Leadership Styles
Leadership
style deals with the way leaders influence the followers. It can be boss
centered, subordinate centered or relations centered. The leadership styles
affects job performance. Some of the leadership styles are:
1.
Autocratic Leadership
2. Democratic Leadership
3. Free Rein Leadership
1.
Autocratic Leadership
Under the
autocratic leadership, power and decision making are totally under the control
of the leader. Some of the features of autocratic leadership are:
-
Leaders make all the decisions,
they order what to do and how to do and who to do it. Subordinates are not
consulted
-
Leaders have position based
authority. They demand total obedience from the subordinates.
-
Leaders may give reward and
punishment as they like. Information is controlled by the leader
Advantages
of Autocratic Leadership
-
Effective in crisis and emergency
situations.
-
Chain of command is clear
-
Discipline is maintained in the
organization
Disadvantages
of Autocratic Leadership
-
Subordinate participation is
ignored.
-
Motivation to employees is absent
as subordinates work by fear of punishment
-
It does not consider situational
needs
2. Democratic Leadership
Also known as participative leadership, democratic
leadership has power and decision making decentralized, where discussion,
consultation and participation among subordinate is encouraged. Some of the
features of democratic leadership are
-
Leaders
consult with their subordinates for decisions. Subordinates willingly cooperate
with the leader.
-
Authority
is delegated to the subordinates and influence flows both ways from leader to
follower and follower to leader
-
Performance
is based on reward and punishment
-
Information
is shared between leader and subordinates
Advantages of democratic leadership
-
Subordinates
are involved in decision making and it promotes participation
-
Effective
style of leadership for an organization where team work is necessary
-
Results
high morale and productivity. People feel committed to goals
-
Motivates
subordinates and provides opportunities for development and growth
-
Creativity
is encouraged
Disadvantages of democratic leadership
-
It is
time consuming, and can result in indiscipline
-
Leaders
may avoid responsibilities
3. Free Rein Leadership
Also known as Laissez-Faire Style, free rein leadership
is the style where power and decision making is entrusted to the subordinates.
In this style, leaders use very little power and control. They serve only as an
information center. Subordinates have complete freedom to make decisions with
decentralized authority and responsibilities. They have high degree of
independence in decision making and influence flows in all directions.
Subordinates set their own goals and their potential is fully utilized.
Advantages of Free Rein Leadership
-
Subordinates
have freedom and autonomy to work. They set their own goals
-
Effective
for research oriented and creative jobs
-
Employee
morale is high
Disadvantages of Free Rein Leadership
-
Subordinates
lack focus towards goal achievement
-
Productivity
may be less and responsibility may be avoided
-
Coordination
may be poor among the subordinates
Labels: Organization Management