Leadership Styles - Part II

Normally CIE A-level Business candidates assume autocratic leadership style is not a good option for a business as they themselves do not like commanding environment. They consider autocratic leader is the boring one who does not consider opinions and creativity of staffs. Reflecting themselves and standing in their own situation they find any autocratic dean or teacher demotivating. It is true that autocratic leadership style de-motivates creative staffs and labour turnover increases. They are right in their situation but situation varies in business cases. Thus, CIE A-level Business candidates should consider autocratic leadership might be the best in some scenarios. Autocratic leadership will be best in any case where workers are unskilled, dependent, inexperienced and not creative but leader is experienced, skillful and well-known for previous decision-making. In such case, people are not creative enough to be demotivated. Furthermore, autocratic leadership is best in crisis handling situation and war-time situation. It is more significant in handling sensitive issues and in a case where quick decision makes the hit.

CIE A-level Business candidates, on the other hand, assume democratic leadership style to be the best one. They might reflect their own situation thinking ‘freedom and value’ do count for the best. They think democratic leadership of a teacher or department head, where issues are discussed and their own writing pattern and creativity in answers are encouraged, as the most suitable one. They are correct for their situation. Democratic leadership suits where creative people works and are taking responsibilities independently. People are properly communicated about issues, problems or progress in a business. Discussion before making decision provides a platform for workers to forward their creativity. Those creative people provide new ideas that might input in business for its success. For Involvement in decision-making, people find their values. All of these together boost up motivation in people. Further, people will be motivated to give their best. They take the decision as their own as the decision is taken after discussion with them. But as said above, situation varies in business cases. Thus, democratic leadership style might not be best all the time. Decision making might be delayed in democratic leadership style as discussion takes time for conclusion.  Such delayed decision might cause some opportunities to be lost. Similarly, in case of crisis-handling and dealing with sensitive issues, it’s better not to open issues and discuss among people for decision. If people are dependent and not creative, democratic leadership style will be useless. Sometimes conflict in discussion and wrong decision for going with group might impact business negatively.

Note that: laissez-faire leadership style is extreme democratic type. So it is to some extent covered by democratic leadership explanation. To be more specific, in democratic leadership some authority might also be delegated to people but in laissez-faire approximately all the authority will be given to staffs along with a control band to work with. For the freedom to do work, especially research work can have best result. Thus, Laissez-faire is most suitable in research work.

Note that: CIE A-level Business might ask for suitable leadership style or appropriateness of a leadership style. The clue is none of the leadership style is best. Appropriateness of a leadership style depends on given scenario. Sometimes autocratic leadership style might be better; sometimes democratic leadership might be the best. CIE A-level Business candidates must be conscious to find the better leadership style with reference to a case given to them.

If previous case is referred (Leadership styles - Part I), Mrs. Paula’s autocratic leadership style seems inappropriate in ‘Case I’ for Tim and some of his co-worker seems experienced with abilities to bear responsibilities. Mr. Sam’s democratic leadership style seems appropriate in ‘Case II’ for his staffs seems to be creative and team-working. For ‘Case IV’, Laissez-Faire leadership might be okay with Mr. William but referring to other three people, laissez faire might not be suitable.      

Note that: Autocratic and democratic leadership are best explained with Theory X and Theory Y concepts of McGregor. Autocratic leader does not discuss with workers. This might be because he thinks workers are not creative and dependent. They are to make responsible providing proper command and controlling each action with close supervision. Referring to McGregor, Theory X manager thinks workers are not creative, not able to take responsibilities and not liking jobs; therefore, autocratic leadership is considered best. Such thinking might build Theory X culture where workers will really be dependent, and not enthusiast for work until said to do.

The next clue comes over here. Until such Theory X culture is changed, democratic leadership is not possible. If Theory Y culture exists, workers will be independent, motivated and creative. People can be discussed to reach better decision. Under this culture, Theory Y manager is developed. Theory Y manager thinks that workers are creative, able to take responsibilities and enjoying jobs.

If CIE A-level Business candidates are suggesting democratic leadership to improve motivation of experienced staff that is hindered by autocratic leader, they should reflect need of changing from Theory X concept to Theory Y concept.  They should not only outline Theory Y manager should be appointed, but also refer need of Theory Y culture to be developed. 

(Further post is coming soon.)