Question

The Vice President (Marketing) of Pratiksha Ltd. Mr. Mehta gives complete autonomy to his team to plan and execute their work. Mr. Mehta intervenes only when the team seeks his suggestions or support. On the other hand, the Vice President (Production), Mrs. Kapoor, regularly interacts with her team and makes decisions collaboratively.

1. Name the leadership style where the manager solely takes decisions and announces them. (1)
2. Suggest a situation in which a centralised leadership style in an organisation could act as a morale depressant. (1)
3. Explain any two differences between the leadership styles demonstrated by Mr. Mehta and Mrs. Kapoor as described in the case. (2)

Answer 1

a. Autocratic or Authoritative Style of Leadership

b. Situations where centralised leadership acts as a morale depressant:

• The Leader makes all decisions without consulting the followers.
• They exercise tight control over tasks.
• There is a downward flow of communication/no feedback is encouraged.
• The leader expects blind obedience from subordinates.
• The leader does not delegate, leading to no opportunity for growth/Lack of opportunity to exercise initiative and judgement.
• The leader uses punishment rather than rewards.

c. 

Laissez Faire style by Mr. Mehta	Democratic style by Mrs. Kapoor
The leader takes a hands-off approach and allows the group to take decisions without his intervention.	Here, the leader actively guides, and supports group discussions, and takes decisions jointly with the group.
Informal leaders emerge to fill the void left by lack of formal leadership.	There is formal leadership as the leader retains some control.
The group is deprived of the benefit of the leader’s motivation and guidance.	The group gets complete benefit of the leader’s motivation and guidance.
This style is effective only when team members are highly skilled and mature.	This style is effective only when team members are willing to participate and share ideas,