Eco-transformational leadership framework for social workers to promote climate and ecological justice

Abstract While ecosocial work is in a phase of continuous evolution through the development and implementation of theories and practice models, discussions on leadership styles and organizational practices remain conspicuously absent in the ecosocial work literature. This article seeks to initiate a discourse on leadership development for ecosocial work practice, addressing significant challenges that ecosocial workers encounter in daily practice. Eco-transformational leadership (eco-TFL) is proposed to support social workers in adopting ecosocial work practices. This leadership framework is developed by adapting and modifying the four attributes of conventional transformational leadership, which has demonstrated efficacy in social work organizations. To support the demand for a new TFL style for ecosocial work, a critical examination of green TFL is conducted. Given the review of green TFL currently proposed in business contexts, it is evident that it does not embody ecocentric leadership styles. By embracing a radical ecological perspective, the proposition of eco-TFL represents a promising avenue for integration into ecosocial work practice.