A. A. Tikhomirov, W. D. Spangler. Styles of Leadership and Success of Mergers and Acquisitions: Transformational-transactional Concept of Leadership

V.3, N2, 2005

This study examines linkages between leadership style and the success/failure of mergers and acquisitions. The first part of the study includes a brief synopsis of the development of the transformational-transactional leadership paradigm. Additionally, behavioral characteristics associated with transactional and transformational leadership are discussed. The second part of the study begins with an overview of the emergent issues of the theory and practice of mergers and acquisitions in the United States. Further, the study discusses the leadership approach in explaining performance of mergers and acquisitions. It is hypothesized that effective execution of the specific tasks within a particular phase of the M&A process depends on the adequacy of the leadership style applied.