How can transformational leaders positively influence team learning?

For years many scholars have conceptualized management, innovation and transformation as being team learning processes. Research of Machiel Bouwmans et al reported in this article, which is based on data from 992 teachers in 92 teacher teams, confirms that transformational leadership is associated with team learning. It indicates how transformational leaders can positively influence team learning.

Abstract: ‘The implementation of educational innovations by teachers seems to benefit from a team approach and team learning. The study’s goal is to examine to what extent transformational leadership is associated with team learning, and to investigate the mediating roles of participative decision-making, team commitment, task  interdependence and teachers’ proactivity in this association. Data were analysed using multilevel structural equation modeling (N = 992 teachers, 92 teams). Results show that transformational leadership had direct and indirect positive associations with team learning through all mediators. These results provide insights into how transformational leaders can have a positive influence on team learning.’

Read more in: Bouwmans, M., P. Runhaar, R. Wesselink, & M. Mulder (2017). Fostering teachers’ team learning: An interplay between transformational leadership and participative decision-making?  Teaching and Teacher Education 65, July, pp. 71-80. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.03.010