Question

What role does the chain-of-command style of management play in public and private security? Are there other forms of management style that would work better in a security profession?

Answer 1

Chain of command is a hierarchy of authority where those at the top of the organization direct and control the activities of the organizational members below them. The rationale of chain of command is that it permits coordination of different individuals and groups engaging in task specialization in order to accomplish organizational goals.

Individuals or groups engaged in specialized tasks do not always understand the big picture; their efforts must be coordinated by management so that the overall goal is achieved. For example, among all people involved in assembling a car, no one employee knows how to put together the entire car.

Chain-of-command style of management in public and private security:-

There is a defined command hierarchy in all law enforcement departments. Most departments are designed with a paramilitary rank structure and officers are expected to follow the chain-of-command. It is important for leaders to delegate responsibilities and trust their subordinates to successfully execute those duties with minimal oversight. Leaders must build a network of trust and accountability from the top down through the ranks while fostering new leaders and encouraging new ideas.

Honesty is a very important requirement in chain-of command style of leadership/management structure. Leaders need to be transparent and direct with subordinates. Dishonest leaders create chaos in their agency because they lose credibility with their “flock.” A leaderless flock will inevitably fail. Officers thrive in a structured environment with leaders who follow the rules and prescribed consequences.

Situational and Transformational leadership are other forms of leadership/management styles that would work better when used independently or along with chain-of-command style in a security profession.

Transformational leadership:- A successful transformational leader clearly communicates new direction of the business among subordinates. The leader clearly communicates the vision to subordinates so they can act. Instead of referring to specific situations, the management focuses on the general strategy. Visionary leaders recognize opportunities and use their resources effectively to achieve their long-term strategic goals. Transformational leaders also typically help their subordinates develop their own skills and become leaders themselves.

Situational Leadership:- In this management style, the manager assess the current situation and changes the leadership approach based on the people involved and the task at hand. This theory was developed by management experts Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard to help managers become more effective at assigning work. Using the telling style, managers tell people what do. Using the selling style, they provide guidance but focus on convincing employees to do the work. Using the participating style, they focus on building relationships and using the delegating style, they allow subordinates to take responsibility for the tasks, but monitor their progress over time.