scenarios affecting leadership styles

Question 1

the task

Answer 1

A complex task, such as deciding on new company policy, will require more direction from management (autocratic); a creative task, such as designing new packaging, would benefit from a hands-off approach (laissez-faire).

Question 2

time available

Answer 2

There may be little time to complete a project which means less time for discussion on how to achieve it, so a more autocratic style will be required.

Question 3

skills of staff

Answer 3

Highly skilled and competent staff will need less supervision and direction, so a democratic approach will work.

Question 4

motivation of staff

Answer 4

Highly motivated employees can be trusted to have the self-discipline to make their own decisions and complete tasks without instruction and supervision.

Question 5

leader’s own personality

Answer 5

Leaders may lack personable qualities and automatically lead in an autocratic style. Similarly they may be too friendly and nice to be autocratic!

Question 6

group size

Answer 6

Democratic styles can lead to confusion if the number of staff in a group is too large. Large groups benefit from the clear direction of autocratic leadership.

Question 7

corporation culture

Answer 7

The culture in an organisation can persuade managers to use specific styles; for example, an open and relaxed environment found in technology firms lends itself to a laissez-faire approach.

Question 8

availability of finance

Answer 8

Democratic and laissez-faire styles can delegate spending to departments and individuals. A lack of finance may lead to autocratic styles being adopted in order to control spending.