Final answer:
The leadership perspective opposing transformational leadership is laissez-faire leadership. This style is characterized by its non-involvement in group activities and decision-making, allowing members to control their own actions, leading to contrast with the engaging transformational style.
Step-by-step explanation:
The contemporary leadership perspective that represents the direct opposition to transformational leadership is A. laissez-faire leadership. This leadership style is distinctive in its hands-off approach, allowing group members to self-manage and make their own decisions, compared to the involved and inspiring method of transformational leaders.
Transformational leadership is characterized by charismatic, inspirational, intellectually stimulating, and considerate attributes that motivate and engage followers to achieve beyond the expected. In stark contrast, laissez-faire leadership lacks direct involvement and influence, which can lead to a lack of progress and direction within the group if members are not self-directed and motivated. While transformational leaders thrive on driving change and influencing others towards a vision, laissez-faire leaders step back, affording autonomy to the members, which can either empower them or lead to disorganization if not managed well.