By Chiedza Manyemwe

Democratic Leadership
Definition

 This is a leadership style that promotes the

active participation of workers in taking
decisions.
 Everyone is encouraged to participate,
leading to increased feelings of involvement,
recognition and satisfaction.
 Communication links will be established on the two way
principle, with every opportunity for staff to respond to and
initiate discussion.
 Managers using this workforce need good communication
skills themselves to be able to explain issues clearly and to
understand responses from the workforce.
 Nature- leader delegates a great deal of authority while
retaining full responsibility.
 Assignment of tasks- work is divided and assigned on the
basis of participatory decision making
 Communication- Active two flow of upward and downward
communication
 Primary strength- Enhances personal commitment
 Primary weakness – time consuming.
Advantages
 Brings more viewpoints to the table
 Allows for more efficient problem solving
 Invites higher levels of commitment
 Builds team relationship
 Increases morale and job satisfaction
 Honesty is prioritised
 A strong and clear vision for the future is built
 It can function in any workplace
 Anyone can practice this leadership style
Disadvantages

 Slow decision making process

 May not effective in a crisis
 A lack of expertise
 Dealing with rejection
 Procrastination
 Dissent
Characteristics

 Intelligence
 Creativity
 Fairness
Summary
 This type of leadership encourages employees to set workable
goals and recognises their achievements. They develop plans
with their employees to help them evaluate their own
performances and push their employees to grow on the job,
while supporting them in their promotions and advancements.
 It is ideal for a leader who wishes to keep employees informed
about matters that may affect them, and want employees to
participate in problem solving and decision making. It is for
leaders who want to provide continual opportunities for their
followers to develop a sense of personal growth and job
satisfaction and for leaders who would like to encourage
collaboration and team building.