Different leadership styles create varying organizational climates.
There has been an explosion, over the past couple of decades, in research about organizational leadership. Much of this interest has come from the realization that leaders operate differently compared with managers. Organizational scholars continue research ways to define these differences, not only between leaders and managers but also among effective leaders. Each leadership style has its own idiosyncrasies, strengths and challenges. Three common types are autocratic, laissez-faire and participative.
Autocratic Leadership
A leader who exudes an autocratic leadership style, or what is considered the classic method, maintains tight control of all decision making authority. Typically, the leader doesn't ask mangers and personnel below him for input for important decisions. Autocratic leaders expect workers to obey their orders without any questions or resistance. This kind of leadership, which tends to result in low organizational morale and high staff turnover, is falling out of favor as the younger generation enters the work force. However, autocratic leadership is effective in some situations, such as training new and inexperienced employees, supervising unproductive employees and managing employees who need or want this kind of structure.
Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leadership refers to a more "hands-off" method. These leaders provide little to no direction or input. Instead, they encourage employees to set goals, make decisions and address issues or problems in their own way. The laissez-faire leadership style may seem loose, but there are workers who make this style most effective, such as extremely competent, skilled and experienced employees or those who are self-motivated to continually improve their performance. This style is inappropriate for employees who are not confident or competent as well as those who need constant feedback. Leaders also abuse this style by using staff as cover-up for failing to understand the needs of a project.
Participative Leadership Style
Participative leadership, or democratic style, is a middle-of-the-road approach between autocratic and laissez faire. This leadership style encourages employee involvement in setting goals and decision making. The participative leader values communication and keeps employees in the loop of organizational changes. With this participative leadership, everyone has the opportunity to provide input, but the final decision is made by the leader based on good counsel. These leaders are known for motivating personnel to perform at a high quality level, building morale and a sense of teamwork. This form of leadership is not as cost-effective or appropriate when there is no time for input.
Tags: leadership style, decision making, These leaders