The Participative Management Style: Does it Work?

Abstract

This article describes and compares the management styles of two individuals both of whom consecutively managed the internal audit department of an Australian investment company. The two management styles differ markedly as one is autocratic and the other is relatively participative. The manner in which both managers make decisions is described and the effect both management styles has had upon employee attitudes and departmental performance is examined. The participative style has, in this case, been shown to be the more effective.