Q 1. Describe the three leadership styles.
Ans:- The dominant behaviour pattern of a leader-manager in relation to his subordinates is known as leadership style. There are three basic styles of leadership as follows:
- Autocratic or Authoritative Style.
- Democratic or Participative Style, and
- Laissez-faire or Free-rein Style.Autocratic or Authoritative style : An autocratic leader centralises power and decision making in himself and exercises complete control over the subordinates. In this style subordinates are compelled to follow the orders of the leader under threat or penalties. They have no opportunity to take part in goal setting, or take initiative or make suggestions. They are subject to close supervision and, thus have a tendency to avoid responsibility. The autocratic manager has little concern for the well-being of employees, who suffer from frustration and low morale. They do not have any sense of belonging to the organisation and try to work as little as possible.
Limitations: It should be clear from the above that there are several limitations of the autocratic style of leadership.
- It results in low morale due to the inner dissatisfaction of employees.
- Efficiency of production goes down in the long run.
- It does not permit development of future managers from among capable subordinates.
Democratic or Participative style : The democratic style is also known as participative style. In this style, decisions are taken by the leader in consultation with the subordinates and with their participation in the decision-making process. The participative leader encourages subordinates to make suggestions and take initiative in setting goals and implementing decisions. This enables subordinates to satisfy their social and ego needs, which in turn, lead to their commitment to the organisational goals and higher productivity. Frequent interactions between the manager and subordinates help to build up mutual faith and confidence.
Several benefits can be derived from the participative style of leadership as listed below:
- It helps subordinates to develop their potential abilities and assume greater responsibilities.
- It provides job satisfaction and improves the morale of employees.
- The group performance can be sustained at a high level due to the satisfied and cohesive nature of the group.
Laissez-faire or Free-rein style : Laissez faire leadership style is just the opposite of autocratic style. A manager, who adopts this style, completely gives up his leadership role. The subordinate group is allowed to make decisions and it is left to the members of the group to do as they like. The role of any leader is absent. The group members enjoy full freedom as regards goal setting and acting on it. Hence, there is chaos and mismanagement of group goals. However, laissez faire leadership is found to be quite suitable where the subordinates are well-trained, competent and the leader-manager is able to fully delegate the powers of decision-making and action to the subordinates.
Laissez faire style is suitable in the following situations:
- When leader is interested in delegating decision-making fully.
- Subordinates are well trained and highly knowledgeable.
- Organisation goals have been communicated well.
In spite of these factors, this style should be adopted rarely because it may lead to chaos and mismanagement.
