PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP

Participative Leadership

Participative Leadership

Introduction

Participative leaders “consult with employees, ask for their suggestions, and take their ideas into consideration before making decisions” and this process leads employees to believe that “they have an opportunity to discuss problems and influence organizational decisions” (Chen & Tjosvold, 2006, P. 1728). People-based leaders listen with empathy, hearing both good and bad news, before offering their guidance and establish conditions and contingencies to facilitate feelings of empowerment (Geller, 2008).

Discussion

Participative leaders provide employees “greater discretion, attention, influence, support, information, and other resources”. Moreover, they “share the issue of problem-solving with followers by consulting them before making a decision” (Bellingham, 2009). Participative leaders exhibit coaching behaviors that encourage unit members to speak openly and share their concerns (Somech, 2003). Similarly, Sam (2009) believes that good leaders must be “teachers, coaches, and good listeners” (p. 85). The work of leaders is to make people feel strong, capable, informed, and connected. They can accomplish this task, not by hoarding power, but by giving it away and by making the leadership process a team effort (Margaret, 2009).

Techniques Used in participatory Leadership

Participative leadership fosters decision-making by a group. In this model, of leadership, the leader (the boss, the team leader ... etc) consult his team and asked for their opinions to make decisions.

This leadership style encourages each group member to make its voice heard, to express its views and to participate (Bellingham, 2009). However, it is important to note that the final decision is only made by the Chief. This takes into account the views of the group, but that he always takes the final decision.

Strategies Used By Criminal Justice Managers When They Adopt Participatory Leadership Techniques

Following are the strategies used by criminal justice manager when they adopt participatory leadership techniques.

They involve all the subordinates in the decision making and reflection. Criminal justice manager allows each person to take charge and play a positive role in the group. He believes that the recognition of the mandates of other community organizations should also be part of participatory leadership (Somech, 2003). A criminal justice manager believes that each member should have the sharing power, responsibility, participation and support, and should be able to achieve voluntary goals. It is the belief of a participation manager that he should have the right to share his ideas with a common goal. Criminal justice manager believes that all members should have their involvement in the process and every ...