Mlq Evaluation

Executive Summary

This report will analyse the revised Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) with reference to its validity and appropriateness.

This shows that the MLQ supports the FRLM and that it is an effective tool for the measurement of leadership capabilities.

The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire

The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) was first developed by Bass and Avolio (1991) to assess leadership capabilities. The instrument has been revised and amended over time from a long version of 73 questions [ (Tepper & Percy, 1994) ] to the current version containing 45 questions. 36 of the questions assess nine leadership styles and the remaining 9 questions assess three leadership outcomes [ (Antonakis, Avolio, & Sivasubramaniam, 2003) ].

The MLQ is built on a leadership theory known as the Full Range Leadership Model (FRLM). The FRLM bases itself on the work of Bass and Avolio.

The tool measures 9 leadership behaviours corresponding to the full range of leadership behaviours. These are:

Research into the FRLM suggests that these are significant predictors of overall leadership effectiveness. [ (Bass & Avolio, 1997) ]

Main Purpose

The main purpose of the MLQ is to assess transformational and transactional leadership behaviours. This assessment can be used in many ways. The authors of the questionnaire suggest it can be used for research, counselling, coaching, and even leader selection, transfer and promotion [ (Bass & Avolio, 1997) ]. When used for appraisal, the tool can be linked to KPIs.

The MLQ is predominantly used for development. When used for this purpose the tool is used to support individual Leadership Development Plans (LDP). These plans form the basis of coaching activities.

As a further extension the MLQ can aid organisational leadership development strategies. The MLQ is intended to be used within a multi-level program of organisational leadership development.

While the individual is the subject...