Does evidence exist that service learning facilitates the development and/or enhancement of transformational leadership qualities in managers?

There is widespread agreement that transformational leadership is a model of leadership that has come of age and the qualities/characteristics of transformational leaders are greatly desired in leaders within our organizations today. However, in a time of financial restraint when organizations are cutting development training dollars they are looking for unique ways to provide this training at lower costs. Community-based service learning is a form of experiential education where learners take part in activities that address individual and community needs with a developed curriculum designed to engage learners and promote their learning. It would appear that the two, transformational leadership and service learning, may inherently work together to present the characteristics/qualities that organizations are looking for in their leaders while providing an opportunity to develop/enhance transformational leadership qualities in managers, take corporate social responsibility to a deeper level within the communities, and provide management development at a low-cost or even a profit in the form of goodwill. This study investigates the following question: "Does evidence exist that service learning facilitates the development and/or enhancement of transformational leadership qualities in managers?" The paper undertakes a systematic review focussing on six studies related to the above question. None of the studies directly address the research question; however, the studies did provide evidence that service learning develops some elements necessary for transformational leadership. While gaps remain and the question cannot yet be directly answered conclusively, evidence to date is encouraging. Key words: Transformational leadership, service learning, critical thinking, social responsibility, integrity, leadership.