3.2.1 Managers, Leadership And Decision Making Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the difference between management and leadership?
• Management is about planning, organising, and coordinating resources to achieve objectives.
• Leadership is about inspiring, motivating, and guiding people towards a vision or goal.
What are the core functions of management?
Planning, organising, directing, and controlling (PODC framework)
What is an autocratic leadership style?
The leader makes decisions alone, with little input from others. Suitable for quick decisions or when staff need close supervision.
What is a paternalistic leadership style?
The leader makes decisions in the best interest of employees, offering care and guidance but with little delegation. Like a “parental” approach.
What is a democratic leadership style?
The leader involves team members in decision making. Encourages motivation, creativity, and ownership.
What is a laissez-faire leadership style?
Minimal leader involvement. Employees have high autonomy. Works well with experienced and self-motivated teams.
What factors influence a leader’s management style?
• Nature of the task
• Time pressure
• Skills and experience of the team
• Company culture
• Personal traits of the leader
• Level of employee motivation and responsibility
What is the Tannenbaum Schmidt Continuum?
A leadership model that shows a range of behaviours from autocratic (leader-centred) to democratic (team-centred). The more authority a manager delegates, the more empowered the team becomes.
How does the Tannenbaum Schmidt Continuum help decision making?
It helps leaders assess how much control to keep or delegate based on situation, team ability, and business needs.
When is autocratic leadership effective?
In crisis situations or when quick decisions are needed. Works best with low-skilled or inexperienced staff.
When is paternalistic leadership effective?
In organisations with a strong culture of loyalty and trust. Encourages commitment, though may limit innovation.
When is democratic leadership effective?
In teams with experience and creativity. Builds motivation and long-term commitment, but can be time-consuming.
When is laissez-faire leadership effective?
With highly skilled, self-directed employees who need little supervision. Risks lack of direction if team is not self-motivated.
