Political Science Leadership Style Multiple Linkage Model Presentation
ANSWER
Leadership Style of Police Chief Sarah Johnson
1. Leadership Theory Selection: In analyzing Police Chief Sarah Johnson’s leadership style, the Situational Leadership Theory seems to be the most suitable. Situational Leadership Theory suggests that effective leaders adapt their style based on the readiness level of their followers. This theory focuses on the interaction between a leader’s behavior and the followers’ competence and commitment in a given task or situation.
Reasons for Selection and Exclusion:
- Multiple Linkage Model: This model focuses on the interaction between leaders, followers, and the situation. While it’s relevant, it might not be as directly applicable as Situational Leadership Theory in explaining the leader’s behavior.
- Cognitive Resource Theory: This theory emphasizes a leader’s cognitive abilities and stress levels in predicting leadership effectiveness. While it’s interesting, it might not fully encapsulate the complexities of a police chief’s leadership challenges.
2. Application of Leadership Substitutes Theory: The Leadership Substitutes Theory suggests that certain aspects of a situation can neutralize or substitute for a leader’s influence. For Police Chief Sarah Johnson, the theory can be applied by identifying factors within her police force that might make her leadership less crucial. For instance, if the police department has a strong organizational culture that emphasizes discipline and responsibility, this could substitute for her direct leadership in certain situations.
3. Path-Goal Theory and Influence Strategies: The Path-Goal Theory focuses on how leaders motivate their followers to achieve goals. In Police Chief Sarah Johnson’s case, the theory can explain her strategies of influence. If she adopts a supportive leadership style, providing guidance and assistance, it could improve officers’ motivation and job satisfaction, leading to better performance. For instance, she might offer rewards and recognition to officers who consistently meet performance targets, aligning with the theory’s principles.
4. Agency’s Success and Leadership Credit: It’s essential to consider both the leader’s impact and the capabilities of subordinates. While Police Chief Sarah Johnson might be instrumental in creating a positive work environment and implementing effective strategies, her success could also be attributed to her well-trained and motivated team. A balance is needed; she deserves credit for steering the agency, but the contributions of her subordinates should not be underestimated.
In conclusion, understanding the leadership style of a well-known personality like Police Chief Sarah Johnson involves analyzing various theories and their applicability. Situational Leadership Theory seems the most fitting, while the Leadership Substitutes Theory, Path-Goal Theory, and a balanced assessment of leadership credit further enrich our understanding of her leadership approach. Remember, this analysis is hypothetical, as you haven’t provided a specific real-world personality to evaluate.
QUESTION
Description
LEADERSHIP STYLE
Select a well-known personality—judge, lawyer, correctional administrator, or police chief—in criminal justice and talk about this person’s leadership style in relation to the leadership theories discussed in your book.
Answer the following questions in a presentation:
- Which of the following theories is most suitable for describing this leader’s behavior?
- Situational leadership
- Multiple linkage model
- Cognitive resource theory
- Support your choice with reasons and explain why the other theories are not suitable.
- How can the leadership substitute’s theory be applied to explain the situational variables for this leader?
- Do you think the path-goal theory explains the strategies of influence used by this leader? Why?
- Did this leader receive too much credit for the agency’s success, or do you believe that he or she could have been successful despite the subordinates? Why?