Management Styles

Autocratic Management

A management style where a manager makes decisions and directs employees without any input from them.

Advantages of Autocratic Management

Employees have clearly defined roles and decision-making is quick as it is done by the manager.

Disadvantages of Autocratic Management

Limited views of the manager due to lack of employee contribution, and lack of employee involvement may lower motivation.

Persuasive Management

A management style where a manager makes decisions and communicates the reasons for those decisions without employee input.

Advantages of Persuasive Management

Employees have clearly defined roles and decision-making is quick as it is done by the manager.

Disadvantages of Persuasive Management

Limited views of the manager due to lack of employee contribution, and lack of employee involvement may lower motivation.

Consultative Management

A management style where a manager seeks input from employees on decisions but makes the final decision themselves.

Advantages of Consultative Management

Gain multiple perspectives and suggestions, and employees feel motivated when contributing.

Disadvantages of Consultative Management

Employees may offer unsuitable suggestions and conflict could arise if ideas are ignored or overlooked.

Participative Management

A management style where a manager shares information with employees to encourage participation in decision-making.

Advantages of Participative Management

Quality of decisions is improved as multiple perspectives are considered, and relationships improve due to two-way communication.

Disadvantages of Participative Management

There is potential for conflict between employees and managers when there is a disagreement between different views and opinions.

Laissez-fair management

involves a manager communicating business objectives to employees and giving them freedom to make decisions independently.

Advantages of Laissez-faire Management

Fosters an environment in which creativity and innovation are valued, leading to a broader scope of possible decisions.

Disadvantages of Laissez-faire Management

Loss of control by management since employees make final business decisions. Business objectives may not be met by employees due to a lack of direction from managers.

Management style

the approach and manner in which employees are directed and motivated within a business. It is essentially the manager’s way of communicating and organising within the workplace