Most research on transformational leadership has used the multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) developed by Bass and his associates. This paper examines the extent to which the MLQ measures the dimensions that it purports to measure in school organization, also assessing the relevance of idealized influence (charisma) in stable school organizations. Previous research has suggested that charismatic leadership would be more likely found in a new and struggling organization. The paper discusses empirical results from previous studies that have used the MLQ. It also presents the results from three studies that examined the conceptual adequacy and psychometric qualities of the MLQ. In Study 1 (Wooderson-Perzan, 2000), a content adequacy assessment of the transformational leadership items was conducted. In Study 2 (Wooderson-Perzan and Lunenburg, 2001) and in Study 3 (Blair and Lunenburg, 2002), a series of confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency estimates, and correlations were conducted on a revised set of transformational leadership items. The paper concludes that, despite the MLQ's shortcomings, it does identify several leader behaviors that appear to be components of transformational leadership. It finds empirical support for three behaviorally oriented dimensions of transformational leadership that are consistent with theoretical propositions (intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and inspirational motivation). (Contains 24 references.) (SM)