Encouraging followers to be creative and innovative is an aspect of which transformational leadership factor?

The correct answer focuses on the transformational leadership factor known as Intellectual Stimulation. This factor emphasizes the importance of encouraging followers to think critically, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo. By fostering an environment where creativity and innovation are valued, leaders can stimulate their followers' cognitive processes and inspire them to approach problems from different perspectives. This ultimately leads to enhanced problem-solving and greater organizational adaptability.

In contrast to the other factors, which serve different purposes, Intellectual Stimulation is specifically oriented toward generating new ideas and encouraging exploration beyond conventional methods. This component of transformational leadership plays a vital role in fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, which are essential for long-term success. Encouraging followers to be creative directly aligns with this goal, making it the most suitable aspect of transformational leadership in this context.