(2) discussion response: Leadership and Leadership in Criminal Justice Organizations

Respond to bot discusiions with a minimum of 300 words each. Cite resources.

Discussion #1 (Margo Ihde)

Leadership

This researcher’s definition of leadership is building relationships that influence the development, education, behavior, and thinking of others to achieve a goal or vision. This definition is based on years of experience and education and on the foundation that effective leaders are made, not born, and effective leadership is a result of acquiring and enhancing leadership abilities through instruction and practical application (Hughes et al., 2018; Maxwell, 2018; Kouzes & Posner, 2017). There are two fundamental categories of leadership, influence, and relationships, and two areas of concentration: developing leadership skills inside oneself and cultivating leadership abilities in others (Kouzes & Posner, 2017; Maxwell, 2018). To achieve leadership success, individuals must possess a strong inclination towards acquiring knowledge and a steadfast commitment to purposeful and conscious implementation of leadership principles. Authentic leadership necessitates prioritizing individuals, establishing a forward-thinking vision, allocating resources towards cultivating optimal relationships, and cultivating self-assurance in one’s ability to exhibit effective leadership in any given context (Covey et al., 1999). The Holy Bible admonishes believers in Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (New International Version, 2011).

Northouse (2021), Wilson (2022), and Rosari (2019) agree that there is no consensus among scholars and practitioners for a definition of leadership, and creating a standard definition has been attempted for centuries. Northouse’s (2021) definition is “Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” (p. 6). Wilson (2022) provides the two following textbook definitions:

• The Nature of Leadership, third edition, 2018, by John Antonakis and David Day: “Leadership is a formal or informal contextually rooted and goal-influencing process that occurs between a leader and a follower, groups of followers, or institutions.” (p. 101).
• Leadership in Organizations, ninth edition, 2020, by Gary Yukl and William Gardner: “Leadership is the process of influencing others to understand and agree about what needs to be done and how to do it, and the process of facilitating individual and collective efforts to accomplish shared objectives.” (p.102).

Rosari (2019) does not draft a definition of leadership; he does choose to use the definition by Joseph C. Rost, published in 1993, “an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real change that reflects their mutual purposes.” (p. 19).

Unique Leadership Qualities

Northouse (2021) ascertains the primary components central to leadership; it is a process that involves influence, occurs in groups, and involves common goals. Dr. Randy Garner (2018) surveyed 567 Texas police chiefs and assistant police chiefs, resulting in the following list of traits or skills believed to be essential for an effective leader in policing.

• Effective Communicator
• Honesty and Integrity
• Maturity
• Intelligence balanced with common sense
• Effective Listener
• Positive and ethical behavior
• Decisive
• Accountability
• Resourcefulness
• Empower/Influence self and others

Some may argue that these are the qualities of an effective leader in any discipline. However, these can also be viewed as unique to an effective leader in a law enforcement organization because the overall environment within these organizations often does not foster these traits or skills.

Credibility

The importance of credibility within a criminal justice organization can be demonstrated in Kouzes (2009) and Barry Posner’s study; credibility is the most crucial factor spanning three decades of people, several generations, several countries, and various cultures. In the reading, Kouzes and Posner’s (2017) First Law of Leadership is “If you don’t believe in the messenger, you won’t believe the message.” (p. 39). The cornerstone of leadership is credibility, which stems from trustworthiness, expertise, and dynamism (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). Credible leaders have a strong sense of right and wrong, are willing to stand up for what they believe in, safeguard sensitive information, promote moral conversations about professional matters, and keep their word (Kouzes & Posner, 2017). In a study conducted by Hoggett et al. (2018), a frequent concern expressed by officers pertained to the potential consequences of inexperience of senior management, which included diminished credibility and respect. Consequently, this would influence the level of trust officers would place in their leadership and whether officers would adhere to them. Depending on the leader’s level, lack of or loss of credibility can affect all areas within a criminal justice organization and result in a lack of discipline, poor decision-making by members, lack of confidence by members and the community, and in the worst cases, unethical conduct by one or more members of the organization.

Word Count 746

References

Covey, S. R., Merrill, A. R., & Merrill, R. R. (1999). First things first. Simon & Schuster.

Garner, R. (2018). Leadership as a police chief: Advice from those who’ve been there. Applied Psychology in Criminal Justice, 14(2), 171–182. https://dev.cjcenter.org/_files/apcj/garner-leader…

Hoggett, J., Redford, P., Toher, D., & White, P. (2018). Challenges for police leadership: Identity, experience, legitimacy and direct entry. Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, 34(2), 145–155. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11896-018-9264-2

Hughes, R. L., Ginnett, R. C., & Curphy, G. J. (2018). Leadership: Enhancing the lessons of experience (9th ed.). McGraw Hill.

Kouzes, J. (2009, January 19). Top 10 leadership lessons. Sources of Insight. https://sourcesofinsight.com/the-top-ten-leadershi…

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make extraordinary things happen in organizations (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Maxwell, J. C. (2018). Developing the leader within you. Thomas Nelson Pub.

New International Version. (2011). www.biblegateway.comLinks to an external site. (Original version 1973)

Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. 2023, vitalsource.com

Rosari, R. (2019). Leadership definitions applications for lecturers’ leadership development. Journal of Leadership in Organizations, 1(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.22146/jlo.42965

Wilson, D. C. (2022). Defining leadership. Philosophy of Management, 22, 99–128. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40926-0…

Discussion #2(Linda Robinson)

Effective, ethical leadership is essential for law enforcement organizations to fulfill their duties responsibly and gain public trust (Kouzes & Posner, 2006b). This discussion will critically examine various definitions of leadership, analyzing the unique leadership qualities needed for criminal justice organizations to uphold justice with compassion. It will also discuss the importance of credibility for law enforcement leaders and how alignment between words and actions builds trust and influence. Biblical principles of servant leadership, integrity, and justice will guide this analysis of righteous leadership and examine how applying scriptural values allows leaders in criminal justice to transform their organizations positively.

My definition of leadership is instilling vision, empowering others, and serving as a role model through ethical, compassionate actions. The basis for my definition is biblical, modeled by Jesus Christ. When Jesus washed his disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17, he demonstrated servant leadership, showing that true leaders empower others and lead by compassionate example. Jesus provided the ultimate model of leadership by sacrificing himself for the sake of others. This type of selfless, moral leadership should be the aspiration for leaders in law enforcement.

Northouse defines leadership as a process where an individual influences a group to achieve a common goal, based on trait theory and the great man approach (as cited in Chou & Naimi, 2020). It involves setting a vision, motivating and enabling others, and serving as an ethical role model. Effective leadership requires a combination of traits, skills, and behaviors that can be innate and developed over time. Situational factors also determine the most appropriate leadership approach. Good leadership fosters positive change, brings out the best in people, and aligns individual and organizational objectives for mutual benefit. While perspectives on leadership abound, the capacity to positively influence others through ethical, empowering means appears fundamental.

Unique Qualities of Law Enforcement Leadership

Law enforcement leadership demands integrity and ethical conduct, as officers are public servants and leaders must model righteous behavior. Compassion for the community is also critical, as leaders set the tone for compassionate policing, as seen in Colossians 3:12-14 (BibleGateway, n.d.). A commitment to justice is essential, requiring leaders to ensure fair policies and practices. Finally, courage under fire is needed, as law enforcement leaders must make tough decisions under pressure as demonstrated in Joshua 1:9. Upholding biblical values like service, compassion, justice, and courage allows leaders to positively influence officers, build public trust, and create a culture of integrity. Law enforcement leadership carries unique responsibilities and challenges, requiring spirit-led strength of character.

Credibility is vital for law enforcement leaders. Proverbs 11:3 states that integrity guides good people, while hypocrisy destroys treacherous individuals (King James Bible Online, n.d.). Leaders lack influence without credibility, as followers will not trust or obey unethical leaders. Law enforcement leaders must back up words with righteous action and lead by example with (Kouzes & Posner, 2006a). Otherwise, the hypocrisy erodes trust in the institution. Upholding biblical values builds credibility. Law enforcement leaders whose walk aligns with their talk earn respect and lead effectively. Credibility enables influence and empowerment.

In summary, leadership in law enforcement organizations requires modeling integrity, justice, compassion, and courage to influence officers and build public trust positively. Credibility is vital, as leaders must align words and actions to earn respect. Upholding biblical values like service, justice, and integrity enables leaders to create a culture of ethical leadership. By examining definitions of leadership, unique qualities for criminal justice, and the importance of credibility grounded in scripture, it is clear that righteous, servant-hearted leadership is essential for law enforcement to fulfill duties responsibly. Leaders with Christ-like influence can transform organizations.

References

BibleGateway. (n.d.). Bible gateway passage: Colossians 3:12-14 – New international version. Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:12-14&version=NIVLinks to an external site..

Chou, C., & Naimi, L. L. (2020). A discussion of leadership theories as they relate to information systems leadership. Leadership & Organizational Management Journal, 2020(2), 1-10. https://ssrn.com/abstract=3559962Links to an external site..

King James Bible Online. (n.d.). Proverbs 11:3 KJV “The integrity of the upright shall guide them: But the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.”. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-11-3/Links to an external site..

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, b. Z. (2006b). The five practices of exemplary leadership. In Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge (pp. 7-40). John Wiley & Sons.

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2006a). Leadership is everyone’s business. In Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge (pp. 1-6). John Wiley & Sons.