Transformational Leadership Meaning among Middle Managers in Technology Start-Ups: Insights from Lived Experiences

Abstract

Transformational leadership is a central theme in business and management, especially within dynamic, innovation-driven environments like technology start-ups. While past studies often emphasize leadership outcomes, fewer have explored how leadership is personally experienced by middle managers in such settings. This study addresses that gap by examining how these managers interpret and assign meaning to transformational leadership in their daily work. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine middle managers from technology start-ups. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, revealed four core themes: leadership as identity formation, emotional resonance, inspiration during uncertainty, and autonomy as empowerment. These insights suggest that transformational leadership is viewed not just as a function, but as a relational and emotionally meaningful process shaping both personal and professional growth. The findings highlight leadership as a shared and lived experience, offering depth beyond traditional quantitative models. This study contributes to leadership research by emphasizing meaning-making in managerial contexts and encouraging further exploration across diverse organizations and cultures.