Leadership Styles

Leadership Styles

1. Autocratic

   • Characteristics
     • Leader makes decisions without reference to anyone else
       • Allocates tasks and expects obedience
     • High degree of dependancy
     • Close supervision of employees
     • One way communication
     • Can create alienation
     • Armed forces, police
   • Advantages
     • Fewer mistakes
     • Managers always know what everyone's doing
   • Disadvantages
     • Demotivation - high turnover of staff
     • Chaos when managers aren't in
     • Senior managers are over-worked

2. Democratic

   • Characteristics
     • Leader discusses with employes and involves them in decisions
     • Acts on advice and explains reasons for decisions
     • Leader still makes final decision
     • Consultive - involves employees
       • Persuasive - persuades other that your decision is right
     • THEORY Y
     • Project based/shops
   • Advantages
     • Motivation
     • More job satisfaction
   • Disadvantages
     • Loosing control
     • Excellent communication is needed
     • Highly skilled workforce is needed
     • Takes time for decision

3. Bureaucratic

   • Characteristics
     • Focus on developing the specializing of the job
     • Relies on formal procedures
     • Complicated delegation system through clear hierachy
     • Employees are allowed to use their own direction but within the clearly defined delegation limits
     • Public sector - teachers
   • Advantages
     • Little bit more motivated
     • Job roles clearly defined
     • Feel secure in their roles
   • Disadvantages
     • Loads of paper work
     • Discourages innovation and change

4. Laissez-faire

   • Characteristics
     • Leadership responsibilities are shared
     • Leader has minimal input
     • Highly independant workforce
     • Flatter hierachy structure
     • Advertising and magazines
   • Advantages
     • Staff feel trusted
     • Motivation
   • Disadvantages
     • Lack of direction
     • Relies on good teamwork
     • Relies on good interpersonal relations
     • Time consuming