Leadership Styles
Business: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 2.2.6
Leadership Styles
There are different styles of leadership. These all have advantages and disadvantages.
Autocratic 1
- This is a manager which believes they have the right to make any decision without consulting their colleagues and subordinates.
- They are solely in charge and set out objectives for the firm.
- This style of leadership does not encourage collaboration.
- As a result, workers typically are not motivated in this workplace.
- This is because they feel ignored and alienated or even scared.
Autocratic 2
- However, autocratic leadership can be effective in situations where quick decisions are needed (e.g. in an emergency).
- Autocratic leadership can be effective in situations where employees are inexperienced and need close supervision.
Democratic
- This is a manager which places trust in their subordinates and seeks their feedback when making decisions.
- They also give employees the opportunity to make their own decisions.
- There is typically open communication between manager and employee.
- This approach is often preferred as it results in high levels of motivation amongst the staff.
Laissez-faire
- This is a manager which largely leaves subordinates to their own devices.
- The manager established a broad objective but does not get involved in the decision process.
- Communication is typically a problem. This is because the manager is not too involved and may not respond to messages. As a result, motivation may be low at times as employees feel directionless.
Test yourself on Leadership Styles
Is worker motivation under an autocratic manager high or low?
Is worker motivation under a democratic manager high or low?