M. Doodhai-Singh/Sh.

Chunilal
Form 4
Social Studies

Leadership

Leaders are essential in society and without them there would be chaos as there
would be no one to guide or inspire members towards the goals of the group. A good leader
should be understanding, knowledgeable, be able to adapt to change, respectful, honest
etc. Leaders may adopt several styles to function effectively in different situations.
Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans and
motivating people This style is how the leader shares decision making with others.

Leadership Styles

https://youtu.be/lje3bd61SNs

1. Democratic

 Decision making is shared with the group

 Acts as a guide

 Always interacts with the members and asks and takes suggestions

2. Autocratic/Authoritarian

 This person does not share decision-making but makes all the decision and expects
others to follow without questioning.

 Believes that attaining the goal is all that is essential for the group and this must be
achieved at whatever cost.

 This person, therefore, will do what he sees as the thing to do to achieve this
objective.

3. Laissez Faire (anything goes)

 Group members are left on their own to achieve the goals of the group.

 Leader involvement is minimal.

 The leader may have very little control over the group he is to lead.
A good leader should use all three styles depending on the followers and the situation.
Some examples include:

 Using an authoritarian style on a new member who is just learning the job. The
leader is competent and a good coach so the employee is motivated to learn a new skill. The
situation is a new environment for the employee.
 Using a participative style with members of a team who know their job. The leader
knows the problem, but does not have all the information. The employees know their jobs
and want to become part of the team.
 Using a laissez-faire style with a worker who knows more about the job than you.
You cannot do everything! The employee needs to take ownership of her job. Also, the
situation might call for you to be at other places, doing other things.

Authority

Authority may be defined as power accepted as legitimate by those who are subjected to it.
Authority is personal power that commands influence, respect, or confidence. Power is the
ability to control the behaviour of others, even against their will.

Authority Types

1. Charismatic - This type of leadership mainly arises from an individual's personal

characteristics. Charismatic leaders, therefore, lead through the power or strength of
their personalities or the feelings of trust they inspire in a large number of people.

2. Traditional - This is a form of authority is based in custom. Traditionally, kings and

queens based their authority on the will of God and divine right to rule. This type of
leadership is usually inherited. An example is the monarchy in England.

3. Rational Legal - This type of authority rests in the hierarchical position of the person
based on the office they hold. Authority is assumed only when the individual
occupies the office and loses it when they leave their formal position of power eg
CEO of WASA

Questions

1. What are the three leadership styles?

2. Which leadership style do you think is most effective and give reasons for your answer?
3. The Principal of LRSS is an example of what type of authority? Give a reason for your
answer.
4. Chubby Co is run by CEO Tom Jamerson. He uses an autocratic leadership style. He is
encountering issues at work such as employee staying away from work, low production, low
morale, lack of cooperation, union issues etc.
a. What reason do you think could be responsible for this?
b. How can he address the issue?
c. What leadership style may be better suited?