Main Content

Lesson 04: Understanding Philosophy and Styles

Leadership Styles Explained

The germinal work of Lewin et al. (1939) along with White and Lippitt (1968) identified three distinct styles of leadership: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire. They also outlined outcomes of each style or its effect on group members. These three leadership styles occur along a continuum from high leader influence (authoritarian), to low leader influence (laissez-faire), with democratic leadership associated with moderate leader influence.

A leadership style refers to a pattern of leadership practices or behaviors—what leaders do and how they act. Each style reflects the leader’s basic beliefs and assumptions about human nature and work—his or her leadership philosophy. A leader can demonstrate more than one style in a given situation and can use different styles from one situation to the next. Typically, a leader has a dominant or primary style that he or she uses most often, and switchs to alternate styles that might be optimal for different situations or types of individuals. Ideally, a leader will have a broad range of styles in his or her repertoire, analyze a specific leadership challenge, and then consciously select and implement the best style for that situation.

Authoritarian Leadership Style

With the authoritarian style, the leaders exercises a high level of influence. This style of leadership is sometimes referred to as directive, coercive, autocratic, or commanding. 

Characteristics
  • Similar to Theory X in assuming that employees need direction
  • The leader exerts strong influence and control
  • Common in hierarchical bureaucracies as well as the military and law enforcement agencies
Examples of Appropriate Situations for this Style
  • Emergency rooms that involve triaging patients
  • Situations that required fast decisive action, especially if the risks of inaction are high
  • Instances where the leader has special expertise or access to information that is not available to others
Outcomes or Effects
Positives Negatives
Authoritarian Style Positives and Negatives
  • Establishes clear goals and work standards
  • Gives direction and clarity to work
  • Efficiency: Accomplishes more in short period
  • Fosters dependence, submissiveness, and a loss of individuality
  • Hinders creativity and employee growth
  • Lower employee interest, satisfaction, and morale

 

Check your understanding icon

 

Now, check your understanding of authoritarian leadership in the workplace. Click the link below to complete the Authoritarian Leadership Exercise.

Authoritarian Leadership Exercise

 


Top of page