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Leadership and Probation Officer practice in New Zealand

The nature and importance of the relationship between leadership and probation practice is considered drawing upon information collected from Probation Officers and Service Managers as part of a study on probation practice and the contribution of leadership to the achievement of effective service delivery. The participants asserted that the quality of the relationship between Service Managers (holding a positional leadership role) and Probation Officers (as practitioners) is likely to exert a positive influence upon Probation Officer work performance and that the practice credibility of Service Managers (based upon the clear articulation of professional values, the possession of knowledge, and demonstration of expertise) was associated with the development of trust, respect, confidence and willing following amongst staff. Participants also suggested that the management style employed by senior managers (reflective of the impact of New Public Management) is at variance with the practitioners’ desire for leadership that places emphasis upon practice. Three challenges facing senior managers in the New Zealand Community Probation Service are identified which, if engaged, offer solutions to issues concerning the relationship between leadership, practice and ultimately effective service delivery.