Question

Explain different leadership styles, bringing out clearly the merits and demerits of each style.

Explain the autocratic and democratic styles of leadership, bringing out clearly the merits of both the styles of leadership.

Explain Laissez Faire leadership. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.

State any two advantages of democratic leadership.

State any two disadvantages of democratic leadership.

Answer 1

1. Autocratic or Authoritative Leadership: An autocratic leader is one who likes to run the show himself. He takes all decisions himself without consulting the followers. He gives orders and insists that they be obeyed. Subordinates are expected to do what they are told. Thus, under this style, all decision-making power is centralised in the leader.
   1. Merits:
      1. Autocratic leadership permits quick decisions as a single person (leader) takes decisions.
      2. It provides strong motivation and satisfaction to the leader.
      3. Many subordinates prefer to work under centralised authority and strict discipline.
      4. Less competent subordinates are needed at lower levels.
      5. It can be successful where subordinates are reluctant to take initiative. For example, this style is quite common in India.
   2. Demerits:
      1. People dislike this style, especially when the motivational style is negative.
      2. It leads to frustration, low morale and conflict which affect organisational efficiency.
      3. Due to lack of opportunity to exercise initiative and judgement, future leadership does not develop. Followers remain uninformed, insecure and afraid of the leader's power.
2. Participative or Democratic Leadership: A democratic leader makes decisions jointly with his followers. He decentralises authority and allows the group to share his power. Instead of taking unilateral decisions, he allows the subordinates to discuss the problem and to express their opinions freely.
   1. Merits:
      1. It reduces resistance to change and increases acceptance of new ideas.
      2. It improves the attitudes of employees towards their jobs and the organisation.
      3. It increases cooperation between management and workers.
      4. It improves employee morale and reduces complaints or grievances.
      5. It facilitates the development of future leaders.
   2. Demerits:
      1. It may be dilatory, leading to delay in decisions
      2. It may be used covertly to manipulate employees.
      3. Participation will not be meaningful unless the subordinates understand thoroughly the complex problems of the organisation.
      4. It may not be liked by people who want minimum interaction with superiors and colleagues.
3. Free-Rein or Laissez-Faire Leadership: A free-rein leader gives complete freedom to his followers to establish their own goals and policies. He does not lead and avoids power. He maintains contacts with outsiders to bring the information and resources required by the group. The leader abdicates his authority and lets the group operate entirely on its own.
   1. Merits:
      1. It creates an environment of freedom at the workplace.
      2. It is highly conducive to creative work only.
      3. It creates self-discipline and control among the subordinates.
      4. It offers maximum scope for the development of subordinates.
   2. Demerits:
      1. Under this style, there is no leader at all.
      2. It fails to check the undesirable activities of the subordinates.
      3. It does not give any guidance and support to the subordinates, even in case of need.