LEADERSHIP STYLES

The leadership styles can be classified according to the philosophy of the leaders.
What the leader does determines how well he leads. A style of leadership is a
‘relatively enduring set of behaviours which is a characteristic of the individuals,
regardless of the situation.’ Some of the more significant leadership styles are
discussed as follows:
Autocratic or Dictatorial Leadership
Autocratic leaders keep the decision-making authority and control in their own
hands and assume full responsibility for all actions. Also, they structure the entire
work situation in their own way and expect the workers to follow their orders and
tolerate no deviation from their orders. The subordinates are required to implement
instructions of their leaders without question. They are entirely dependent on their
leader and the output suffers in the absence of the leader.
The autocratic leadership style ranges from tough and highly dictatorial to
paternalistic, depending upon whether the leader’s motivational approach is threat
and punishment or appreciation and rewards. In highly autocratic situations, the
subordinates develop a sense of insecurity, frustration, low morale and they are
induced to avoid responsibility, initiative and innovative behaviour. The autocratic
leader believes that his leadership is based upon the authority conferred upon him
by some source such as his position, knowledge, strength or the power to punish
and reward. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership
are as follows:
Advantages
(i) Autocratic leadership is useful when the subordinates are new on the job
and have had no experience either in the managerial decision-making process
or performing without active supervision.
(ii) It can increase efficiency and even morale when appropriate and get quicker
results, specially in a crisis or emergency when the decision must be taken
immediately.
(iii) The paternalistic leadership is useful when the subordinates are not interested
in seeking responsibility or when they feel insecure at the job or when they
work better under clear and detailed directives.
(iv) It is useful when the chain of command and the division of work is clear and
understood by all and there is little room for error in the final accomplishment.
Disadvantages
(i) One way communication without feedback leads to misunderstanding and
communications breakdown.
Leadership
NOTES
Self-Instructional
128 Material
(ii) An autocratic leader makes his own decisions which can be very dangerous
in this age of technological and sociological complexity.
(iii) Since it inhibits the subordinate’s freedom, it fails to develop his commitment
to the goals and objectives of the organization.
(iv) Since it creates an environment which provides for worker resentment, it
creates problems with their morale resulting in poor productivity in the long
run.
(v) It is unsuitable when the work force is knowledgeable about their jobs and
the job calls for teamwork and cooperative spirit.