Transactional leadership relies primarily on intrinsic motivation. Which of the following best describes this assertion?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Depends on context

Answer: (B)

Transactional leadership relies on external incentives to drive behavior. The core mechanism is an exchange: clear expectations are paired with contingent rewards or punishments, so followers perform to receive rewards or avoid penalties. This is motivation that comes from outside the individual, not from internal interest or personal meaning. Intrinsic motivation—doing the work for its own sake or for personal growth—is more closely associated with transformational leadership, which aims to elevate and inspire followers from within. While someone might feel intrinsic motivation in some situations, the defining feature of transactional leadership is external rewards and sanctions, not inner motivation. Therefore, the statement is not accurate.