Which leadership style would be least effective in fostering innovation among team members?

Transactional leadership is primarily focused on the structure of tasks, rewards, and punishments. It relies heavily on a clear set of rules and expectations, which can result in employees primarily following directives to achieve specific outcomes. This leadership style tends to prioritize routine and compliance over creativity and exploration, which are essential for fostering an innovative environment.

In contrast, supportive, authoritative, and transformational leadership styles encourage team members to think creatively, take risks, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. Supportive leaders cultivate strong relationships and provide emotional support, creating a safe environment for sharing innovative ideas. Authoritative leaders inspire a vision and guide teams through challenging processes, while transformational leaders empower and motivate their team members to push beyond conventional boundaries and innovate.

Thus, while transactional leadership can effectively manage established processes and achieve short-term goals, it is less conducive to nurturing an atmosphere of innovation where team members feel encouraged to experiment and contribute new ideas.