Collective Knowledge about Participative Leadership

Your Group's Assignment:  When you have completed your reading and web search, collectively respond to the questions below in preparation to "teach" your concept with your original "home group."

Using This Wiki

1. Select a recorder.
2. Recorder will enter in the space below the group's collective knowledge in each category. While the recorder is entering text into the wiki, group members stand behind, providing input!
3. To add text, click on the "Edit Page" button at the top left. You will be prompted to enter a password. The password is the name of our program. You will also be asked to enter your name so we can know who edited the page.
4. After you have logged in with a password and your first name, insert your cursor where you want to begin typing, and begin!
5. Don't forget to click the "Save" button at the bottom of your screen occasionally!

NOTE: Feel free to delete these instructions once you have read them!

Define the Theory

Participative leadership is a democratic method of influencing/leading/managing people.  "Let's work together to solve this," is the hallmark of this leadership style.  The leader works with the team/staff/employees to solve the problems that arise or to make decisions for the organization. 

What are the outcomes?  When might this leadership style be used?

The outcome of this leadership style is to have everyone be part of the process and to be involved in the decision.  Therefore, there is more buy in when the decision is made.  Team members feel empowered and do not feel inferior in the organization.  This style provides a non-threatening learning environment.  It also provides an environment where all perspectives are taken into account and decisions are based on all people being represented. 

This style would be used when it is okay for a decision to a group decision.  Using this style but not utilizing the input provided from the group is really dangerous.  Ultimately, the leader has the final decision and should not ask for people to be part of the decision-making team if their decision will be overruled by the leader.   This style is also important when the leader does not have the answer and needs input and buy-in from the group.  Participative leadership also builds a team where everyone feels important to the organization.  When people feel that their voice is heard, they are more likely to be supportive of the decision made.  This style also allows for people to advocate for their position and try to get the buy-in of the group.   

What are the critical skills an administrator would need to be able to demonstrate this leadership style?

The adminstrator would have to be a good listener and be willing to collaborate with others.  They would also need to be able to motivate and empower others.  In addition, the team would also have to be provided with clear direction and encouraged by the adminstrator.  The adminstrator would have to have good communication skills and keep others informed before and during the process.  Directing and organizing the flow of the process to allow for all members to be heard during the decision-making process would also be a requirement of a leader.