Business foundations SAC 1b Flashcards
What are management styles?
how a manager goes about accomplishing particular objectives
Management styles: autocratic manager
- manager makes all the decisions and tells employees what tasks to perform
- communication is one way
- prefers to have full control
- no employee input or consultation
- centralised
Management styles: autocratic manager pros and cons
pros
- decisions are made quickly, no need to consult
- clear communication to employees
- employees know exactly what needs to be done
- decisions are made by an experienced manager
cons
- no opportunity for employee input, low employee morale
- very task focused, lack of employee creativity
- smaller pool of ideas
- assumption being that the decision made is the correct one
Management styles: autocratic manager best used
- time of business crisis with some being a significant factor
- when employees lack skills and knowledge
Management styles: persuasive manager
- manager makes all decisions
- control is centralised
- no employee input
- one-way communication
- manager explains to the employees why the decision has been made
- more information is given about the decision, the what and why
Management styles: persuasive manager pros and cons
pros
- decisions are made quickly when times an issue
- clear communication to employees
- decisions may be more accepted by employees as they are more informed
- persuading that the decision is right and the work employees do matters will motivate, yield productivity
cons
- small poll of ideas
- lack of room for employee creativity and innovation
- employees may not support reasons for decision
- no employee input which can lead to low moral and motivation
Management styles: persuasive manager best used
- when employees lack skills and experience
- when time lacks
Management styles: consultative manager
- seeks opinions and feedback from employees
- centralised as final decision making rests with manager
- medium level of staff participation
- two way communication is used
- manager listens to their views
- style is task orientated, focused on the end result
Management styles: consultative manager pros and cons
pros
- larger pool of ideas
- increased motivation of employees as views are listed to
cons
- time consuming
- employees may feel undervalued if their idea is over looked
- some employees may not want to be consulted, may not take it seriously
Management styles: consultative manager best used
- when manager has to solve complex issues
- when time isn’t urgent
- employees have experience
Management styles: participative manager
- managers and employees join together
- decision making is decentralised, manager empowers employees to make decisions
- communication is two way
- high level of employee empowerment
- everyone takes ownership in final decision
Management styles: participative manager pros and cons
pros
- employees can provide feedback and feel valued which will lead to higher moral, likely to be productive
- empowers employees to use their creativity
- encourages employees to stay with the business, improve employee retention and reduce staff turnover
cons
- can be time consuming
- potential for conflict about best and what decision
- some employees may not want to be involved, there for do not seriously contribute
Management styles: participative manager best used
- when the issue directly impacts employees
- the employees are highly skilled and experienced
- when time isn’t urgent
Management styles: laissez faire manager
- manager allows majority of decision making to be done by employees
- control is decentralised
- high level of employee empowerment
- communication is two way
- employees plan and develop their own decisions
- manager still has responsibility of approving decisions
Management styles: laissez faire manager pros and cons
pros
- employee moral and motivation is improved
- improved communication
- encourages teamwork, creativity and innovation
cons
- employees not monitored, loss of management control
- misuse of business resources, waste/higher costs
- employees may abuse the privilege and be less productive