Definition: Fractional vs. Interim Leadership
Fractional leadership is part-time and ongoing.
Interim leadership is full-time and temporary.
Key Differences
| Dimension | Fractional | Interim |
|---|---|---|
| ----------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- |
| Time commitment | Part-time | Full-time |
| Duration | Months to years | Typically 3–9 months |
| Objective | Build and improve | Hold and stabilize |
| Cost structure | Retainer | Salary equivalent |
Strategic Implication
Fractional leaders are engaged to build capability, while interim leaders are engaged to maintain continuity.
Common Misconception
Interim leadership is often mislabeled as fractional. These models solve different problems and should not be used interchangeably.