1.5 - About University

A RANGE OF INVOLVEMENT LEVELSLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5Authoritarian As-needed Joint Joint Self-directedor top- involvement problem leadership teams ordown solving contractorsLeaderroleMainly one-way,rule-baseddirection andclose dailysupervision (i.e.,“Just do as you’retold”).Often done in aloving butparental mode.Supervisors have anopen-door policyand inviteemployee input onan as-needed basis.Supervisors involveemployees inproblem solving, aspart of projectteams, task forces,and committees.Leader makes finaldecisions.Leaders shareresponsibility forwork but are stillaccountable foremployee processesand results.Decisions are madejointly and byconsensus.Leaders work asfacilitators andcoaches.Leaders areaccountable onlyfor the overalldirection andintegration ofwork.Leaders rarely vetodecisions.EmployeeroleEmployees arenot involved insignificantdecisions.Employeesinvolved onlywhen needed.Employees providedata and help toidentify and solveproblems on aninvitational basis.Employees help toidentify and solveproblems, as well asrecommendsolutions.Employees are oftenorganized intonatural work teamsand are involved insetting businessgoals. Employeesidentify, define, andsolve problems; getleader approval;then implementsolutions.Workers determinethe direction andconditions of theirwork unit (i.e.,they managechange).Employees fullyaccountable forprocesses andresults.ActivitiesEmployeesunderstand andfollow the rulesand, in the worstcases, usegrievanceprocedures toresolve problems.Employees mayparticipate inproblem-solvinggroups, completesurveys, andprovide input intosuggestion systems.Leaders make allsignificantdecisions.Employees work intask forces, projectgroups, and qualitygroups.Employees andleaders work withinpartnership or teamstructures.Work is by independentindividuals (e.g.,contractors) or inself-managingteams (e.g., theyare involved inhiring andterminating teammembers).G UIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENTThere is no absolute best involvement level, but there are optimal levels to produce the bestresults and allow employees to attain satisfaction. Here are some guidelines that will help youchoose an appropriate level.SECTION 4 TOOLS FOR DESIGNING PRODUCTIVE PROCESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS 113