Managing a business today is basically different from what it was 30 or 40 years ago. The most profound difference pertains to the complexities in the human resource. Consensus approach can go a long way in ensuring optimum solutions to the complexities prevailing in all spheres, i.e., in marketing, finance, operations, etc. Now, the pertinent question is who should initiate this collaboration? It is not enough for leaders to identify collaborative opportunities and entice the best talent to them. Rather, they must also set the tone by being good collaborators themselves. In several cases, it is observed that efforts to collaborate in the middle are sabotaged by political games and turf battles. Corporate decision making was for a long time considered to be proprietary of management. However, in the last few decades, new forms of industrial relations have developed that purport to engage employees in the decision-making process or even to devolve decision-making process to them. Hence, authoritarian decision making is giving way to participative decision making.

Participation is the most frequently used word nowadays. It has different connotations. In training, trainees derive benefit by actively participating in the training program. When it comes to community work, participation implies the whole community, including those who are generally reluctant to express their views regarding a proposal. In games, for example, poker, participation means that people come together for gambling. So, participation carries different meaning for different activities. Extending its application to business implies that the complete workforce, that is, both superiors and subordinates, provide their inputs and have influence over the decision of the organization. However, it does not mean that designated managers lose their importance. They have the final authority on strategic decisions, but if such decision tends to affect the interests of a particular section of employees, then their views are also sought.

Participatory management has never been defined in crisp and clear terms. Rather it tends to become more confusing with the proliferation of new forms and hybrids. Participatory management is also closely linked with other management developments like empowerment, flattened hierarchies, downsizing, restructuring, etc.

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