LEADERSHIP STYLES Flashcards
Autocratic Leadership
In this type of leadership, the leader concentartes all or most decision making on their hands. They don’t seek input from others and are confident in their own decision making.
Feautures of an Autocratic Leadership Style
- Consults minimally with senior managemnt
- Common in Tall/Vertical Structures
- Common in businesses where employees are unskilled or untrustable
- Close supervision and detailed instructions
Advanatge of an Autocratic Leadership
Authority is clear, fast decision making.
Disadvantage of an Autocratic Leadership
Employees don’t develop decision making skills and therefore cannot operate independently.
Paternalistic Leadership
Occurs when the leader treats the employees like they are part of their family. A paternalistic leader is typically warm and protective of employees but also expect obideince and loyalty.
Features of a Paternalistic Leadership Style
- Leader aims to assure a father like figure on employees.
- Has great concerns for the employees and provides them with a sense of safety.
- Extreme loyalty and trust with employees and their full commitment.
Advantages of a Paternalistic Leadership
- If the employees do enjoy this type of leadership, it is very likely for them to remain in the business for a long time. Loyalty.
- Employees take great pride in the organization and do whatever is necessary to make it successful.
Disadvantages of a Paternalistic Leadership
- Leaders might not have an objective eye when assesing the performance of workers. This can lead to favoring certain employees.
- Employees can take advantage of the leader and the loyalty towards them
Democratic Leadership
Occurs when the leader often seeks input from employees and involves them in decision making.
Features of a Democratic Leadership Style
- Even though employees are involved in decision making, the leader has the final say.
- Very popular leadership style because employees feel empowered and motivated and part of a team.
- Associated with Flat organizational astrcutures and project based and shamrock organizations.
Advantages of Democratic Leadership
- Workforce is more motivated since they are consulted in the decision making process.
Disadvantages of a Democratic Leadership
- Slower decision making
- Inefficient when it comes to making quick decisions.
Laissez-Faire Leadership
Occurs when the manager gives employees considerable freedom on how to work. Employees make their own decisions, solve their problems and set their own goals.
Features of Laissez-Faire Leadership Style
- Employees have a lot of freedom
- Common in flexible organization forms
- Extremely democratic form of leadership
- Only works when the workforce is skilled, motivated and educated enough.
Advantages of Laissez-Faire
Employees enjoy the freedom it provides: Foster Creativity and Innovation
Disadvantages of Laissez-Faire
- Reduced productivity if the workforce is not in the same mental state as the leader
- Intrest of individuals might differ from the intrests of the business, this can drive the business away from its vision and aims.
Situational Leadership
Occurs when the leaders of an organization adapt their leadership style to the nature of the situation, task or work. As well as the ability and expectations of the employees.
Features of Situational Leadership
- No leadership style is deemed the best
- The type of leadership that will be pursued will depend on the situation.
The Style of Leadership can be influenced by
- Subordinates (age, skills, education, motivation and expectations)
- Leader (expirience, expectations, character and values)
- Enviorment (creative, standarized, repressive, democratic)
- The Decision (urgent, importnat or consequantial)
Advantages of Situational Leadership
- In emergency situations, the business can switch to the most convinient one.
Disadvantages of Situational Leadership
Chaning leadership styles too often can lead to confusion in the workforce.
