Four Management Styles

• The four main management styles are: Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-Faire, and Paternalistic
• Democratic managers involve their subordinates in making decisions by seeking their opinions and suggestions.
• Autocratic managers make all the decisions themselves without consulting their subordinates.
• Laissez-faire managers allow their subordinates to take responsibility for making decisions on their own initiative.
• Paternalistic managers treat their staff as if they were members of an extended family and take responsibility for all aspects of their lives.
• A manager's style may change over time based on experience and maturity.
• A manager's choice of style will depend on factors such as the nature of the task, the experience and competence of staff, the importance of the decision being made, and the culture of the organisation.
• Managers need to be aware that different situations require different approaches to managing people.
• The benefits of the autocratic leadership style are:

  • Quick decision-making
  • Improves productivity and efficiency
  • Clear chain of command
• The drawbacks of the autocratic leadership style are:

  • Low employee morale
  • Lack of group input
  • Leaders facing high pressures
• The benefits of the democratic leadership style are:

  • Increase morale and job satisfaction
  • Builds team relationships
  • More efficient problem solving
• The drawbacks of the democratic leadership style are:

  • Slow down decision-making
  • Not effective in crisis
  • Biased decisions towards employees, not for the business
• The benefits of laissez-faire leadership style are:

  • Gives employees creative freedom
  • Creates a relaxed work environment
  • Prompts professional development
• The drawbacks of the Laissez-faire leadership style are:

  • Could lead to chaos
  • Risk of exploitation
  • Accountability issues
  • Lack of direction
• The benefits of the Paternalistic leadership style are:

  • Manager meets employees' social needs
  • Manager involves employees in decision making
  • More two-way communication so motivating
• The drawbacks of the Paternalistic leadership style are:

  • Slows down decision making
  • Lack of autonomy and flexibility
  • Employees rely on leader