What type of leader emphasizes motivating followers through incentives and rewards?

The type of leader that emphasizes motivating followers through incentives and rewards is the transactional leader. This leadership style is characterized by the use of clear structures and reward systems to achieve compliance from team members. Transactional leaders focus on the exchange process, where followers are rewarded for their performance and adhering to established guidelines and tasks.

The core principle behind transactional leadership is that it operates within existing organizational frameworks, promoting stability and efficiency. Leaders in this category are effective in environments where clear tasks and goals are established. They foster motivation by clarifying expectations and offering tangible rewards or recognition, which can lead to improved performance and productivity among team members.

In contrast, transformational leaders inspire and motivate followers to exceed expectations by focusing on personal development and creating a shared vision. Autocratic leaders make decisions independently, often without input from others, focusing more on control than on motivation through incentives. Democratic leaders encourage team participation in decision-making, valuing input but not necessarily focusing on rewards as a primary motivational tool. Thus, the emphasis on incentives and rewards distinctly aligns with the transactional leadership style.