The roles of consultants within the processes of transformational leadership

Abstract: Across the world, the global economy that is emerging since the last decade of the 20th century has resulted in levels of complexity within the business environment, organization are undergoing changes in different form in response to a global competitive business environment. This business environment characterized by uncertainty, increasing risk and decreasing forecast ability may requires a new managerial mindset focused on flexibility, creativity, innovation and possible transformation (Crossan et al. 2008; Wu et al. 2007).The research study is stimulated within the management and development process in the organization that help leader think and work toward transformative possibilities, for organization to achieve effectiveness it is crucial that the unique talent of its employees be developed and utilized. Furthermore, organization involved in adapting, recreating and transformation might require a leader with transformative behaviors. However, the possibility of the leaders’ lack of time and knowledge in implementing his or her vision may require the organization to external sources and competences such as the consultant (Ciulla. 2004; Liden et al. 2008) The objective of the study is to understand the nature of transformation within organization, the processes involved and the possible roles consultants might play if any within the processes that lead to transformative possibilities. The theoretical framework of the research is built on the many researches by Bass (1998), Bass & Riggio (2006),Northouse (2004) of transformational leadership as an effective leadership development in the full range leadership model. The research methodology was qualitative by means of the grounded theory approach, case interviews of two consulting firms in Sweden was made. Unstructured open ended interview was conducted with four respondents. The empirical data analysis shows that consultants are involved in the transformational leadership processes within organization with the consultant being aware or not as a result of the peculiarity of the Swedish management style that embodies traits suitable and compatible with transformational leadership concept. In conclusion, there are many processes that the consultant can be useful within the organization in achieving effectiveness and the consultant may play different roles in different context within the processes of transformational leadership.