Tough-Controlling Leadership
Managers using a tough-controlling leadership approach are tough on safety primarily to secure compliance with safety policies and rules, and to control losses due to accidents. These leaders consider safety as a "loss control" function.
Tough-controlling safety leadership is not truly effective.
They may have high standards for behavior and performance, and feel the need for tight control of all aspects of work to ensure compliance.
A tough-controlling leadership approach has the following characteristics:
- It is considered the "traditional" management model.
- Management is interested in effective safety to successfully reduce injuries and illnesses, thereby cutting production costs.
- Managers may rely on a balance of negative and positive reinforcement to control behaviors.
- Tight control is necessary to achieve numerical goals.
- Communication is typically top-down, and information is used to control.
- A safety "director" is usually appointed to act as a cop: responsible for controlling the safety function.
- The safety culture is less fear-based, yet compliance is still the primary safety goal.
What supervisors and managers might say if they have a tough-controlling management style:
- "If you have an accident, you'll be disciplined."
- "If you don't have an accident, you won't lose your bonus."
- "If you comply with safety rules, you will be recognized."
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1-5. Why are tough-controlling leaders tough on safety?
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