In participative leadership, the leader consults the team for insights, observations, and ideas, rather than making the decision all on their own. Hence, a leader understands that the team has enough capabilities and skills that will benefit the process of decision-making for the success of the organization. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to explore the participative improvements executive leaders need to manage effectively in Babcock University. The problem addressed in the study was the participative leadership improvements executive leaders need to manage effectively in Babcock University. The research question was: What are the participative leadership improvements executive leaders need to manage effectively in Babcock University? The connections in the conceptual framework-indicated that one concept triggers the success of the other. The exploratory qualitative study used semi-structured interview to collect information from 10 participants who are Executive Leaders in Babcock University, and are currently holding leadership positions in the University. Data were analyzed using NVIVO 11 Pro, a Computer-aided Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS). After completing the analysis process, the following five themes emerged: (a) The five major themes were (a) participative program, (b) collaborative decision-making process, (c) subordinate engagement, (d) employee motivation strategies, and (e) decentralization of decision making. The four sub-themes were (a) communication, (b) employee welfare, (c) leadership style, and (d) personality traits. The key findings suggest policies and procedures that should be implemented for participative leadership improvements. Consequently, participative leadership requires the involvement of the entire team and may further be improved through collaboration, sharing of responsibilities as well as resources, forums, motivational strategies for employees, and shared decision making. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]