Leadership Styles Flashcards
What are the 4 leadership styles
Autocratic
Paternalistic
Democratic
Laissez-faire
Key points of autocratic leadership styles
- Manger has full control and makes all decisions
- Employees have little input
- Motivation is through rewards
Advantages of autocratic
- Useful for low skilled employees
- Useful for inexperienced staff to understand role quickly
Disadvantages of autocratic
- Demotivating due to lack of delegation
- Increase work burden and stress for manager
- Could lead to resentment
Key points on paternalistic
- Softer form of authoritarian leadership
- Leader decides what is best for employees and addresses their needs
- Little delegation
- Explains reasons for decisions
Advantages of paternalistic leadership
- Build relationship with employees so more respect
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Disadvantages of paternalistic
- Employees May disrespect ‘softer’ leadership
- Lack of motivation due to little delegation or empowerment
Key points in democratic leadership
- Decisions and power is shared with group
- Leader has final say but there is more emphasis on delegation and consultation
Advantages of democratic
- Good if staff do different job to manager (their responsibility)
- High morale due to feeling valued
Disadvantages of democratic
- Not helpful for new employees who may need more support
- Can be time consuming and/or decisions don’t get made
Laissez faire key points
- ‘hands off’
- Little direction from manager, responsibility is with group
- Increased freedom and independence
Advantages of laissez faire
- High job satisfaction due to empowerment
- Manager spend more time on own role
Disadvantages laissez faire
- damaging of employees can’t deal with responsibility
- Not suitable for low skilled/inexperienced staff
What will best leaders do
Adjust leadership style for situation
