Chapter 7 (B) Delegation and styles of leadership

Question 1

What is delegation

Answer 1

Giving subordinates the authority to perform a task.

Question 2

Advantages of delegation for management

Answer 2

More efficient, less chances of mistakes
Less workload for managers
Managers can identify which employees need help in what tasks.

Question 3

Advantages of delegation for employees

Answer 3

Employees feel trusted
They may learn a new skill/hone their existing skills
Feel motivated since the work may become challenging

Question 4

Why would managers not delegate tasks

Answer 4

Not trust the employees

Think employees aren’t good enough to deliver high quality work

Could also get threatened if the work is too good

Wouldn’t want to take the blame if an error occurs

Question 5

Three styles of leadership

Answer 5

Autocratic
Democratic
Laissez-faires

Question 6

What is autocratic leadership

Answer 6

Very commanding leadership where no inputs from employees are allowed.

Question 7

Advantages of autocratic leadership

Answer 7

Good during crisis since decisions are taken quickly\

Question 8

Disadvantages of autocratic leadership

Answer 8

Employees feel demotivated since their opinion isn’t valued

possibility of sub-optimal outcomes since decisions aren’t discussed and refined.

Question 9

What is democratic leadership

Answer 9

Style of leadership where employees inputs are valued and there is two-way communciation

Question 10

Advantages of democratic leadership

Answer 10

Employees are motivated

More innovative and refined ideas - better for the business

Question 11

Disadvantages of democratic leadership

Answer 11

May be too slow during a crisis

Question 12

Laissez-faire

Answer 12

Style of leadership where employees are given complete control.

Managers hand out objectives and employees need to complete it in whatever way they see fit.

Question 13

Advantages of laissez-faire

Answer 13

Leads to a lot of creativity

Gives employee a sense of freedom - could motivate them

Question 14

Disadvantages of laissez-faire

Answer 14

Not everyone can be creative; some may like clear instructions
No sense of direction
Could be demotivating since they feel like work is being “dumped” on them.

Question 15

Factors to consider while choosing a leadership style

Answer 15

The skills and experience of a workforce

Time required for a decision

Personality of managers