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

In this decision making style, an emphasis is placed on involving all stakeholders in the process.  This is a happy medium between micromanaging (controlling) and complete delegation of the decision making task.  A democratic process can be used in a school setting in an attempt to make collaborative decisions.

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

The outcome is collaborative when the leader truly allows the group to give input that determines the direction of the decision.  The stakeholders feel valued and have ownership in the decision making.  In this process members of the team are more likely to work towards this and other common goals of the organization.  This style is best used when the stakeholders are highly knowledgable and skillful employees (eg: curriculum teams).  It is used best in situations when innovation is needed to prosper.

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

An administrator would need to be energetic and have patience.  A participative leader does not need to have all of the answers.  The style works best when the leader assumes that the decision making group has a positive intent and does not ignore the input of the group.  Good relationship building skills are needed.