Effective Police Supervision (Chapter 5)

Question 1

What can transform a marginal or inept organization into a successful one?

Answer 1

effective leadership

Question 2

What type of supervisor provides officers with a clear sense of purpose that can be translated as the vision provides guidance to the future, the mission describes the intent of the organization, and goals provide a framework for achievement?

Answer 2

effective supervisor

Question 3

Leadership does not just happen it must what?

Answer 3

be cultivated and nurtured

Question 4

Who is optimistic and confronts adversity with persistence and consistency, overcomes obstacles and strives to establish a strong organizational culture, networks with others, works at creating open, candid, trusting relationships, uses morals and ethical values when confronting difficult issues, able to convert past experiences into positive input, and possesses the capacity to visualize a desired future?

Answer 4

a true leader

Question 5

What can happen as a result of an incompetent supervisor?

Answer 5

dampen enthusiasm and constrict even those who are highly motivated

Question 6

The shift from being a follower to becoming an effective supervisor means transitioning from reliance on knowledge, methods, and techniques that dominated work in a line position and allowed performance on specific operations tasks must now be shifted to a greater consideration of what?

Answer 6

human and conceptual skills

Question 7

An effective supervisor must develop the ability to understand why people behave as they do and work toward developing an effective means of what?

Answer 7

changing, directing, and controlling behavior

Question 8

In a Florida study the percentage of personnel working in administrative positions ranged for percentage?

Answer 8

2-13%

Question 9

What happens when leadership is missing?

Answer 9

organization is generally ineffective, problems develop that are seldom resolved, chaos is likely to occur

Question 10

What happens when there is positive leadership?

Answer 10

operational tasks are completed and objectives are obtained

Question 11

It has been suggested that there is a possibility that effective leaders may be those who constantly strive toward self-improvement. True or False

Answer 11

True

Question 12

What has emphasized the critical roles of leaders should assume in order to deal with organizational environment and with the continuing and constantly changing demands of the community, views trust as a by-product of integrity and ethical conduct that will be a cooperative working environment, and fosters openness, fairness, sincerity, and provides involvement for everyone?

Answer 12

Total quality management (TQM)

Question 13

What are the four critical task identified by TQM that skilled leaders need to carryout in a high performance organization?

Answer 13

permits decisions to be made at the appropriate organizational level, builds trust and openness, empowers others, creates a vision and communicates it to everyone in the organization

Question 14

What are vital by products of positive interactions between the supervisor and the line officers?

Answer 14

trust and openness

Question 15

When motivation is heightened and a supervisor challenges followers by empowering officers to become involved in the decision making process and allows them to be engaged in a continuing learning process?

Answer 15

leads to a vision of excellence as values are shared and renewed energy is directed towards goal attainment

Question 16

What happens when motivation is heightened?

Answer 16

leads to positive trade-offs such as openness and enhanced confidence

Question 17

What is the process of influencing group activities toward the achievement of goals and also recognized as the process of influencing that can include such activities as telling, selling, ordering, coaching, joining, or consulting, and operates from a position of power based on the authority delegated to the supervisor?

Answer 17

leadership

Question 18

A first line supervisor is no longer a primarily doer, but a coordinator of others’ activities. True or False

Answer 18

True

Question 19

What rule should the supervisor comply with?

Answer 19

50% rule - supervisors should spend half their time managing others instead of just being another employee

Question 20

What are the power sources?

Answer 20

reward, coercive, legitimate, referent, and expert

Question 21

What are the tools a first line supervisor can use to extend power when dealing with others?

Answer 21

persuasion, patience, gentleness, teachableness, openness, consistency, and integrity

Question 22

A supervisor’s perspective should be based on what?

Answer 22

accurately acquired information about each officer, including awareness of goals, values desires, and intentions

Question 23

A supervisor should constantly strive for control that can only be interpreted as what?

Answer 23

fair, impartial, and non manipulative

Question 24

What is coercive power based on?

Answer 24

fear and on the ability of the supervisor to administer some type of punishment

Question 25

The department is an organization with a clearly defined hierarchy of what?

Answer 25

authority

Question 26

Integrity is a technique resulting from the extension of what?

Answer 26

power

Question 27

Can coercive power be applied without taking formal disciplinary action, such as giving an officer an undesirable work assignment or enacting a closer supervisory pattern?

Answer 27

yes

Question 28

Subordinates will respond to expert supervisors who possess this greater amount of knowledge, knowing that it ensures the successful completion of tasks. True or False

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What does a knowledgeable supervisor demonstrate?

Answer 29

the ability to implement, analyze, evaluate, and control situations and to resolve problems that are readily accepted

Question 30

Is expert power extremely narrow in scope?

Answer 30

yes

Question 31

Written directives and the requirement that subordinates comply with lawful orders is an example of what type of power?

Answer 31

legitimate

Question 32

What power is the only aspect of a potential power base that is not directly attributable to the the position the supervisor holds and it associated with the leader’s personality (charisma)?

Answer 32

referent

Question 33

Other than being likable what is another source of referent power?

Answer 33

good reputation

Question 34

What power is somewhat limited in law enforcement because promotions are based on service regulations so the supervisor’s role in the process is limited?

Answer 34

reward

Question 35

Officers are more likely to respond to what power when the authority of the supervisor affects operational conditions?

Answer 35

reward

Question 36

Power is the base that legitimizes the supervisor’s what?

Answer 36

position

Question 37

What is generated internally by one’s mind and value system and is of special importance because it makes each person unique and is foundational in nature?

Answer 37

will power

Question 38

What are the three categories of theories of leadership?

Answer 38

behavioral, contingency, trait

Question 39

What are the two types of leadership behavior under the behavioral theory?

Answer 39

initiating structure and consideration

Question 40

What is the leader’s behavior in delineating the relationship between him/her and members of the work group and in endeavoring to establish well defined patterns of organization, channels of communication, and methods or procedures?

Answer 40

initiating structure

Question 41

What is the behavior indicative of friendship, mutual trust, respect and warmth in the relationship between the leader and all members?

Answer 41

consideration

Question 42

A supervisor who feels comfortable emphasizing consideration as a leadership approach is more likely to what type of communication?

Answer 42

two communication

Question 43

When a supervisor has a low degree of what, the supervisor is more impersonal and shows less concern for the needs of those supervised?

Answer 43

consideration

Question 44

What is a supervisor emphasizing when he/she carefully constructs a subordinates role, activities are carefully planned, deadlines are established, and giving instructions dominates the interpersonal relations between the sergeant and officers?

Answer 44

initiating structure

Question 45

What model of leadership holds that the leader’s style , if it is to be effective, must match the demands of the specific situation?

Answer 45

contingency model

Question 46

In landmark research, Fiedler and Associates developed the first contingency model of leadership and postulated what three factors of major importance?

Answer 46

the leader’s position of power, the structure of the task, and the interpersonal relationship between the leader and members

Question 47

What is the degree to which the position itself confers upon the leader capacity to motivate officers to accept and comply with directions?

Answer 47

position power

Question 48

Examples of positional power are?

Answer 48

can recommend punishments and reward, official rank and status, knowledgeable in terms of position and work of subordinates, knowledge allows for a decision about how a task is to be done

Question 49

While a sergeant does not have the position power that can be attributed to lieutenants or those of higher rank, power is enhanced because the first line supervisor has what?

Answer 49

more frequent and intense contact with line personnel

Question 50

What is the extent to which a task is routine and structured as compared to ambiguous and poorly defined task?

Answer 50

task structure

Question 51

When tasks are defined carefully, it is much easier for a supervisor to do what?

Answer 51

control operational duties and hold officers accountable for their actions or inactions

Question 52

Why is when the relationship between subordinates and a leader can be described as a good working relationship, the leader is in a favorable position to influence behavior?

Answer 52

due to trust between them

Question 53

Under the contingency model which has been found to be the most important in terms of the leader’s capacity to influence a group of officers?

Answer 53

personality

Question 54

What happens when a sergeant is very acceptable from the officer’s viewpoint?

Answer 54

loyalty is inspired and compliance is generated

Question 55

When followers reject a first line supervisor what becomes the essential means to ensure attainment of goals?

Answer 55

control

Question 56

It is necessary for the leader’s guidance style to be congruent with the demands of a specific situation. True or False

Answer 56

True

Question 57

What are the two leadership styles under Fiedler’s contingency models?

Answer 57

task oriented (leader’s satisfaction is generated by effective task accomplishment) and relationship oriented ( predicated on the desire to achieve personal acceptance)

Question 58

Under contingency model, When there is a mutual trust and respect and the task is highly structured, the supervisor has high position power and the situation can be considered favorable. True or False

Answer 58

True

Question 59

Under contingency model, If the supervisor is not respected and has limited support, the position power is what and the tasks will be unstructured and vague creating an unfavorable position?

Answer 59

weak

Question 60

Under contingency model, or a newly appointed supervisor who’s influence is limited, what leadership style will be most effective?

Answer 60

task oriented

Question 61

What is probably the cause of a supervisory failure under contingency model?

Answer 61

due to an inability to adapt to the situation

Question 62

Under contingency model, in some situations a supervisor can change a leadership style by using positive features of the hierarchical organization and structuring the tasks more carefully. True or False

Answer 62

True

Question 63

Under contingency model, a supervisor may find a work environment is tense and interpersonal relationships or less than adequate. The supervisor should then implement what leadership style?

Answer 63

relationship-oriented

Question 64

What theory of leadership identifies distinguishing qualities or characteristics a person possesses when functioning as an effective leader?

Answer 64

trait theory

Question 65

Number of traits manifested by successful leaders varies considerable from a few to as many as how much?

Answer 65

56

Question 66

It is difficult to determine whether the leadership position results in the development of the traits or if the individual had the traits before becoming a leader. True or False

Answer 66

True

Question 67

The trait approach does not account for what?

Answer 67

the complex interaction between actions of the leader and the situation

Question 68

Supervisors deal with five types of skills

Answer 68

Hu-Tack (human, tactical, affective, conceptual, and knowledge)

Question 69

Does the environment modify the leadership process?

Answer 69

in most instances

Question 70

After analyzing thousands of articles and books who found a relationship among leadership capacity, achievement, responsibility, participation, situational, and status?

Answer 70

Ralph Stogdill

Question 71

It has to be acknowledged that what type of factors and pressures have a major place in our effort to determine what constitutes effective leadership?

Answer 71

situational factors

Question 72

What are leadership traits from Bass and Stogdill’s handbook of leadership?

Answer 72

Ability, accountability, attainment, involvement, situational, and standing

Question 73

Leadership is highly personal and projects what?

Answer 73

one’s innermost beliefs and feelings

Question 74

What are the three types of leadership behavior that can be used when a supervisor what to influence the behavior of a line officer?

Answer 74

consultative, directive, and participative

Question 75

What is a leadership position adopted by a supervisor as a compromise position when it has become apparent that line officers have values and attitudes different from those held by older police officers?

Answer 75

consultative

Question 76

What type of leadership behavior do higher managers expect to see in an operation?

Answer 76

directive

Question 77

This type of supervisor shows concern for officers as well as the organization, subordinates are allowed to participate in the decision making process, are accepted as part of the team, and it is acknowledged that officers have something to offer and are knowledgeable and capable.

Answer 77

consultative

Question 78

This style of leadership works best when decisions deal with relatively simple tasks or issues.

Answer 78

consultative

Question 79

What are the advantages to consultative leadership?

Answer 79

improves quality of decisions, involves subordinates in the decision making process, reduces stressful situations, shows concern for the welfare of subordinates, utilizes subordinates ideas

Question 80

What are the disadvantages to consultative leadership?

Answer 80

leaves personnel in the middle never knowing what to expect, limited effectiveness to solving problems, one never knows the impact a suggestion will have

Question 81

In consultative leadership, when there are two or more appropriate solutions for the same problem, the decision can generally be left to subordinates. This avoids an arbitrary decision and compliance is ensured. True or False

Answer 81

True

Question 82

In many instances a supervisor who practices this style of leadership was previously supervised by someone who relied on a the same leadership style.

Answer 82

directive

Question 83

This style of leadership is described as autocratic and dictatorial.

Answer 83

directive

Question 84

The work environments of some police departments are such that it is very difficult for a supervisor to use any other style than directive. True or False

Answer 84

True

Question 85

This supervisor exhibits very little concern for officers, allows little or no involvement in the decision making process, the supervisor makes the decision, will listen to questions but never for the purpose of altering the decision.

Answer 85

directive

Question 86

A first line supervisor by virtue of position of power is firmly entrenched in a position of unquestioned authority and will wield the power necessary to accomplish assigned tasks. True of False

Answer 86

True

Question 87

What theory holds that a directive supervisor perceives line officers as being lazy and untrustworthy?

Answer 87

Theory X

Question 88

How is control maintained under the directive style of leadership?

Answer 88

relying on rules and regulations

Question 89

Under directive style of leadership personal needs are subordinate to what?

Answer 89

departmental needs

Question 90

What are the advantages to directive leadership?

Answer 90

decisions are made quickly, decisions are not challenged, enhances compliance with department rules and regulations, focuses on goal attainment, logical extension of position of power, maximizes control of subordinates, subordinates know what has to be done

Question 91

What are the disadvantages of directive leadership?

Answer 91

can be punitive and is seldom rewarding, isolates the supervisor, limits two communication, may result in lowering of morale, minimal compliance, negative feelings can be generated, stifles creativity, stressful for the supervisor

Question 92

What leadership style can only be used when the supervisor has a genuine belief in and respect for subordinates?

Answer 92

participative

Question 93

In this leadership style the supervisor consults with subordinates and involves them in the decision making process, attitudes,values, and officers’ feelings are viewed as important and are considered, officers are encouraged to develop to their highest potential, and every effort is made to get officers to accept responsibility as well as handled delegated authority.

Answer 93

participative

Question 94

In participative leadership have meaningful input but in every instance the supervisor or someone higher makes the decision. True or False

Answer 94

True

Question 95

What is the goal of participative leadership?

Answer 95

to have employees actively engaging in self management

Question 96

What type of management style works best when the department has a positive orientation toward its human resources and subordinates have some discretion in performing assigned tasks?

Answer 96

participative

Question 97

What are the advantages of participative leadership?

Answer 97

better decisions, committed employees, employees are motivated, improves working relationships, totally acknowledges subordinates’ skills and abilities

Question 98

What are the disadvantages of participative leadership?

Answer 98

raises officer expectations, slows down the decision making process, takes a long time to evolve, time-consuming

Question 99

A truly people oriented supervisor functions best when serious efforts are expended to foster a work environment in which officers are viewed as an organizational asset. True or False

Answer 99

True

Question 100

What happens when people are viewed as assets?

Answer 100

they become critical part of the organization, their importance is never underestimated in the demand to achieve the unit’s mission, risk is minimized, and management standards function to achieve results

Question 101

In participative leadership what is the operational mode and what are supervisors?

Answer 101

teamwork / supportive

Question 102

From a study of urban police departments, what are the four supervisory styles that were identified?

Answer 102

traditional, supportive, innovative, and active

Question 103

This type of supervisor is highly task oriented, down plays community oriented activities, more likely to make independent decisions and tell an officer what to do, and relating to an officer is not considered, and specific instructions are the way the game is played. More than 60% of these sergeants believe that enforcing the law is the patrol officer’s most important responsibility.

Answer 103

traditional supervisor

Question 104

This type of supervisor is less concerned with enforcing the rules, lesser concern with paperwork and ensuring that officers produce, they encourage officers through praise and acknowledgement, counsel officers when needed, and consistently demonstrate a concern for subordinates. Just over 2/3 of this type of supervisor believe that it is their duty to protect officers from unfair censure or punishment and in some cases they do not have strong ties or positive relationship with management.

Answer 104

supportive supervisor

Question 105

This type of supervisor generally encourage those supervised to embrace new philosophies and methods of policing, more likely to delegate decision making, refrain from telling officers how to handle a situation,spend more time per shift working with the public or other officers. 96% of these types of supervisors agree strongly with the statement that a good patrol officer will try to find out what residents think the neighborhood problems are.

Answer 105

innovative supervisor

Question 106

This type of supervisor leads by example, they feel the need to be actively involved alongside those they supervise which provides them an opportunity to control officer behavior while performing as a street officer and supervisor, they are reluctant to become removed from active involvement, and 95% of the time will on their own initiative respond to their subordinates call for service, they are less likely to encourage team building, coaching, or mentoring. Patrol officers with this type of supervisor are more likely to use force against a suspect although the study found that the mere presence of the supervisor did not have significance influence on the use of force.

Answer 106

Active supervisors

Question 107

Research up to this point and time suggests that an active supervisor style that personifies leading by example may be the best way to influence officer behavior. True or False

Answer 107

True

Question 108

Supervisors can use power to ensure compliance but in the long run it may prove to be what?

Answer 108

detrimental

Question 109

What is the most difficult task?

Answer 109

reprimanding subordinates for poor performance

Question 110

Keys to reprimanding an subordinate with the least amount of difficulty:

Answer 110

allow an officer to save face indicating how the dispute might be resolved, allow the subordinate adequate time to respond, discuss the problem with the subordinate without letting emotions enter the exchange, discuss the facts, not the personality, have the subordinate repeat what you have said so that there is a clear understanding of the issues

Question 111

What is the true mark of a competent supervisor?

Answer 111

strong sensitivity towards others

Question 112

Many of the problems facing a supervisor stems fro what?

Answer 112

letting the acquisition of power become more important than the actual attainment of objectives and goals