Professional Documents
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Running Head: Leadership Theories and Change
Running Head: Leadership Theories and Change
Randy L. Conyers
Abstract
Throughout the history of law enforcement, leaders have used many different styles to
lead employees. From the early styles of Autocratic and Laissez-Faire to Participative
evolved over the years in some organizations to a more participative style and yet there are still
The purpose of this paper identified trait theories, leadership theories and change
strategies that have molded or are molding the policing culture. Change must occur if the culture
of police organizations are going to meet the demands of the 21st century and several issues
affecting this change were discussed. An in-depth review of the transactional and
transformational styles of leadership was seen as being the styles that a leader in the 21st century
would want to use to meet the needs of their employees and motivate them toward success and
self-actualization.
Although no empirical research is completed in this paper, the literature reviewed and
previous research indicate that the transformational style of leadership augments the
transactional style, but not vise versa. It also emphasizes that leaders need to become more
transformational toward employees and allow them to participate in the decision-making process.
As more leadership research is continued, the following research question is proposed for future
I. Introduction
apposite leadership is crucial to the success of any organization (Spinelli, 2006). Leaders aspire
for change in people toward a desired goal. Lussier & Achua (2004) insisted that leadership was
a procedure that not only influenced employees, but leaders as well, to accomplish the goals of
organizational objectives, change and people. Leading involves people. Everyone is leading
someone somewhere, but the question is where and how. In order to be a good leader one must
be a good employee. Many scholars define leadership as one who plans, directs, or guides
people toward a mutual goal. Hesser (1999) noted, Leadership has two component parts,
personal and organizational. Success, over time, demands knowledge of and commitment to
both. Spinelli (2006) describes a successful leader as being accountable and suitable.
Leadership has been described as an influence relationship among leaders and employees who
intend real changes and outcomes that reflect their shared purposes (Daft, 2005). The qualities
for effective leadership and followership are the same (Daft). The basis for good leadership is a
respectable personality and unselfish service to employees and the organization (Clark, 1997).
The best leaders are those who are deeply interested in others and can bring out the best in
them (Daft).
Leadership Theories and Change 4
Kouzes & Posner (2007) add that exemplary leadership comes from modeling the way, inspiring
a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act and encouraging hearts.
Leadership in the law enforcement culture has changed over the decades, but must
continue to change in order to address modern day problems. The purpose for this paper is to
examine police leadership from a historical and empirical standpoint and discuss possible
theories for change. An in-depth review of the advantages and disadvantages of two leadership
theories (transactional and transformational) are explored as well as the possible outcomes of
each.
trust and integrity in employees and the organization (Daft, 2005). Ones personality plays a
major role in the way they lead. Personality is a combination of traits (distinguishing personal
insight and attitudes. Knowing personalities helps explain and forecast others behavior and job
performance (Lussier & Achua, 2004). The Big Five Model of Personality assesses whether a
experience.
Surgency includes leadership and extraversion traits (Lussier & Achua, 2004). The need
for power compares to the Big Five dimension of surgency. People with a high need for power
are depicted as wanting to control situations and enjoy competition in which they can win
They lean toward being ambitious and have a lower need for affiliation. They are more
concerned with influencing other people than they are with what other people think about them
Extraversion is the extent that a person is outgoing, sociable, talkative, and relaxed in meeting
and talking with new people. A person with high marks in surgency wants to be in charge and
have influence over others (Daft, 2005). Influencing is the ability of the leader to communicate
ideas effectively to employees so employees will not only accept these ideas but motivate them
Agreeableness is the trait of being able to get along with other people. Some behaviors
compassionate, understanding and trusting (Daft, 2005). The need for affiliation compares to the
Big Five dimension of agreeableness. They are socially motivated and seek close relationships
whether in a group setting or with personal friends. They are more concerned with what other
people think about them than influencing other people (Lussier & Achua, 2004).
Adjustment is commonly referred to as emotional stability. This trait shows the level that
People with a high need for achievement take responsibility for solving problems, are goal
oriented, seek challenges, strive for excellence, desire concrete feedback on their performance
and work hard. They perform well in non-routine, challenging, and competitive situations
(Lussier & Achua). Conscientiousness also shows how well a person is responsible, dependable,
and persistent.
Leadership Theories and Change 6
This trait is more concerned with tasks to be completed rather than relationships (Daft, 2005).
Openness to experience relates to a person being willing to change, try new things,
Kouzes & Posner (2007) described how credibility is the foundation of leadership:
Everyone wants to be fully confident in their leaders, and to be fully confident they have
to believe that their leaders are individuals of strong character and solid integrity.
To be credible in action, leaders must be clear about their beliefs; they must know what
they stand for. Then they must put what they say into practice: they must act on their
A leader can not model the way nor enable others to act if they are not seen as being honest and
trustworthy (Kouzes & Posner). Honesty is seen as the utmost important characteristic between
leaders and employees. Being proud of where one works, perceived as a team member, valuing
the values of the organization, having a sense of belongingness and ownership are benefits of a
credible leader. Unmotivated or motivated only for money, low production, criticizing the
organization, looking for another job and having a feeling of being unappreciated are
characteristics of a leader that has lost credibility (Kouzes & Posner). If a leader is found to be
dishonest, they lose respect among the employees which leads to a loss of motivation and over
The English Parliament passed the Metropolitan Police Act in 1829. The passage of this
act created the London Metropolitan Police which became the model for American policing.
Leadership Theories and Change 7
This model of policing was based upon a highly centralized command and bureaucratically
controlled organization which was used by the militarys leadership. This leadership established
a hierarchical authoritarian organization that instilled impersonality into the structure (Fyfe,
Greene, Walsh, Wilson & McLaren, 1997). The first American city that tried to implement this
style of policing was New York in 1851. Strecher (as cited in Fyfe, et al., 1997) notes that New
Yorks attempt to use a strong central authority style of leadership was negated due to political,
social and economic forces. This particular style of leadership had a crippling effect on the
communication process and the amount of risks that patrol officers would be involved (Smith,
2008). Most of the leaders during this time were appointed because of who they were or where
The bureaucratic-efficiency model used in the early twentieth century continued to use
the military command but added the component of scientific management. Not much changed
with this style of leadership because leaders still had total control through a centralized and an
Leaders were usually promoted based on longevity and experience and not on the characteristics
they offer as leaders. Scientific management was a result of the Industrial Revolution. Leaders
would scientifically develop what would be expected of the worker and then teach and train them
how to do their jobs. The downfall of this model was the lack of interest in the worker (Fyfe, et
al., 1997). All of these models focused on the leadership at the top and nothing on the officers at
the bottom. This led to officers being told what, when and how to do tasks instead of
empowering them to make decisions for themselves (Steinheider & Wuestewald, 2008).
Leadership Theories and Change 8
Ginger (2003) blamed the failed leadership on being unable to delegate or understand the sense
evolved over the years it was ultimately classified as being Autocratic, Laissez-Faire or
Democratic. Autocratic leadership is concerned with giving orders to accomplish a task quickly.
Autocratic leadership is when employees are told what to do, how to do it, when to do it and then
are watched to make sure it is done. Laissez-Faire leadership allows a group of people to make
decisions on their own, but gives no guidance (Lussier & Achua, 2004). Democratic leadership
involves a group of people making decisions with guidance from the leader. Democratic
what to do and then allows them to do their jobs without close supervision (Professional
Organizations, n.d.). Conventional police leadership is primarily protective of their power and
The literature indicates that present leadership practices are mixed throughout various
police organizations. The researchers suggest that present police leadership practices are either
Fyfe, et al. (1997), notes that present police leadership still resembles a military style of
leadership. Silverstri (2007) agrees there is minimal verification that police leadership practices
are shifting. Most police organizations continue to foster their centralized culture through the
use of hierarchy and rank. This in and of itself continues to produce quasi-militaristic officers
This type of control reminds officers that they are just subordinates and have a distinct place
within the organization. Silvestri (2007) emphasizes that todays police leadership is unwilling
to share information within the organization and rarely allows others to participate in decision-
making opportunities. The philosophy of the twenty-first century police leader is one of being
developing from an autocratic, centralized style that was based on wisdom, integrity and courage
to that of one that embraces teamwork, involvement, and shared leadership. The researchers
assert that police organizations are allowing more supervision from the bottom up and less direct
control. Modern police administration is more about winning the hearts and minds of the
police force, claimed Skogan & Hartnett (as cited in Steinheider & Wuestewald, 2008). This
International Association of Chiefs of Police [IACP] (1999), the use of a participatory leadership
style has taken root because command and control have damaged productivity and morale.
As one can see, there are varying opinions on whether police leadership has really
changed or remained the same. The literature points to different styles of leadership as being the
Leadership style is the combination of traits, skills, and behaviors leaders use as they
interact with employees (Lussier & Achua, 2004). In order for one to favor a leadership style,
one must understand where the leadership styles originated. Throughout the years, the topic of
However, research indicates that certain characteristics or traits are inherent in leaders (Murphy,
2005).
According to research, the 1940s proffered leaders as maintaining certain traits. These
traits were based on physical and personality characteristics as well as intelligence and
interpersonal skills (Steers, Porter, & Bigley, 1996). Marquis & Huston (2000) associated the
Great Man Trait Theory with that of the Aristotelian philosophy, which indicated that leaders
were born and not made and depending on the need a leader would surface.
The limitations of trait theory are that leaders can not be developed through their skills and
In contrast with trait theories, the behavioral methodology centered on the recognizable
actions that made a person an effective leader (Wright, 1996). Personal Behavior Theories
discussed in the University of Michigan and Ohio State University studies identified two more
(task-initiating structure) behavior focuses on the leader taking control in order to get the job
done and the employee-centered (people-consideration) behavior focuses on the leader meeting
the needs of employees and developing relationships (Lussier & Achua, 2004). The findings in
the Michigan study indicated that leaders who were highly employee oriented and allowed
participation fostered more productive teams. On the other hand, leaders who were more
concerned about accomplishing tasks cultivated lower producing teams. The findings from the
Ohio State University study emphasized the consideration and initiating structure as the two
The Ohio State University study concluded that both structures were separate components, but if
a leader were dedicated in both they could achieve higher results (Murphy, 2005). Research at
the University of Iowa expounded on the studies above and identified two basic leadership
styles: Autocratic and Democratic. These and other research studies asserted four (4) main
leadership styles: concern for task, concern for people, Directive Leadership and Participative
Fiedler (1967) explored the idea that there was not just one ultimate style of leadership
for a given circumstance, but leaders would be more effective by varying their leadership style
depending on the situations that faced them. Fiedlers Model based leadership styles on either
being task or relationship oriented and the style use depended on whether the situation was one
of leader-member relations, task structure or position power (as cited in Murphy, 2005).
Hersey and Blanchard theorized that the style of leadership was determined by the employees
perceptions. Hersey and Blanchards theory expounded on Fiedlers model by creating four (4)
leadership styles: Directing, Coaching, Supporting and Delegating (Murphy, 2005). Building on
the same principles of the contingency theories above, House (1971) suggested that the path-
goal theory influences and motivates employees views and opportunities. Employee
contentment, accomplishment of goals and improved functioning would be derived from the
leaders direction, training, guidance and support. Despite the findings of this research, Marquis
& Huston (2000) disagreed and noted that situational theory focused on the situation rather than
The following leadership styles are derivatives of the ones discussed above.
Leadership Theories and Change 12
Autocratic Leadership
ruling with unlimited authority or one who has undisputed influence or power
job-centered as identified by the University of Michigan and Ohio State University studies.
The job-centered (task-initiating structure) behavior focuses on the leader taking control in order
to get the job done quickly. It relies heavily on employees taking orders from the leader instead
According to a (University of Central Florida [UCF], (n.d.) study, employees are inspired
through threat of correction and reprimand. The autocratic leadership style offers several
advantages: swiftness of project completion keeps group members from producing alternatives
that influence the minority negatively, guarantees the leader is heard and informs members when
their conduct is undesirable. The disadvantages of the autocratic leadership style are: dissociates
group members, non-development of employees and convenience of use instead of round tabling
quandaries (Professional Organizations, n.d.). One might use this style of leadership when the
(Murphy, 2005).
Leadership Theories and Change 13
Laissez-Faire Leadership
The Laissez-Faire leadership style frequently has a negative connotation. This style of
leadership depicts an inert leader who is averse to stimulating subordinates or giving focus
(Deluga, 1990).
The Laissezz-Faire leadership style places an emphasis on the employee centered attribute that
was discussed in the University of Michigan and Ohio State University studies (Professional
Organizations, n.d.). Leaders who use this style fail their employees because they offer no
positive or negative direction nor do they interfere at any time (Webb, 2007). According to
Deluga (1990), Laissezz-Faire leaders renounce their leadership thus giving employees a wide
spectrum of decision-making which could lead to amplifying their power and influence.
succeed, fail to coordinate organizational objectives, ignore responsibilities, and routinely avoid
making decisions on important matters (van Eeden, Cilliers, & van Deventer, 2008). Leaders
assume the employees will make decisions in a timely manner and handle whatever problems
There are some advantages and disadvantages of using this style of leadership. It allows
opportunity to be successful by making their own decisions. On the other hand, a team member
can dominate and take control which could lead the team to make incorrect decisions and
possibly have the team reprimanded which would lead to negativity within the group; affecting
the process and their motivation (Professional Organizations, n.d.). This absence of leadership
leads to nothing happening which promotes ineffective leadership (McGuire & Kennerly, 2006).
Leadership Theories and Change 14
order to empower employees to make decisions involving the organization (Smith, 2008).
Participative leaders empower their employees in the decision-making process by meeting with
them periodically and listening and trusting them (UCF, n.d.). Wolf, Boland & Aukerman
(1994b) defined empowerment as the awareness of a persons potential talents, gifts, and power
and how a person can contribute to the organizations goals (as cited in Thyer, 2003).
Participative leadership requires and encourages participation from everyone and shares
decision-making for the betterment of the organization. Employee motivation is derived through
obtaining financial and self-image awards. Leaders reward employees through financial gains
and positive evaluations which in turn increases motivation and morale (Murphy, 2005).
The research contends there are some advantages and disadvantages to using this style of
leadership. Skogan (2006) noted that leaders who allowed employees to participate in decision-
restructuring (as cited in Steinheider & Wuestewald, 2008). Research provides a plethora of
findings for implementing participative leadership such as: increased occupational contentment,
(2008) suggested that the police rank structure impeded this style of leadership. Furthermore, the
hierarchical structure.
Leadership Theories and Change 15
The researcher suggested that since the hierarchical system promoted employees to rank that it
actually blocked participation at different levels within the organization due to a lack of trust or
experience. Other researchers suggest that some have been left out of the decision-making
making on the street. Labor unions have increased their control within the police organization,
but have not been included in the decision-making process. Flynn (2004) and Skogan (2004)
contend these labor unions are not being asked to help in the decision-making process because of
the hierarchical ethos of the police organization and the selfishness of the labor unions (as cited
in Steinheider & Wuestewald, 2008). Ospina & Yaroni (2003) suggested that labor union
representatives and police leaders only cooperate with each other when there is a critical
Transactional Leadership
Burns (1978) and Bass (1985) portrayed a transactional leader as one whom:
(1) recognizes what it is one wants to get from his/her work and tries to see that
one gets what his/her wants if performance warrants it; (2) exchanges rewards
and promises of reward for effort; and (3) is responsive to ones immediate
self-interests if they can be met by getting the work done (as cited in A. Chan
Bolden, Gosling, Marturano, & Dennison, (2003) presented that employees are inspired through
the use of recompense and chastisement (as cited in Taylor, 2009). Taylor (2009) asserts that
The leader will develop a vision (possibly collaboratively), sell the vision and lead the way
(Taylor, 2009). van Eeden et al (2008) defined transactional leadership as a transactional process
between the leader and employee. Hartog, Van Muijen & Koopman (1997) added that the
leader-employee relationship not only involves exchanges, but bargaining as well. Deluga
(1990) supported this by stating that leaders and/or employees can exercise a significant amount
of control and influence over one another during this exchange and bargaining process.
Pettigrew (1972) and Mechanic (1962) stated a leaders control over vital information or an
employees special skill in solving crucial organizational problems provides each participant
leverage from which to negotiate (as cited in Deluga, 1990). The overall success of the
organization depends on whether the leader has the power to strengthen the process in which
work is completed by staff (Jogulu & Wood, 2007). McGuire & Kennerly (2006) report that
transactional leaders are only interested in maintaining the status quo for their organizations.
Transactional leaders are known to establish performance specifications and make sure they are
accomplished by a given deadline, limit the contentment of employees and create a low amount
of employee commitment.
Transactional leadership is divided into three distinct processes that influence employees:
active management by exception, passive management by exception and contingent reward (van
Eeden et al., 2008). In the case of active management by exception, the leader looks for
and regulations, and failures and he or she takes corrective action before or when these occur
considered to be leading by the passive management exception (van Eeden et al., 2008). Leaders
identify the outcomes (reward or punishment) that will be bestowed based upon the employees
performance (van Eeden et al.). Leaders using contingency rewards engage the path-goal theory
that was outlined by House (1971) because it rewards and motivates employees based on
contingency rewards for employees when they attain pre-set goals and objectives (Murphy,
2005). Chan & Chan (2005) suggested employees receive rewards for accomplishments,
proposals to augment pay and promotion, or praise for superior hard work. Webb (2007)
contends that a leader who recognizes the attributes of their employees will assign tasks that will
allow the employee to accomplish the mission and obtain their just reward which in turn will
motivate them to do more. Webb (2007) indicated there was an optimistic association between
Transactional leadership has more shortcomings than merit. Rugieri (2009) contends that a
transactional leader is more commanding, has high confidence and is usually more fixated on the
job. Trott & Windsor (1999) stress that transactional leadership is best suited for group settings
that are under crisis because it offers satisfaction through an urgent resolution. Medley &
Larochelle (1995) noted the results with transactional leadership are not very valuable over time
(as cited in Trott & Windsor, 1999). Although transactional leaders center on employee needs;
they do not offer opportunities for obtaining motivation, job contentment or allegiance (Sahin,
2004).
command and control procedures (Bass, 1997). Silvestri (2007) reported that employees in a
transactional framework obtain their position within the structure through competition and
conformity. Furthermore, police leaders continue to work within the transactional style and
Transformational Leadership
According to Sullivan & Decker (1997), the transformational leader is not concerned
with the status quo, rather with effecting revolutionary change in organizations and human
service (as cited in Trott & Windsor, 1999). Bass (1996) defined transformational leadership as
the ability of a leader to motivate employees to surpass their own individual aspirations for the
greater good of the organization. Burns (1978) depicted the transformational leader as a
beyond self-interest (as cited in Olsen & Johnsen, 2006). Lowe, Kroeck, &
Sivasubramaniam (1996) described the transformational leader as being pioneering and less
likely to support the current situation, seeking opportunities in the face of risk, and attempting to
mold and create rather than react to environmental conditions (as cited in van Eeden, et al, 2008).
Van Eeden, et al (2008) added that a transformational leader is one who conveys a vision to
inspire others, sets long-term goals and emphasizes social and interpersonal skills. The
transforming leader looks for potential motives in employees, seeks to satisfy their needs and
Bolden et al (2003) posed change as the key focus for transformational leadership (as cited in
Taylor, 2009). Sofarelli & Brown (1998) suggested that a transformational leader must
shared vision, see the big picture and deal with convoluted issues, test thinking analytically,
encourage involvement and motivation, share information and enable trust through team
incessant learning and support peoples growth, including own; adaptable and able to deal with
unexpected issues, role model through behaviors and goal setting, and network effectively
stimulation, and individualized consideration (Ruggieri, 2009, McGuire & Kennerly, 2006).
Bass (1985) regarded the charismatic component as idealized influence. Idealized
influence implies the employees imitate their leaders behavior and values and are committed to
and make sacrifices for the leaders vision (as cited in van Eeden, et al, 2008).
In order for a leader to have idealized influence, an employee must be able to see that the leader
is unfailing in word or deed and they actually stand for something they aspire to do and inspire
their employees toward the same goal (Murphy & Drodge, 2004). Leaders with these attributes
are highly admired, respected, trusted, and have a high level of self-confidence, self-esteem, and
self- determination. They are usually regarded as role models and demonstrate high standards of
Chan & Chan (2005) described inspirational motivation as the ability of leaders who can
stimulate and inspire employees and colleagues by building self-assurance, filling and arousing
enthusiasm and determination in the group. In general, this is the method of inspiring their vision
and encouraging employees to implement it for the future growth of the organization. This type
of leader provides symbols, metaphors, and simplified emotional appeals to increase awareness
and understanding of mutually desired goals (Bass and Avolio, 1997). Murphy & Drodge (2003)
pointed out that communicating the vision to everyone and reiterating it often was the key
creative ways to solve old problems, examining their own values and beliefs, and when suitable,
those of their leader (as cited in Deluga, 1990). As a result, the employees can extend
themselves with capabilities of discovering, examining, and resolving problems with a more
long as they are not intimidated. Employees want to be included in the decision-making process
Webb (2007) described individual consideration as the need employees have for personal
appreciation and the need to acknowledge the unique strengths and skills of each employee in an
organization. Chan & Chan (2005) agreed and believed if leaders acted as coaches or mentors,
and gave particular attention to individual employees needs for personal growth, advancement,
and achievement it would foster mutual trust and effect a positive impact on satisfaction with the
leaders, as well as overall productivity. Murphy & Drodge (2003) claimed a vital aspect of
enthusiasm for what they are doing and providing the necessary tools to accomplish it.
The literature reviewed pointed out some benefits and drawbacks in using the
transformational leadership style. Taylor (2009) reasoned that transformational leaders place an
emphasis on team building, and empowering and developing potential in order to reach long-
term goals. Thyer (2003) reported a transformational leader creates a collaborative learning
towards change management, ignites communication and supports empowerment. These leaders
also facilitate employees toward motivation and being involved in the vision they produce.
Webb (2007) noted an advantage of transformational leadership is having highly motivated and
satisfied employees. Montana & Charnov (1993) stated these employees displayed a decrease in
occurrences of absenteeism and an escalation in production while on the job (as cited in Webb,
2007). In turn, Yukl (2003) claimed employees who distinguish their leader as caring for the
interests of each individual worker, are likely to exhibit increased allegiance, confidence, and to
When these issues are present, leaders tend to preserve a higher level of prominence in the
organization and the organization has a tendency for greater production (as cited in Webb, 2007).
Silvestri (2007) added that transformational leaders have a capability of infusing a higher degree
of passion into leadership by engaging employees and making them feel appreciated. Murphy
(2005) agreed and pointed out that transformational leaders could achieve this passion by
motivating and energizing employees to pursue goals, visions and the empowering culture. If
transformational leaders are passionate about appreciating their employees this will provide them
with opportunities to grow and develop (Silvestri, 2007). Sheldon & Parker (1997) believe, if a
leader effectively empowers employees, it develops an atmosphere of joint trust, increases job
contentment, and promotes dedication to the organizational goals which culminates in the
delivery of quality service (as cited in Murphy, 2005). Bass (1990) reported that
transformational leaders motivated employees to perform past their expectations (as cited in
Adebayo, 2004). Silvestri (2007) insisted that since the police organization culture is rank-
oriented it presents significant limitations for those employees wishing to implement alternative,
transformative ways of working that require more open and participatory forms of engagement
and interaction with colleagues. The ability of the police organization to integrate a
can be seen as being ineffectual and lenient. Another problem seen by many researchers is the
culture of police management demands speedy judgments and good decision makers; the
transformational approach takes too long and is therefore alleged to be unsuccessful (Silvestri).
Sofarelli & Brown (1998) refuted the advantages of the transformational leadership style because
it tends to interrupt a balanced and organized method of doing work (as cited in Murphy, 2005).
Wuestewald & Steinheider (2006) and Adebayo (2004) claimed the transformational
leader can institute a vision that will move the organization toward the future and an authentic
caring environment and procure employee support via idealized influence (charisma),
outdated autocratic unilateral style of leadership that has been forced on employees for many
years (Murphy, 2005). Bass (1990) argued that the doctrine of transformational leadership
related to all organizational levels (as cited in Kane & Tremble, 2000). Curtin (1995) stated the
transformational leader:
Does not simply strike a fair bargain with people; he/she adds something more by
calling them to a higher value, which in turn, increases their self-worth as they
Burns (1978) contended that transformational leaders could lead their employees to a higher
level of needs that was outlined in Maslows hierarchy of needs. This was done by increasing
the employees level of knowledge in achieving valued conclusions, a vision and the plan to
accomplish these traits. It also involved employees exceeding their own concerns for the sake of
the team or organization and raising their awareness to enhance themselves and what they want
to achieve (as cited in Chan & Chan, 2005). This style of leadership can possibly turn employees
into leaders and leaders into change agents (Spinelli, 2006). Transformational leadership
qualities are learned from leaders accepting their own mistakes (Murphy). Silvestri (2007)
suggested that leaders using the transformational style of leadership not only affected their
This was accomplished by having motivated officers that related better to the community they
The key point here is that a police organisations explicit values must reflect the
core values of the broader society which the organisation serves, and that police
leaders must demonstrate the utmost respect for those values both personally and
Change can be complicated and taxing. Some changes can be projected, but some come
too quick to be prepared. Management styles and behaviors form a police organizations culture.
Culture is seen to be important because it supports or hinders policies, provides value, influences
character, establishes consistency and direction, steers and forms conduct, and influences
organization success (Florida Department of Law Enforcement [FDLE], 2010). Thomas (2001)
wrote, Our natural reaction to change, even in the best circumstances, is to resist. The
overwhelming majority of people naturally and fervently resist change either in their personal
There are a number of arguments for resisting change and implementing change. Adlam
& Villiers (2003); Franz and Jones (1987) believe that most research equates
police leadership with an archaic militaristic style. Franz and Jones (1987)
argue that the militaristic style hinders communication between leaders and
organizations; how they confront a hastily shifting world; and how they
2009). Hisrich & Peters (1992) asserted police leadership does not support
philosophy of do what you are told, do not make mistakes, and do not take
risks (as cited in Smith). Canter (2000) coined the term destructive
select their future leaders early in their careers and usually do not accept the
ones that take time to develop over a longer period of time which promotes
the same antiquated police culture (as cited in Smith). Silvestri (2007)
emphasized the rank structure has evolved over many decades and has
step and a loss of power (as cited in Silvestri, 2007). Presently, police
these leaders either do not trust officers or have never been introduced to
coaching, and
overall effectiveness of the organization and it remains status quo (as cited
in Smith).
decision using one of the participatory leadership styles. Some leaders fear
because their culture and structure have been one in which the leaders are
aggressive and powerful (as cited in Thyer, 2003). Murray, Prunckun, & Ras
(2007) agreed and indicated that even with changes in masculinities and
site. There is some research that indicates that leaders are simply against
change. They lead under the assumptions that if things are working well,
visionary and innovative, they must adapt to the changes that face them.
education, and independent ideals, the leadership structure of the police must be
seen to be flexible enough to accommodate such changes and also ensure the
The autocratic style of leadership that consisted mostly of less educated men in the past will not
suffice in this timeframe because the workforce has changed (Adebayo, 2004).
Smith (2009) declared that modern day leaders with advanced education have begun embracing
the change from the traditional promotional processes to elevating new leaders based upon their
education and roles. Education presents more opportunity for change within the police
organization by allowing these educated officers to broaden their knowledge, and question and
male counterparts for leadership roles; thusly changing the organizational culture (as cited in
Murray et al, 2007). Women have been incorporated in the police culture for over 30 years.
Eliminating some of these male gendered biases has resulted in a flatter structure and involved
an empowering and participative leadership. The changes in leadership styles have directly
benefited the pubic through community and problem-oriented policing. Women leaders are seen
process. As more and more women become leaders within the police organization it will shake
the foundation of the commanding and controlling style of leadership to one of transformation
(Silvestri).
Some research indicates that leaders must change because of generational issues. At the present,
there are four main generational groups that are active in the workplace: Veterans, Baby
Boomers, Generation X and Y. Most of the Veteran generation has either retired from leadership
roles or have come back from retirement in a civilian type position. Presently, the Baby
Boomers are the generation that is mainly in control. However, the Baby Boomers are beginning
to retire and this will force the other two generations into leadership roles and that will require an
organizational shift.
If the present economic trend continues all of these generations may continue to work together
for some time and they all need to know how to interact. In order to affect positive change, all of
these generations will have to respect and learn from each other. Leaders will need to emphasize
flexibility, training, and open communication between all generational groups throughout the
organizational structure was connected to the increased adoption of unions. In the past, leaders
did not consult union leaders in the decision-making process. Progressive leaders foster
Smith (2009) argued that change in police leadership was birthed when police leaders began the
use of teams to tackle problems and projects. The adoption of a team or participative concept
alludes to some of the characteristics that are consistent in the transformational style of
leadership. The remuneration of allowing officers to participate in the team concept while
working on projects and problems has made them more flexible and adaptable.
Thomas (2001) emphasized three mistakes to avoid if effective change is going to last. The first
mistake leaders make before implementing change is not including input from those the change
will affect. Leaders fail again by not spending enough time on stimulating and persuading
employees that change will be beneficial. Lastly, leaders have to model the way and promote the
change. If leaders avoid these mistakes it makes the change process less frustrating and stressful.
IV. Conclusion
(Spinelli, 2006). Murphy & Drodge (2003) claimed that a leader should be ethical, grounded in
the mission of the organization, and is emotionally engaged with employees. Ginger (2004)
pointed out six Golden Rules for the modern police leader to follow:
within which the police service operates), support (subordinates and the pubic),
Bass (1997) suggested that the old standards of job-centered or employee-centered leadership
and autocratic or democratic leadership and related exchange theories of leadership overlooked
the effects of the leader-employee relations of sharing a vision, representation and sacrifice.
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs indicated a person needs to have their physiological needs, safety
needs, love and belonging, esteem needs, and self-actualization met. Herzbergs Two-Factor
Theory claims in order for a person to feel successful they have to be motivated and this is
the nature of the work itself. There are some factors that hinder being motivated and those are
rules and regulations, administration, supervision, working conditions, and interpersonal values
(FDLE, 2010). Webb (2007) emphasized that leaders who focused on stimulating employees
intellectually, offered rewards, had charisma and individual consideration were more apt to
Transformational and transactional leadership can better allow employees to obtain their needs
Although there is a plethora of research on the topic of effective leadership styles there are some
researchers that claim a cross between transformational and transactional to be best for the
modern police leader. Jogulu & Wood (2007) insisted that using both of these styles of
leadership were essential in running a modern-day organization. McGuire & Kennerly (2006)
noted effective leaders should have a balance between transformational and transactional
leadership that matches that of its employees. Taylor (2009) claimed it was possible to use
(1997) noted that transformational leadership could be both autocratic and democratic or even
transformational leadership would be used during policy implementation rather than work place
transformational and transactional style of leadership is necessary for the continuation and
development of intricate organizations (as cited in Spinelli, 2006). Chan & Chan (2005) added
that the use of these two styles of leadership could affect employee outcomes positively, but not
in isolation of each other. Lipley (2004) pointed out that leaders using both of these styles of
leadership are likely to have employees that are more motivated and feel most supported.
Silvestri (2007) believed that the ability of the leader to encourage, transform, and improve
leader.
She declared that a leader who masters the use of such styles will be a champion of change.
McGuire & Kennerly (2006) argued that for an organization to develop a more
transformational culture it would need to hire charismatic individuals that are less transactional
effective leader one must embrace the changes that are before them. Jogulu & Wood (2007)
insisted that effective leadership not only institutes a clear vision for the direction of the
organization, but must empower employees to accept the challenges change will bring and
cooperate in accomplishing the mission. Cohen, & Eimicke (1995) agreed that effective
leadership shapes employees performance toward the mission of the organization (as cited in
Adebayo, 2004). Murphy (2004) contended that in order to be an effective leader one must
employ behaviors that make their employees feel respected and seek out advancement
opportunities for these employees. Fiedler (1967) suggested there is not just one ideal leadership
style to use for every issue, because they may have more knowledge and experience in one
situation, but may not be as adept in another (as cited in Murphy, 2005). An example of this is
when the leader knows when to direct and delegate and when to coach and mentor (Menzies,
2007). An effective leader must be open-minded and able to accept feedback and adjust their
times. The old styles of leadership must be broken and the organization should encourage and
train their leaders to be more transformational. Partnerships, power sharing, confidence and even
This will cause the police organization to become flatter with less levels of management and
fewer clear differences between them (Wuestewald & Steinheider, 2006). Menzies (2007)
proffered that police leaders who become more collaborative and interdependent in their method
to solving conflicts and show concern for employees or build a collective vision will have a
major emotional impact on their employees. Taylor (2009) pointed out that leadership theories
enable a person to use the correct skills in any given situation through a process of
understanding, critical consideration and assessment. A panel of Chiefs of Police from several
agencies in Orange County, Florida, was asked what style of leadership was best used and the
overall consensus was a mixture because one should not rely on just one style because each
Based upon the review of the theories and empirical literature on leadership styles, the following
question is proposed:
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