Leadership and Management Styles Flashcards
Which leadership styles are there?
autocratic bureaucratic paternalistic democratic laissez-faire
Describe the autocratic leadership style
one-way, top-down communications
strict hierarchy
authority-focused
pros and cons of autocratic leadership style
+clear targets: everybody knows what is expected of them
- close supervision
- worker’s opinions not consulted
- the manager may feel over-worked as there is no delegation
When is an autocratic leadership style useful?
in an emergency/ crisis
When there is no time to discuss an issue
unskilled workers who need to be told what to do
Describe the bureaucratic leadership style
Rules and procedures are strictly followed
Formal behaviours
pros and cons of bureaucratic leadership style
+consistency: certain standard
+high quality
+health and safety standards are rigorously met
- no creativity: as long as rules are followed
- very power-focused
- complex communication procedures
When is a bureaucratic leadership style useful?
large firms that have set ways of doing things
in medical or safety situations where a standard procedure must be followed
Describe the paternalistic leadership style
Similar to autocratic - the manager makes decisions but has the interests of the the workers at heart
Decisions are explained to persuade workers
pros and cons of paternalistic leadership style
+workers like someone taking an interest in them
+supportive and caring
-is it too focused on the workers and not enough on getting the job done?
When is a paternalistic leadership style useful?
common in family firms
when making sensitive decisions
Describe the democratic leadership style
workers involved in making decisions
persuasive and consultative managers
2-way communications
lots of delegation (empowering the workers to make decisions)
pros and cons of democratic leadership style
+ higher quality decisions as many people are involved in making the decisions
+ workers feel more involved and a part of things
- slow decision making
- are workers genuinely listened to
When is a democratic leadership style useful?
skilled workers
complex decisions requiring the input from many people
when a decision directly impacts on someone
Describe the laissez-faire leadership style
employees given freedom to carry out their tasks freely
very relaxed with few guidelines
pros and cons of laissez-faire leadership style
+ workers feel empowered
+ workers feel they can develop their own potential
+ no strong hierarchy
- hierarchy breaken down
