management and leadership styles

what are the traditional classifications of leadership style

autocratic/authoritarian

paternalistic

democratic/participative

laissez faire

autocratic/authoritarian

this style is often associated with power and control

advantages of autocratic/authoritarian style

gets the job done quickly and decision making is simple

disadvantages of autocratic/authoritarian style

staff can become demotivated as they have little say

when is autocratic style needed

• when a quick decision needs to be made

• emergencies

• when employees need lots of direction

paternalistic

this style often appears as a ‘family’ with the leader or manager acting as the dominant paternal or maternal figure

advantages of paternalistic style

satff will feel valued and fulfilled

disadvantages of paternalistic style

mean might become quite competitive, with everyone competing for attention and affection.

when is paternalistic style needed

when employees are in need of being listened to

democratic/participative

invited participation from others seeking ideas and involvement

advantages of democratic/participative style

motivated staff as they feel involved

disadvantages of democratic/participative

decision making can take time