintaining the status quo and supervising organizational goals through a system of rewards and punishments. This style is characteristic of leaders who manage existing conditions rather than pushing for change. In contrast, transformational leaders are deeply involved in inspiring change within an organization. They are seen as charismatic role models, provide inspiration, stimulate intellectual growth, and exhibit individual consideration for the needs and development of their followers. Hence, the answer to the student’s question would be B: Transactional - Maintaining the status quo; Transformational - Inspiring change.
Extensive research, including meta-analyses, has shown that transformational leadership approaches, which are often associated with women, are typically more effective than transactional approaches, which are more commonly associated with men. Nonetheless, individual leaders may exhibit attributes of both styles. Importantly, the effectiveness of a given leadership style can also depend on the followers' individual needs for growth and structure within their work environment.