Linking Transformational Leadership Theory to the Practice of Academic Advising - A Conceptual Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to link Transformational Leadership Theory to the practice of academic advising. More specifically, we take a deep dive into the four I’s of Transformational Leadership (Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation & Individualized Consideration) and connect them with the traits of academic advising. We emphasize the need to understand students and encourage them through the four I`s as it is shown to positively predict academic success. In doing so, we highlight the similarities between TL theory and the practice of academic advising and argue that academic advisors can develop as transformational leaders and boost students’ collegiate, career, and life goals. We argue that by training advisors to model the behaviors of transformational leaders, the process of advising can be improved tremendously. Our work extends the understanding of the role of TL on academic advising and student success. We provide a rationale for the positive relationship between TL theory and academic advising practices and how by integrating TL Theory into advising, advisors can become Transformational Leaders.