A RANGE OF INVOLVEMENT LEVELS
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT
There is no absolute best involvement level, but there are optimal levels to produce the best
results and allow employees to attain satisfaction. Here are some guidelines that will help you
choose an appropriate level.
SECTION 4 TOOLS FORDESIGNINGPRODUCTIVEPROCESSES ANDORGANIZATIONS 113
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Authoritarian As-needed Joint Joint Self-directed
or top- involvement problem leadership teams or
down solving contractorsLeader
roleEmployee
roleActivitiesMainly one-way,
rule-based
direction and
close daily
supervision (i.e.,
“Just do as you’re
told”).
Often done in a
loving but
parental mode.Employees are
not involved in
significant
decisions.
Employees
involved only
when needed.Employees
understand and
follow the rules
and, in the worst
cases, use
grievance
procedures to
resolve problems.Supervisors have an
open-door policy
and invite
employee input on
an as-needed basis.Employees provide
data and help to
identify and solve
problems on an
invitational basis.Employees may
participate in
problem-solving
groups, complete
surveys, and
provide input into
suggestion systems.
Leaders make all
significant
decisions.Supervisors involve
employees in
problem solving, as
part of project
teams, task forces,
and committees.
Leader makes final
decisions.Employees help to
identify and solve
problems, as well as
recommend
solutions.Employees work in
task forces, project
groups, and quality
groups.Leaders share
responsibility for
work but are still
accountable for
employee processes
and results.
Decisions are made
jointly and by
consensus.Employees are often
organized into
natural work teams
and are involved in
setting business
goals. Employees
identify, define, and
solve problems; get
leader approval;
then implement
solutions.Employees and
leaders work within
partnership or team
structures.Leaders work as
facilitators and
coaches.
Leaders are
accountable only
for the overall
direction and
integration of
work.
Leaders rarely veto
decisions.Workers determine
the direction and
conditions of their
work unit (i.e.,
they manage
change).
Employees fully
accountable for
processes and
results.Work is by inde-
pendent
individuals (e.g.,
contractors) or in
self-managing
teams (e.g., they
are involved in
hiring and
terminating team
members).