Criminal justice - Research Paper Example

It necessitates the placement of new cultural values that tend to focus on innovation and empowerment. Though much attention had been paid to the task of identifying the requisite changes, very little effort has been put into thinking as to how to lead these transformations. Thus, transformational leadership is of much relevance in the management of existing public safety environments. Transformational/Pseudo-Transformational Leadership It is important to understand the relevance of transformational leadership in the public safety environment, as the much needed changes can only be brought about by leaders who have a clear sense of direction, and a compelling vision as to what the system expects from the much coveted transformation and change (Rickards, 2005, p. 81). Everybody expects the things to change.

Yet, there are only a few leaders who have the ability to convince and convey to the public safety personnel as to how do they stand to gain by extending meaningful contributions (Rickards, 2005, p. 81). It is a fact supported by commonsensical observation that most of the public safety agencies today are overburdened, resource deficient and to some extent de-motivated. In that context a transformational approach to leadership is one that supports novel approaches centered on innovation and change.

People employed in public safety settings do hesitate to embrace change because either they feel that it may not be appreciated by their superiors or are simply oblivious of the steps that usher in change. Thus a leader should not only be one who has a vision, but the one who is also able to translate that vision into pragmatic and realistic strategies that could easily be embraced and followed by others. A transformational leader guides by example (Rickards, 2005, p. 82). A transformational leader takes the initiative to embrace change, to bring change.

Public safety settings are marked by serious and real life situations and challenges that can simply not be dealt through hollow lip service. Hence, a transformational leader is one who is not only able to establish the right degree of trust in the organizational framework, but also has the infectious humor and optimism that can generate confidence in the times marked by crisis and problems (Rickards, 2005, 82). Central to transformational leadership in any organizational environment is the ability to formulate, organize and communicate a vision.

Yet, the fact that is mostly overlooked in this aspect of transformational leadership is that it is also endowed with the potential and opportunities to resort to unethical behavior and misconduct (Parry & Proctor-Thomson, 2002, p. 78). The problem with the contemporary public safety organizations is not that they lack transformational leadership, but rather the fact that the harbingers of this vision are mostly inflexible and harbor an absolutist approach towards things. The vision of this nature though may be effective in the short run, yet it by its very nature lacks consideration and sensitivity for many important things, and is hence less effective at promoting ethical conduct within organizations, thereby negatively impacting the levels of trust (Parry & Proctor-Thomson, 2002, p. 78). If a transformational leader turns egoistic in one’s aspirations, one may direct the organizational resources and efforts towards goals that may be deemed to be