The influence of a consultative leadership style in the trust and commitment relationships in the Special Police Operations Battalion (Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais) of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

This work was developed with the aim of understanding the influence of a consultative leadership in the relations of confidence and commitment within a special operations unit, specifically in the Special Operations Battalion of Military Police of the State of Rio de Janeiro. We present the results of a study that used quantitative and qualitative methods, with in depth interviews and structured questionnaires. The sample was composed of 128 respondents from 400 police officers. The results point out to a direct relationship between a consultative leadership style, and personal and professional confidence in the leader. We conclude that leadership and trust can explain partially the quality of the informal coordination of these teams in this police unit, and are the factors that explain the propensity to take extreme risk in the operations with focus on results.