DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP STYLES REFER TO LEADER’S BEHAVIORAL

PATTERN. A LEADERSHIP STYLE IS THE RESULT OF THE
LEADER’S PHILOSOPHY, PERSONALITY AND EXPERIENCE
AND VALUE SYSTEM. LEADERSHIP STYLE DEPENDS UPON
THE TYPE OF FOLLOWERS AND THE ATMOSPHERE
PREVAILING IN THE ORGANIZATION.
LEADERSHIP STYLES :-
1. AUTOCRATIC OR AUTHORITATIVE LEADERSHIP –
 AN AUTOCRATIC LEADER EXERCISES COMPLETE CONTROL OVER
THE SUBORDINATES.
 HE CENTRALIZES POWER IN HIMSELF AND TAKES ALL DECISIONS
WITHOUT CONSULTING THE SUBORDINATES. HE DOES NOT DELEGATE
AUTHORITY.
 THE LEADER GIVES ORDER AND EXPECTS THE SUBORDINATES TO
FOLLOW THEM UNQUESTIONINGLY. HE GIVES REWARD AND PUTS
PENALTY TO DIRECT THE SUBORDINATE.

EXAMPLE – ADOLF HITLER, NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

 DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEADERSHIP
2. DEMOCRATIC OR PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP:-
 LEADER TAKES DECISIONS IN CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION WITH
EMPLOYEES. HE DELEGATES AND DECENTRALISES THE AUTHORITY.
 LEADER FOLLOWS THE OPINION OF MAJORITY. HE PROVIDES FREEDOM OF
THINKING AND EXPRESSION. HE LISTEN TO THE SUGGESTIONS, GRIEVANCES
AND OPINION OF THE SUBORDINATES.
EXAMPLE - NELSON MANDELA
ONE EXAMPLE OF A COMPANY THAT USES A DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP STYLE
IS GOOGLE. GOOGLE ENCOURAGES EMPLOYEES TO PLAY A PARTICIPATIVE
LEADERSHIP ROLE IN MAKING IMPORTANT DECISIONS THROUGH EXTENSIVE
DISCUSSION AND BRAINSTORMING
3. FREE-REIN OR LAISSEZ LEADERSHIP :-
 THIS STYLE INVOLVES COMPLETE DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY SO THAT
SUBORDINATES THEMSELVES TAKE DECISION.
 LEADER AVOIDS POWER. HE SERVES ONLY AS A CONTRACT TO BRING
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES NEEDED BY THE SUBORDINATES.
EXAMPLE – JOBS LEADERSHIP STYLE AND TACTICS ARE CONSIDERED BY
MANY TO BE HIS BIGGEST FLAW. HE WAS A VARY LAISSEZ-FAIRE LEADER.
HE BELIEVED IN HIRING EXTREMELY QUALIFIED AND MOTIVATED
PEOPLE, AND GIVING THEM A LOT OF FREE REIGN.
 DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEADERSHIP
DIFFERENCE B/W DIFFERENT STYLES OF LEADERSHIP
S no Point of difference Autocratic style Democratic style Laissez fair style

1 Decision-making Leader only makes Leader makes Subordinates

decision decision in themselves make
consultation with decisions
subordinates.
2 communication Only one way i.e. Two way Free flow
downward communication communication
communication
3 Motivation technique Fear and punishment Reward and Self-direction and
( -v e motivation) involvement ( +v e self- control
motivation)
4 Delegation of authority No delegation Delegation of Complete delegation
authority to some of authority
extent