What term is used for leadership that emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibilities?

Participative leadership is characterized by its focus on collaboration and the inclusion of team members in decision-making processes. This style encourages input from group members and emphasizes shared responsibility, which can enhance motivation and engagement among employees. Leaders who adopt this approach see value in the collective ideas and talents of their team, fostering an environment where everyone feels they have a stake in the outcomes.

This leadership style contrasts with others that do not prioritize team collaboration. For instance, free-rein leadership allows individuals more independence and autonomy, which may not involve collaborative decision-making. Situational leadership adapts to the specific situation or the maturity level of the team but does not inherently emphasize a collaborative approach. Authoritative leadership is characterized by a top-down directive style where the leader makes decisions with little input from others, focusing more on command than on collaboration. Therefore, participative leadership stands out as the approach that truly embodies shared responsibility and teamwork.