Management Styles

Management Styles

Autocratic

Autocratic management style is one where the manager makes decisions unilaterally, and without much regard for subordinates. As a result, decisions will reflect the opinions and personality of the manager, which in turn can project an image of a confident, well managed business.

Democratic

Democratic is when the manager allows the employees to take part in decision-making: therefore everything is agreed upon by the majority. The communication is extensive in both directions from employees to leaders and vice-versa

Laissez-faire

Laissez faire leaders try to give the least possible guidance to subordinates, and try to achieve control through less obvious means. They believe that people excel when they are left alone to respond to their responsibilities and obligations in their own ways.

Styles	Advantages	Disadvantages
Autocratic	·         The leader feels in    control of the situation ·         With an autocratic leader, people know what to do and what to expect ·         Enables fast decision- making	·         People feel oppressed and frustrated ·         Too much dependence on leader ·         Fear of punishments can lead to poor performance ·         Allow no scope for individual contributions from group members
Democratic	·         Leader feels more supported by team members ·         Contributions are encouraged from team members with a wider range of skills and experience ·         Participation can increase motivation	·         Decision-making can be slow ·         Leader may not agree with decision taken but feel obliged to accept them
Laissez-faire	·         Encourages loyalty and commitment to the team by giving members responsibility for their own actions ·         Allows members to use their own skills to the full	·         No real direction ·         Poor co-ordination of team could lead to duplication of effort or working at cross-purposes ·         May give rise to conflict within the team