Transformational Leadership Styles Pre- and Post-Trauma

Abstract

Previous literature suggests that exposure to trauma has both positive and negative impacts on leadership and leadership development, although there is a lack of empirical research. This exploratory study compared military leaders' use of transformational leadership styles (TLS) before and after trauma exposure from the followers' perspective. This study used a retrospective pretest design to survey veteran and active duty military personnel. Significant differences were found between pre-and post-trauma exposure TLS ratings, with a mean decline in the TLS after trauma exposure. The analysis of the open-ended questions indicated a reduction in the use of the TLS after trauma, but identified positive changes in some cases. There was no evidence that changes in the TLS were concentrated in any of the five styles.

Exploratory Study of Polyvagal Theory and Underlying Stress and Trauma That Influence Major Leadership Approaches

“…Reliable studies demonstrate that exposure to trauma carries both positive and negative implications on leadership models. Although few researchers have focused on the correlation between trauma and leadership development, Kramer and Allen (2018) analyzed the impact of trauma on transformational leadership. However, the authors' study was oriented toward military leaders.…”

“…According to the authors, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common occurrence in the military environment that tends to affect leaders' emotional responses and leadership styles. PTSD often ensues when a person witnesses or experiences a life-threatening event, resulting in symptoms aligned with intrusive memories, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, mood changes, variations in arousal, and other negative cognitive alterations (Kramer & Allen, 2018). Hence, it can be perceived that trauma can cause unpredictable effects on leadership behaviors.…”

“…In the military sector, trauma can encourage leaders to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes that strengthen their resilience against harrowing events and experiences. Kramer and Allen (2018) highlight posttraumatic growth as "positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances". The positive outcomes of posttraumatic growth emerge in five key dimensions: greater appreciation of life, warmer attitude towards intimate relationships with others, a stronger sense of personal strength, spiritual growth, and recognition of new possibilities for one's future (Kramer & Allen, 2018).…”

“…Kramer and Allen (2018) highlight posttraumatic growth as "positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances". The positive outcomes of posttraumatic growth emerge in five key dimensions: greater appreciation of life, warmer attitude towards intimate relationships with others, a stronger sense of personal strength, spiritual growth, and recognition of new possibilities for one's future (Kramer & Allen, 2018). Although trauma is usually considered detrimental to mental health, leaders who experience it often gain profound insights while struggling to overcome its implications.…”

“…Concerning the negative implications, other studies emphasize that trauma is strongly correlated with adverse leadership outcomes. For instance, many leaders who experience trauma are often demoralized, while others lose their ability to lead (Kramer & Allen, 2018). Furthermore, it is common for leaders to conceal or ignore traumatic disorders, even when openness has the potential for reducing the negative outcomes.…”