Path-Goal Leadership in UAE Policing

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1 Path-Goal Leadership in UAE Policing Student’s Name Department, Institutional Affiliation Course Code: Course Title Professor’s Name Due Date

2 Path-Goal Leadership in UAE Policing In the modern world of policing, effective leadership strategies stand as the cornerstone for nurturing a proactive, engaged, and efficient police force. Within this context, the Path-Goal Model emerges as a key framework, shaping the landscape of law enforcement. Specifically, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the demands of modern policing intersect with diverse cultural contexts, the Path-Goal Model offers nuanced approaches. This essay explores the Path-Goal Model, critically evaluating its adaptive leadership styles and real-world applications within the UAE police forces. By dissecting its principles, strengths, and weaknesses, this paper aims to demonstrate its practical significance. As law enforcement methodologies evolve, understanding the adaptability of leadership theories becomes imperative, offering valuable knowledge into refining policing practices and nurturing a proactive and efficient police force in the UAE. The Path-Goal Model profoundly influences modern UAE police leadership, aligning behavior with employee and situational dynamics, fostering motivation, and enhancing organizational productivity. Understanding the Path-Goal Model The Path-Goal Model of leadership, rooted in the expectancy theory of motivation, focuses on how leaders motivate followers to achieve specific objectives. This theory, originating from the works of Evans (1970), House (1971), and further developed by Robert J. House, emphasizes aligning leadership styles with employee and situational dynamics to enhance follower performance and satisfaction (Farhan, 2018; Dare & Saleem, 2022). Leaders are expected to adapt their behavior based on the unique needs of their team members and tasks to be effective in guiding their subordinates toward goal attainment (Farhan, 2018). This adaptive approach fosters a proactive and engaged workforce serving as a testament to the model's enduring relevance in contemporary leadership strategies.

3 The Path-Goal Theory outlines four essential leadership behaviors employed by leaders to foster employee growth and success. Firstly, achievement-oriented leadership encourages employee development by setting challenging goals, instilling a sense of accomplishment (Farhan, 2018). Secondly, directive leadership involves providing specific advice, clarifying expectations, and assigning tasks to ensure clarity and focus (Farhan, 2018). Thirdly, participative leadership entails collaborative decision-making between leaders and employees regarding tasks and objectives. Lastly, supportive leadership emphasizes creating a positive work environment and providing emotional support to employees, enhancing their well-being and job satisfaction (Farhan, 2018; Dare & Saleem, 2022). Incorporating these diverse leadership behaviors reinforces a harmonious workplace environment contributing to the overall growth and satisfaction of employees. Crucially, the Path-Goal Theory illuminates the vital role of comprehending employees' individual characteristics in employing an effective leadership style. Leaders must assess employees' need for affiliation, preference for structure, desire for control, and perception of abilities to tailor their leadership approach (Dare & Saleem, 2022). By skillfully addressing these characteristics, leaders can adeptly remove obstacles, motivate subordinates, and optimize performance levels. This nuanced approach not only fosters a cohesive and efficient work environment but also exemplifies the adaptability of the Path-Goal Model within the diverse cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Strengths and Weaknesses of the Path-Goal Model Strengths The Path-Goal Model exhibits compelling strengths that enhance its applicability in modern police leadership, especially in the diverse landscape of the UAE police forces. One of its primary strengths is its adaptability. According to Landrum and Daily (2012), tailoring

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4 leadership styles to the unique needs and characteristics of employees and specific situations fosters a motivated and productive workforce. For instance, in the UAE, where cultural diversity is prevalent, adaptive leadership styles ensure that officers from varied backgrounds are motivated according to their individual preferences and work dynamics. Additionally, the Path-Goal Model's adaptability shines in high-stress situations, such as emergency response scenarios. Another strength lies in its ability to cultivate result-motivated employees. By providing clear objectives and aligning team efforts with organizational goals, this model enhances officers' effectiveness in addressing various challenges, from crime prevention to community engagement. In essence, the Path-Goal Model stands as a cornerstone of effective police leadership in diverse, high-stress environments, fostering motivated, goal-oriented officers. Weaknesses and Challenges Despite its strengths, the Path-Goal Model is not without limitations. One notable challenge arises from its potential coercive nature. When leadership becomes overly directive, it might stifle officers' autonomy, hindering creative problem-solving (Landrum & Daily, 2012). This autocratic tendency, especially in high-stress situations, could limit officers' ability to respond flexibly, potentially impacting the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts . Additionally, a critical evaluation of the model reveals concerns about dependency. When subordinates overly rely on leaders' guidance, there's a risk of diminished initiative among officers. This dependency might hinder the development of critical decision- making skills, impacting their ability to navigate complex situations independently. Acknowledging these limitations is crucial for fostering a more adaptable and effective leadership strategy within the UAE police forces. Addressing criticisms, skeptics argue that the model's focus on leader-subordinate dynamics might oversimplify the multifaceted challenges encountered in modern policing.

5 Critics contend that while adaptive leadership styles are essential, they should be complemented by comprehensive training and institutional support to ensure a well-rounded, self-sufficient police force (Landrum & Daily, 2012). Addressing these weaknesses is critical for optimizing the model's utility in modern police leadership. Acknowledging its limitations and supplementing it with other leadership approaches tailored to specific situations can mitigate these challenges, ensuring a well-rounded and effective leadership strategy within the UAE police forces. Application in Modern UAE Police Leadership Path-Goal Model in UAE Police Forces The Path-Goal Model emerges as a fundamental framework guiding the leadership strategies within UAE law enforcement agencies like Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police. The heart of this model lies in its adaptability, ensuring leadership styles are attuned to the unique needs of officers and the complexities of their tasks. For instance, in Abu Dhabi Police, where officers often deal with a diverse array of situations, leaders employ a mix of directive, supportive, and participative styles as supported by the path goal model (Manhali et al., 2022). When facing high-stress situations requiring immediate action, a directive approach provides clear instructions, guiding officers effectively. Conversely, in community- oriented initiatives, particularly in Dubai Police, where community engagement is paramount, leaders adopt supportive and participative styles (Alnuaimi, 2013). By involving officers in decision-making processes and offering emotional support, these leaders foster a sense of ownership and motivation among their teams. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is at the core of the Path-Goal Model’s application. Leaders, especially in Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, are expected to exhibit high EI traits such as self-awareness and empathy. This emotional acumen enables them to gauge the emotional states of their subordinates and community members alike, facilitating effective

6 communication and relationship-building. By fostering open dialogues with residents, officers can delve deeply into community concerns and needs . This collaborative strategy, rooted in the Path-Goal Model, significantly strengthens community bonds (Fannon, 2018). For instance, during a public safety initiative, officers' empathetic engagement defuse tensions in a high-crime neighborhood. Understanding residents' fears and involving them in decision-making instill trust, leading to a community-driven crime reduction effort (Alnuaimi, 2013). This example illustrates how EI-driven leadership, seamlessly aligned with the Path-Goal Model, not only enhances community ties but also bolsters overall public safety, fostering a safer and more interconnected Abu Dhabi. The Path-Goal Model application is further evident in UAE police through inclusive decision-making. For example, when implementing community safety measures like surveillance cameras, leaders involve local residents and leaders in the decision process. In 2018, Chief Mazrouei of the Abu Dhabi police department exemplified the Path-Goal Model by forming the Chief's Advisory Group, including community leaders in decisions about surveillance cameras (Fritsvold, 2018). By forming a Chief’s Advisory Group comprising local leaders, he embraced the risk of dissent, interrupting the command structure. This decision, while deviating from the norm, enhanced community trust, enabling controversial proposals to proceed smoothly (Fritsvold, 2018). This inclusivity and adaptability, where leaders adjust their styles based on the situation, exemplify the Path-Goal Model's application, aligning with the UAE's vision for safer, well-connected communities. Comparison with Alternative Leadership Approaches In the contemporary police leadership, the Trait Theory stands out as a classic alternative to the Path-Goal Model. Unlike the adaptive styles of the Path-Goal Model, Trait Theory asserts that effective leaders possess inherent qualities or traits that distinguish them from others (Davis & Silvestri, 2020). These traits could include self-confidence, integrity,

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7 intelligence, and emotional stability, among others. While the Trait Theory presupposes that leaders are born, not made, the Path-Goal Model takes a different approach by emphasizing adaptive leadership styles based on the situation and the unique characteristics of team members (Davis & Silvestri, 2020). Each of these theories presents distinct perspectives on leadership, with Trait Theory emphasizing inherent qualities and the Path-Goal Model advocating adaptive styles based on situational and team-specific considerations. In the diverse landscape of UAE law enforcement, where officers deal with a myriad of challenges, the Path-Goal Model’s adaptability shines. For instance, a directive leadership style can be crucial in emergencies, ensuring clear and immediate action. In contrast, the Trait Theory might not provide specific guidance on situational adaptability, potentially leaving leaders ill-equipped to handle diverse scenarios (Fritsvold, 2018). Additionally, while certain traits like integrity and emotional intelligence are undoubtedly valuable, the Trait Theory lacks the comprehensive framework of the Path-Goal Model, which offers specific guidance on leadership behaviors tailored to various contexts (Davis & Silvestri, 2020). For example, in a multicultural setting like the UAE, the ability to adopt participative or supportive leadership styles as per the Path-Goal Model can bridge cultural gaps and enhance team cohesion. Thus, in the pursuit of effective police leadership, the Path-Goal Model stands resilient, advocating for leadership not as a fixed trait but as an ever-evolving, contextually sensitive art. Conclusion The exploration of leadership theories, particularly the Path-Goal Model, illuminates the dynamic landscape of contemporary police leadership in the UAE. The adaptability inherent in the Path-Goal Model, tailored to the unique needs of officers and diverse situations, has proven instrumental in fostering motivation, productivity, and community engagement within law enforcement agencies like Abu Dhabi Police and Dubai Police. This

8 model, rooted in emotional intelligence and inclusive decision-making, aligns with the UAE's vision for safer, well-connected communities. In contrast, the classic alternative, Trait Theory, highlights the inherent qualities of effective leaders. However, the adaptive nature of the Path-Goal Model, allowing leaders to adjust their styles as per the situation, emerges as a potent strategy in the ever-evolving world of policing. As UAE's law enforcement continues to navigate complexities, understanding and effectively applying leadership theories like the Path-Goal Model remain key, ensuring a proactive, engaged, and efficient police force in this diverse cultural landscape.

9 References Alnuaimi, S. (2013). Effective leadership in implementing change in Arab Culture: The case of the Abu Dhabi police . https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/324755/1/Final- Printable280514%20f.pdf Dare, P. S., & Saleem, A. (2022). Toward success while tackling the change in a pandemic age: Path-goal theory leadership as a win-win gadget. Frontiers in Psychology , 13 (3). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.944145 Davis, C., & Silvestri, M. (2020). Conventional leadership theories. Policy Press EBooks , 4 (3), 43–62. https://doi.org/10.51952/9781447349655.ch003 Fannon, D. (2018). The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership style in educational leaders style in educational leaders . https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=1929&context=etd#:~:text=Results%20suggested%20that%20individuals %20with Farhan, B. Y. (2018). Application of path-goal leadership theory and learning theory in a learning organization. Journal of Applied Business Research (JABR) , 34 (1), 13–22. https://doi.org/10.19030/jabr.v34i1.10088 Fritsvold, E. (2018, October 1). The path to community policing through leadership . University of San Diego Online Degrees. https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/community-policing-through- leadership/#:~:text=to%20avoid%20consequences.- Landrum, N., & Daily, C. (2012). Corporate accountability: A Path-goal perspective . https://ecommons.luc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=ies_facpubs

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10 Manhali, A. H., Kaabi, F., & Hanaee, M. (2022). We Are All Police—Abu Dhabi police community engagement initiative. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice , 4 (5). https://doi.org/10.1093/police/paac013

Path-Goal Leadership in UAE Policing

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