Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Transformational Leadership: A Conceptual Model for Malaysian Women Leader and Representative

Well-known leaders are recognised as having immense influencing power and are successful in garnering the followers’ trust and support by practicing functional communication techniques. This is applicable to women; ideal women leaders must have influencing capacity, however, the number of influential women leaders in Malaysian politics is lower due to the lack of tactical communicating skills. Women’s representation is reported to be in transgressing condition, which is lower than the perceived 30% quota, while women leaders often occupied auxiliaries’ roles. If the condition continues, they would face damaged reputation and loss of support and opportunity to become decision makers. Herewith, the researcher aims to boost women participation and instigate ideal representatives’ criteria. A qualitative research was done to propose a guide for women, entitled “Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Transformational Leadership: A Conceptual Model for Malaysian Women Leader and Representative”. The research attempted to achieve three objectives; to identify NLP techniques that can be used by leaders, to determine the leadership attributes from the Transformational Leadership perspective, and to propose a conceptual model of “Malaysian Women Leader and Representative” based on NLP and Transformational Leadership elements. The research was done based on the belief in Phenomenological Epistemology, by conducting theoretical study on NLP and Leadership, and interviews with NLP practitioners. Consequently, the researcher proposed a conceptual model consisting of 14 NLP techniques and seven attributes of transformational leadership. The conceptual model will aid women leaders to acquire influencing power and guide them in cultivating people’s trust and support.