Leadership Styles or Types
Autocratic
CONSTRUCTION WORK
DO NOT USE THE ARMY AS AN EXAMPLE AS THE QUESTION WILL PROBABLY ASK YOU TO RELATE TO A BUSINESS
WHAT IT IS
Leader who likes to be in control of things and does not delegate/ Little consultation with employees, frequently dictating instructions/ Opinions of employees are not considered
All major decisions are made by the leader and orders are issued and directives are made to be obeyed without question.
Intimidation and fear are used and the style is dictatorial
RESULT OF
Subordinates get little experience of management and promotions are mostly external
Labour turnover is usually high due to poor motivation and morale of the employees.
Democratic
WHAT IT IS
Power is shared with staff
Authority is delegated to staff, but ultimately responsibility rests with the manager. Opinions/ideas/feedback are sought before decisions are made and tend to be better as a result.
The manager brings the staff along with them rather than forcing them to follow
Trust is built overtime with staff and staff feel more valued and motivated.
Promotions are internal as staff get experience of management.
RESULT
Intrapreneurship may occur as morale and motivation are high
Illustration: It may be appropriate in an open plan office situation
Laissez faire (free reign)
WHAT IT IS
Management has a facilitative role (guide) and does not get involved in the day to day running of the business.
Instructions are given but staff are left unsupervised to carry out the tasks
RESULT OF
Highly motivated and trustworthy workers use their initiative leading to very high levels of intrapreneurship.
Staff are empowered rather than ordered.
Greater freedom given to staff in setting own goals. Managers are free to deal with more strategic matters.
Illustration:
Is likely to be used by High Tech industries which rely on well educated and highly selfdirected employees.
NOTE
Relate the style to the question asked.
If the manager works in a RETAIL OUTLET it is likely that this will be needed in the answer.