Portrait of a transformational leader: the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr

McGuire, David; Hutchings, Kate

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the leadership of Dr Martin Luther King Jr in relation to four characteristics of transformational leadershipDesign/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon excerpts from archival sources of personal correspondence and statements by Dr Martin Luther King Jr stored at the King Center, Atlanta, Georgia.Findings – The research finds that Dr King personified the four characteristics of transformational leadership. It also illustrates King's leadership legacy through modern works on leadership.Originality/value – The analysis presented assists our understanding of the qualities of and the way we think about, transformational leaders. It emphasises the importance of building follower confidence; challenging taken‐for‐granted assumptions; developing follower needs and upholding high moral values.

Citation

McGuire, D., & Hutchings, K. (2007). Portrait of a transformational leader: the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership & organization development journal, 28(2), 154-166. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730710726840

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Mar 13, 2007
• Deposit Date: Aug 3, 2016
• Journal: Leadership & Organization Development Journal
• Electronic ISSN: 0143-7739
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 154-166
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730710726840
• Keywords: Leadership, Transformational leadership, Organizational change
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/323756