management and leadership styles

Question 1

what are the characteristics of a manager?

Answer 1

minimise risk, obeyed by subordinates, not very out going

Question 2

what are the characteristics of a leader?

Answer 2

embraces change, takes risk, creative

Question 3

what is an authoritarian?

Answer 3

leader who makes all the decisions themselves, communication is from top to bottom, the aim is successful completion of business goals

Question 4

advantages of autocratic leadership style?

Answer 4

clear lines of authority
results in quick decision making
effective when employees not motivated

Question 5

disadvantages of autocratic leadership style?

Answer 5

can be demotivating
prevents staff from learning new skills
very little if any consultation

Question 6

what is a democratic leadership style?

Answer 6

leader allows the employee to have some input into decision making process although still makes final decision

Question 7

what is a consultive democratic leader?

Answer 7

leader consults staff before decision making and then may be influenced by their stance then makes final decision

Question 8

advantages of democratic leadership style?

Answer 8

high levels of employee commitment to decision
decision is made partially using employees thoughts = motivating
more motivated means higher levels of productivity

Question 9

disadvantages of democratic leadership style?

Answer 9

slower decision making process
may be concern over where power lies
may not be able to satisfy all staff participating in decision making process

Question 10

what is a paternalistic leadership style?

Answer 10

acts like the expert father figure dictating what to do although these actions are for the benifit of employees

Question 11

advantages of a paternalistic leadership style?

Answer 11

motivating for workers
higher productivity
less labour turnover

Question 12

disadvantages of a paternalistic leadership style?

Answer 12

over reliance on the manager
manager maintains control
can be perceived as autocratic

Question 13

what is a liassez-faire leadership style?

Answer 13

means let it be, the leader doesn’t force decisions on employees who get on with their work with broad guidelines

Question 14

advantages of laissez-faire leadership style?

Answer 14

useful if staff will take responsibility
can cost commitment
employee in control therefor can achieve higher quality

Question 15

disadvantages of laissez-faire leadership style?

Answer 15

may not be suitable depending on size and skills of group
not suitable when quick decisions have to be made
can lead to lower productivity as employees can slack off

Question 16

what factors affect the type of leadership style

Answer 16

time available to make decision
group size
how well employees are trained