Leadership Styles Within the South African Police Service
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The article investigates the leadership styles and ethical leadership at the National Divisions and Components of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The research problem for this article is that certain leadership styles negatively affect the organisational culture of the SAPS. The methodology entails online interviews that were conducted with Major Generals and Brigadiers of the Operational and Support Divisions at national level. Commanders of the Strategic Management Office were requested to complete an online questionnaire. It was deduced that the laissez-faire or delegative leadership style is the dominant leadership style practised. The article concluded that the command, and control leadership style is part of the culture of the SAPS and, as such, determines the behaviours of its leaders, managers and members, but hinders creativity. The majority of the participants felt that the culture of the SAPS makes it difficult for the organisation to adjust to internal and external changes. Recommendations were made to the SAPS to enhance ethical leadership.
Source: Administratio publica.
Authors: S A Pillay, C Alers
Institution: University of South Africa
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4407183143