Which leadership style is most likely to foster officer engagement?

Transformational leadership is most likely to foster officer engagement because it emphasizes inspiration, motivation, and the development of a shared vision. This style encourages leaders to connect with their team on a personal level, promoting a sense of purpose and belonging among officers. A transformational leader actively seeks to empower their officers, encouraging them to take initiative and participate in decision-making processes. This leads to higher morale, increased job satisfaction, and a stronger commitment to the organization's goals.

In contrast, autocratic leadership tends to create a more rigid and hierarchical environment where decisions are made solely by the leader, which can stifle creativity and discourage officer input. Transactional leadership focuses primarily on exchanges and rewards in response to performance, which may lead to compliance but does not generally inspire deep engagement or personal investment in the work. Laissez-faire leadership allows for a hands-off approach, which can result in a lack of direction and support for officers, leading to disengagement. Transformational leadership stands out as it actively seeks to elevate the team's commitment and involvement, thereby fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce.