Transformational Strategic Leadership in the Public Sector: Modeling Rear Admiral Sayyari's Leadership Style

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Prof., Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management, Shahid Sattari Aeronautical University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Objective
Strategic Transformational Leadership, defined as an amalgamation of transformational leadership and strategic leadership, stands as one of the key drivers for the successful implementation of organizational transformation and excellence programs. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring an organization’s survival and sustainable productivity amid today’s dynamic and highly complex environments. Gaining a deep understanding of the nature and practical applications of this leadership style within the public sector can provide a valuable guiding model and a solid foundation for action. This is particularly relevant for senior managers in these organizations as they fulfill such a vital and demanding role. In line with this perspective, the present study aims to design a comprehensive ontological model of the leadership style exemplified by Rear Admiral Sayyari. He serves as an outstanding and prominent example of a strategic transformational leader during his tenure commanding the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Army.
Methods
This research is applied in purpose and qualitative in nature, conducted within the framework of the interpretive-constructive paradigm. The participants were selected from experts who possess in-depth knowledge of the subject and have a history of direct and longterm professional interactions with Rear Admiral Sayyari. Sampling commenced with purposive judgmental methods and was subsequently expanded using the snowball technique to ensure comprehensive coverage. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and meticulously analyzed employing the emergent Grounded Theory method, specifically following the Glaserian approach. To evaluate the reliability of the data, intra-subject agreement between two independent coders was calculated and verified. Additionally, to guarantee the accuracy and validity of the categorizations, expert reviews were conducted, incorporating necessary modifications and refinements where required.
Results
The emergent model of Rear Admiral Sayyari’s strategic transformational leadership is structured around four interconnected core layers, each building upon the others to form a cohesive framework:

The foundational layer of leadership, encompassing human-centered leadership, ethics-oriented leadership, and field-based leadership. This layer represents the philosophical and intellectual bedrock that underpins his entire approach, emphasizing core values and principles.
The empowering leadership approach, which focuses on the development of human and psychological capital, alongside fostering motivation and inspiration. This delineates the practical methods for cultivating capable, self-assured, and highly motivated human resources, essential for driving organizational transformation forward.
The core thematic layer of leadership, integrating visionary transformational leadership with strategic interactional leadership. This layer encapsulates the essential character of this leadership style, where comprehensive and purpose-driven changes are pursued. It leverages intra-organizational synergy and extra-organizational networking to accelerate and facilitate these transformations effectively.
The leadership orientation layer, oriented toward achieving strategic transformation at organizational, national, and international levels. This signifies the ultimate outcomes and tangible accomplishments resulting from the application of this leadership paradigm in pursuit of an excellence-oriented vision.

These layers are not isolated but interlinked, creating a dynamic and holistic model that reflects the multifaceted nature of strategic transformational leadership.
Conclusion
The integration of transformational leadership capabilities and functions with strategic considerations gives rise to dynamic capabilities. These capabilities significantly enhance the probability of successful transformational leadership, particularly within complex environments and at the macro-organizational level. The model presented in this research elucidates the dimensions of strategic transformational leadership and the intricate relationships between them through a comprehensive and holistic lens. Identifying the constituent dimensions of this leadership style and explaining the interconnections among them represents a significant theoretical contribution of this study. Furthermore, this model can serve as a practical guiding framework for developing and nurturing strategic leaders at the top management levels within the defense sector, as well as other governmental organizations. By providing actionable insights, it offers a roadmap for leaders to navigate challenges and achieve sustained excellence.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

 
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Journal of Public Administration
Volume 18, Issue 1
2026
Pages 1-37

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