The Participation Model

Involves a much more narrow segment of leadership than the other two models. It addresses the question of how much subordinates should be allowed to participate in decision making. The model includes five different degrees of participation.

AI    -  The manager makes the decision alone with no input from subordinates [A = Autocratic].

AII   - The manager asks surbodinates for information that she or he needs to make the decision but still makes the decision alone.

CI    - The manager shares the situation with selected subordinates and asks for information and advice the manager still makes the decision but keeps subordinates actively involved [C = Consultative].

CII    - The manager meets with subordinates as a group to discuss the situation information is freely shared although the manager still makes the decision.

GII    - The manager and surbodinates meet as a group and freely share information and the entire group makes the decision

[G = Group].

This model suggests that managers need to consider several factors in choosing the degree of participation in decision making.

    •    is there quality required?
    •    do I have enough information to make a high quality decision?
    •    is the problem structured?
    •    is acceptance by subordinates critical to implementation?
    •    do subordinates share the organizational goals to be achieved by making this decision?
    •    is conflict among subordinates likely in the preferred solution?