Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following does NOT characterize a transactional leader?

1. a focuses on management tasks.

2. b inspires others with vision.

3. c is a caretaker.

4. d uses trade-offs to meet goals.

The correct answer is: b inspires others with vision.

A transactional leader is primarily focused on maintaining the day-to-day operations and ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently. This leadership style emphasizes management tasks, which includes establishing clear structures, maintaining the status quo, and managing through established systems and procedures. Transactional leaders are often seen as caretakers who ensure that everything runs smoothly, demonstrating an approach that relies heavily on exchanges or trade-offs to motivate followers. They reward achievement and compliance while focusing on the completion of specific tasks to meet organizational goals. In contrast, the element of inspiration and vision is more characteristic of transformational leadership, which is focused on inspiring and motivating followers to achieve greater levels of success and personal growth. While transactional leaders can motivate their teams, they do so through rewards and discipline rather than inspiring a shared vision. Therefore, the option that highlights the aspect of inspiring others with vision does not align with the fundamental traits of transactional leadership.