The article seeks to identify the most widely adopted management style in the Brazilian Federal Police by assessing managers’ perceptions about their work routine and the impact of personal and organizational factors.
An online survey of 195 police officers in management positions was conducted using an adapted version of Klijn et al.’s (2008) management style framework. Concordance and factor analyses of 35 items on management styles and job satisfaction revealed latent factors and predominant styles. Association tests examined correlations with age, education level, area of activity, and length of service.
The study revealed that the management style focused on interaction is predominant, with an emphasis on teamwork, especially among managers in the mid-career stage (5–10 years of service). Older managers prioritize the completion of activities, while those with the highest level of education seek the continuous improvement of processes. Gender differences do not impact how management is conducted. Managers seek to complete tasks without neglecting ethics and internal guidelines.
The limitations of the study include the use of unsupervised online questionnaires, a potential influence of social desirability bias, and a sample that is not representative of the regional diversity of Brazil.
The research contributes to police force planning by understanding management practices, thereby helping to improve police officers' performance based on the way they are managed.
The study relates police managers' styles and work perceptions to personal and occupational traits in a force where all managerial roles combine frontline and administrative duties at varying levels.
