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.