Define participative leadership.

Participative leadership is defined as a leadership style that actively involves team members in the decision-making process. This approach encourages open communication and collaboration, allowing individuals to contribute ideas, insights, and feedback. By valuing team member input, participative leaders foster a sense of ownership and commitment among their followers, which often leads to increased motivation and job satisfaction.

This leadership style contrasts sharply with approaches that emphasize control and unilateral decision-making. In participative leadership, the emphasis is on collective intelligence and harnessing diverse perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions and a greater sense of team cohesion. By including team members in discussions and decisions, leaders not only empower their followers but also enhance trust and respect within the team dynamics.