Unit Three Business Management

Area of Study Two The Internal Environment of LSOs

Management Styles Chapter 2.6 2.8

Management Centred Styles Autocratic & Persuasive

1. Provide an explanation for the term management style.

Management style refers to the behaviour and attitude of the manager.
It refers to the managers way of doing things.
2. Provide a definition of an autocratic management style.
This is a style where the manager tends to tell employees what
decisions have been made.
3. Outline the key characteristics of an autocratic management
style referring in your answer to: decision making,
communication, location of control
Management will make all the decisions, limiting employee knowledge
and checking performance. Communication is one-way, top down from
management to employees. They maintain centralised control over all
aspects of the decision-making process motivating through threats and
disciplinary action, the expect compliance and a negative in their
responses and feedback.
4. Describe a situation when an autocratic management style may
be useful.
An autocratic management style may be useful in times of a crisis
when immediate action is required or when speed and timing is
essential. It may also be useful in situations where people are not
highly skilled or do not work well as a team.
5. Provide a definition of a persuasive management style.
This is a style where the manager tries to sell the decision to the
employees. The manager attempts to convince the employees that
managements way is the right way.
6. Outline the key characteristics of a persuasive management
style referring in your answer to: decision-making,
communication, location of control
Authority and control are centralised with management.
Communication is one-way, top down and there is no opportunity for
feedback from employees. Decision-making is made by management
and employees are expected to accept the decision and work to certain
plans and procedures.
7. Discuss the key difference between an autocratic management
style and a persuasive management style.
A persuasive manager attempts to convince or persuade the
employees by explaining the reasons behind the decisions. An
autocratic management simply presents the decision with no
explanation. Persuasive managers try to get the employees on board
 Unit Three Business Management

Area of Study Two The Internal Environment of LSOs

by convincing them to work to certain plans and procedures.
Autocratic managers motivate through threats and expect compliance.

Employee Centred Styles Consultative, Participative and Laissez

Faire

1. Provide a definition of a consultative management style.

A consultative management style is one where management consults
employees, asking for opinions and feedback before making decisions.
It recognises the importance of good personal relationships.
2. Outline the key characteristics of a consultative management
style referring in your answer to: decision making,
communication, location of control
There is a two-way communication process, valuing the input from
employees but the final decision-making is still left with management.
Control still rests with management but personal relationships are
enhanced, leading to better performance.
3. Outline the reasons why some managers prefer to use a
consultative style.
They believe that employees are motivated to achieve organisational
objectives when they feel they have contributed to their development.
4. Discuss the difference between a consultative style and a
persuasive management style.
The persuasive style simply sells the message, while a consultative
style is more concerned with the development of the message with
input from all staff. The decision making and control of the situation
still rest ultimately with management.
5. Provide a definition of a participative management style.
A participative management style is one where management not only
consults with staff by also gives them some responsibility in the
decision-making process. The manager unites with the team to make
decisions together.
6. Outline the key characteristics of a participative management
style referring in your answer to: decision making,
communication, location of control
Management shares decision-making authority and has passed some
level of control over the situation to employees. Communication is
two-way. The team works with the manager to outline possible
solutions sometimes being allowed to initiate, implement and monitor
its own solutions.
7. In what work situations is a participative management style
most likely to be used?
 Unit Three Business Management

Area of Study Two The Internal Environment of LSOs

This style is frequently practised in those organisations that have a
flatter management structure and where diverse work teams exist. It
is most useful when an organisation is undergoing rapid change.
8. Explain the key difference between a consultative and a
participative style.
The decision-making responsibility is the key difference between the
two styles. A consultative manager accepts and regards employee
input but a participative manager implements decisions made by
teams and employees.
9. Provide a definition of a laissez-faire management style.
A laissez-faire style is one where employees assume or take on total
responsibility for, and control of, workplace operations.
10. Outline the key characteristics of a laissez-faire
management style referring in your answer to: decision
making, communication, location of control
Management has no central control or decision-making power and no
role in the day-to-day management of the organisation. They will set
objectives at strategic level but full responsibility for decisions and
activities lies with individual employees or teams.
11. Describe a work situation where a laissez-faire management
style would be most appropriate.
This management style is most effective for creative work or research,
with employees who are highly talented or qualified and who require
minimal or no supervision.
12. Explain clearly what is meant by a situational or contingency
approach when choosing a management style.
The management style chosen by the manager will depend on the
individual managers personality, backgorudn, beliefs and skills. It will
be determined by the personalities, beliefs, background and skills of
the staff as well as the situation itself. Choosing the right management
style for the situation is known as the contingency or situational
approach. There is not a best style, simply one that is right for the
situation.

13. Complete the table over page to show the comparative

advantages and disadvantages of each of the management
styles.