A Question of Style: Replicating and Extending Engel's Supervisory Styles With New Agencies and New Measures

• NCJ Number: 255186
• Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: 2016 Pages: 620-634
• Author(s): Jon Maskály; Wesley Jennings
• Date Published: 2016
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2008-DN-BX-0005
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: Advancing Knowledge and Practice in Policing: A Longitudinal Platform for National Research
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This study attempted to replicate Engel's (2001) styles of supervision using data from a new sample and including additional independent variables.

Abstract

The data were collected from a sample of police supervisors (N-369) at three distinct locations throughout the United States. Bivariate analyses and ordinary least squares regression were used to analyze the data. The study identified three of Engel's four supervisory styles and found largely consistent results, except for gender. The study also found strong evidence for persistent agency-level effects. The authors note that supervisory styles are important to consider, especially when trying to control the behavior of subordinates. Although this study cannot address the impact of organizational differences, the consistent agency-level effects suggest this should be considered in future research. (publisher abstract modified)