Participative Decision Making: An Investigation of Its Effectiveness in the Program Management Office.

The purpose of this study project was to investigate two intervening variables though to mediate the effectiveness of PDM 1 The nature of the task and, 2 the subordinate personality characteristics need for independence. Secondly, to investigate the degree of presence of the variables in the PMO. The study showed that PDM will have positive effects on job performance and attitude when 1 the task environment is characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and rapidly changing technology and 2 the subordinates possess a moderate or high need for independence. The study showed that the task environment of the PMO is permeated with uncertainty, complexity and changing technology. Additionally, through the sample use of Vrooms need for independence questionnaire it was determined that as many as 90 of PMO subordinates possess a moderate to high need for independence. The study concludes that PDM is a potentially effective management strategy that warrants serious consideration by program managers. Author