Types of leadership

The behavior of a leader is referred to as their leadership style. It is a behavioral pattern reflected in the leader's function as a leader, philosophy, personality, experience, and value system. It is determined by the types of followers and the organizational environment in the firm.

There are numerous methods to lead, and each leader has his or her own style. Autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire are some of the most frequent styles.

Autocratic Leadership

It is one in which the manager preserves as much power and decision-making power as possible focused at the manager's center. The leader alone creates the strategy and policies, structures the job, alters the task as desired, and informs the followers "what to do and why to do it." In other words, communication is a downward flow.

Autocratic styles allow for speedy decision making and can thus be employed successfully in the following situations:

• When subordinates are installed or have limited capabilities.
• When workers lack experience and require careful supervision.
• When the group is unable or unwilling to take on decision-making duty.
• In an emergency or crisis, immediate action is required.
• When consistent outcomes are anticipated.

Characteristics:

• The group is kept under strict control.
• Concentration is directed downward.
• Subordinates may or may not be listened to.
• Individual effort is not encouraged.
• Employees are not trusted.
• Quite task-oriented

Advantage:

• Can improve organizational efficiency by reducing time and delivering results quickly.
• It gives the leader significant motivation and rewards.
• It assists subordinates who are new to the job and feel insecure.
• People understand the chain of command and the division of labor completely.
• It helps in making quick decisions.

Disadvantage:

• There isn't enough room for initiative and self-development.
• It fails to build a sense of commitment among followers to the organizational purpose because they are considered simple cogs with no role in activity planning and implementation.
• One-way communication with a top-down flow frequently results in misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, and serious blunders.
• When subordinates are not participating in decision-making, their psychological requirements are not met, which may result in low morale among workers and, as a result, reduced productivity.
• In the absence of the leader, the organization may be paralyzed or unable to function properly because subordinates are induced to shirk responsibility and initiative.
• When employees are experienced and knowledgeable, they detest being told only what to do, which leads to resentment and a disciplinary problem.
• The group's team speed will be slow.

Democratic Leadership

In a democratic or participative leadership style, the leader shares decision-making power with the group members and explains the reason for the personal decision, if and when it is necessary. This leadership style can be employed successfully when group members understand the company goals; are highly talented, experienced, and committed to working independently with minimum instruction.

Characteristics:

• Communication is a two-way street.
• The word 'we' is used instead of 'I' and 'YOU.'
• Subordinates are given authority.
• There is a sense of "community." There is no hegemony.
• The leader encourages employees to set their own goals and appreciates recommendations.
• There is a better sense of fulfillment and independence. One has the impression of having made a significant contribution.
• The leader walks alongside or ahead of others to demonstrate the way.
• Everyone has the right to make their own decisions.

Advantages:

• Employees are highly motivated and morale is high.
• There is a high level of job satisfaction.
• It provides active engagement and inspires people. A sense of recognition grows among them, as does a sense of dedication to organizational aims.
• It encourages followers' creativity and analytical thinking, resulting in new ideas.
• It helps group members gain self-confidence and decision-making power.
• It fosters group cohesion by improving understanding and cooperation.

Disadvantages:

• Coming to an agreement on a choice may take a long time, hence it cannot be employed in critical or emergency situations.
• If not done correctly, decision-making can be time-consuming and, at times, pointless.
• Members of a group who have had their decisions rejected may feel uneasy.
• Some leaders may adopt this strategy to avoid taking responsibility.

Laissez-faire

The laissez-faire leadership style gives the worker complete authority and decision-making authority. This leadership style can be used when organizational goals are properly conveyed and acceptable to group members; the group members are highly motivated trained professionals who are committed to organizational goals.

Characteristics:

• There is little or no guidance provided.
• A leader has no authority over his or her followers.
• Communication moves haphazardly vertically or horizontally.
• Leaders are tolerant, nondirective, docile, and inert.
• Members are free to work individually.
• It results in a lack of all initiative and motivation to succeed.
• The leader frequently has little or no faith in his or her abilities to lead.

Advantages:

• Individual development can be aided by a free and informal working atmosphere.
• If the members are cooperative, it may promote team spirit.
• There is a possibility that an informal leader will emerge.

Disadvantages:

• Employees may become frustrated and conflicted if they lack a clear task and control.
• It may result in organizational inefficiency and complete chaos.
• If certain group members are uncooperative, team spirit may deteriorate.
• Personal ambitions and interests may be prioritized over organizational goals.

References

• https://trainingmag.com/four-types-leaders
• https://www.legacee.com/types-of-leadership-styles/
• https://blog.udemy.com › Students › Business
• Pathak, Sumita and Sochana Sapkota. A Textbook of Leadership and Management. Bhotahity, Kathmandu: Vidyarthi Pustak Bhandar, 2014.