Abstract
Purpose. This study explored how supervisors in the private security industry utilize elements of adaptive leadership in their day-to-day operations to deal with problems, challenges, and changes.
Theoretical Framework. This study contributes to existing theoretical frameworks such as adaptive leadership, while integrating concepts of path-goal leadership.
Methodology. This qualitative study applied a phenomenological research method to explore the lived experiences of five private security supervisors at a major transportation hub in Los Angeles, California. The participants in this study had been hired to fill a supervisor position or had been promoted to supervisor by the management of a private security company. Each participant had at least 1 year of experience in the supervisor position between 2019 and 2023. Participants were asked to respond to interview questions.
Findings and Conclusion. Six common themes emerged among the responses from the participants: communication and leadership, teamwork, overcoming obstacles, robust training programs, flexibility and solutionism, stress impact, and goals and guidance. Private security supervisors utilized elements of both path-goal and adaptive leadership styles in their day-to-day operations to deal with problems, challenges, and changes. The results of this research add to the literature on the experiences of supervisors in the private security field by extending the established research on path-goal and adaptive leadership behaviors.
Implications. The findings of this study offer insight into how leaders express appreciation for followers’ actions by positively reinforcing them with rewards and how these rewards can reinforce improved communication and alignment between supervisors and guards, which is crucial for security operations in a large facility. The findings suggest several potential implications for practical application for private security guards, supervisors, managers, training staff, and executive-level decision-makers.
Recommendations. Future research could examine various private security settings, such as educational institutions, health care facilities, retail establishments, corporate buildings, and transportation hubs in different locations. Additional recommendations include exploring a more diverse population of security supervisors, focusing on job satisfaction among security professionals, and leadership practices using quantitative methods. Research should also examine the perceptions of private security managers and directors, and the impact of the manager-supervisor relationship on guard performance.