Unit 2: Leadership styles

Question 1

Notes on an autocratic leadership style

Answer 1

• Objectives are set by the leader without any input from employees
• Decision-making is taken by the leader without any input from employees
• Communication is one-way and there’s no opportunity for feedback
• Supervision of employees is closely supervised by the leader
• Availability of information about the business is very limited for employees
• Motivation levels are likely to be low

Question 2

Notes on a democratic leadership style

Answer 2

• Objectives are set by the leader but employees are often consulted
• Employees are encouraged to take part in decision-making but the final decision is made by the leader
• Two-way feedback is encouraged
• The leader is available to solve problems, but otherwise close supervision isn’t needed
• Employees are given information which allows them to fully participate in the business
• Motivation levels are likely to be high

Question 3

Notes on a laissez-faire leadership style

Answer 3

• Objectives are usually set by the leader with or without any employee input
• Decision-making is delegated to employees who take the decisions
• Communication is most often upwards from subordinates to the leader. Little feedback from manager.
• No supervision by the leader
• Employees are provided with all the information they need to make decisions
• Motivation levels could be high or low depending on the task and skills of the employees