Organizational Leadership - Thesis Example

Managing the public sector is relatively difficult and for a leader to be a candidate of future promotions they need to learn how to constantly acquire required leadership skills and competences (Lobel, 2007). Furthermore, the world is undergoing dynamic changes in all sectors including management. This will also call for a manager in DPSS to be alert and have high affinity for change so as to drive the County to the next level. County of Los Angeles has a high potential to grow more than it has but without effective leadership this cannot be a reality.

One of the leadership theories useful in managing the affairs of DPSS is the Contingency Theory. Many issues keep on rising and which need to be solved in the department. As such a manager is supposed to use that style of leadership that they feel will be in line with prevailing variables (Goleman, Boyatzis & McKee, 2001). This theory emphasizes that the followers’ attitudes are important in determining the style of leadership to use. One is the autocratic leadership which is not quite desirable in managing affairs in DPSS since it requires the manager to amass all power and rule by decree.

Bureaucratic style can fit in situations that require the law to be followed while laissez-faire will not be suitable at all due to the nature of operations in the public sector. It is easy to lose control of a situation where many people do as they wish since laws govern the operations of LA DPSS. The best in this scenario will be the democratic leadership which requires the participation of all stakeholders both in decision making and strategy implementation. An example is the GAIN program that will require full participation of all in order to find employment, offer skills training, substance abuse and counseling among other services (LA DPSS, 2011).

A manager in DPSS is required to make numerous decisions that affect many people either positively or adversely. As such the best course of action needs to be formulated and choices need to be made. It therefore leaves one with minimal choices to make within a short time span. Situational Theory in this case will apply well since a manager has to make the right decision based on the prevailing situational variables (Zaccaro & Klimoski, 2001). As mentioned earlier it is important to involve stakeholders in decision making and implementation of strategic plans more so in the public sector.

Participative theories fit in this case to explain that ideal leadership is one that involves the input of others in various management aspects. In this case group formation is used to encourage others to share their ideas and experiences in order to develop highly effective decisions. In LA DPSS under each Bureau there should be committees that formulate policies and design how they are to be implemented. Their recommendations should be relayed afterwards to the Chief Deputy Director to facilitate high level discussions and subsequent approval.

Without adequate participation such recommendations can be approved but since the implementers’ views had been ignored implementation is rendered ineffective. As a manager one is supposed to assess the available avenues to render punishment and rewards depending on actions of others. These are used as motivational factors and are explained by Management or Transactional Theories. Junior