The Effect of Transformational Leadership on Network Performance: A Study of Continuum of Care Homeless Networks

The trend toward using collaborative networks has increased in recent years—creating a need to understand the unique leadership skills and qualities that are necessary of managers to effectively function within this new normal. This article examines the relationship between transformational leadership and network performance in Continuum of Care homeless service networks. We hypothesize that transformational leadership behaviors of network managers contribute to the effective management of a homeless service network. We test this proposal using survey data from 237 respondents who lead federally funded Continuum of Care homeless service networks. Findings indicate that transformational leadership behaviors have a positive and statistically significant effect on the performance of the homeless service networks.