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Lesson 04: Understanding Philosophy and Styles

Democratic Leadership Style

With the democratic style, the leader exercises a moderate level of influence. This style of leadership is sometimes referred to as participative or enlightened.

Characteristics
  • Similar to Theory Y in assuming that employees are fully capable of working on their own
  • The leader treats others as equals, listens, and provides counsel and support
  • Common in team-oriented organizations that do not emphasize hierarchy
Examples of Appropriate Situations for this Style
  • Decisions that will have a direct effect on employees
  • Situations where employees have special expertise and first-hand knowledge of an issue (such as a technical work process or customer need)
Outcomes or Effects
PositivesNegatives
Democratic Style Positives and Negatives
  • Greater satisfaction, commitment, and cohesiveness among group members
  • More camaraderie, mutual praise, and group-mindedness
  • Stronger worker motivation
  • Greater creativity
  • Takes more time and commitment from the leader
  • May be less efficient than an authoritarian style

 

Check your understanding icon

 

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

Democratic Leadership Exercise

Laissez-Faire Leadership Style

With the democratic style, the leaders exercise a low level of influence. 

Characteristics
  • Dissimilar to both Theory X and Theory Y
  • The leader is uninvolved; does not control, guide, nurture, or discipline employees
  • May be appropriate when experienced, high-performing employees are completing routine tasks
Examples of Appropriate Situations for this Style
  • Employees who need a great deal of freedom
  • Experienced employees who have demonstrated a high level of competence
Outcomes or Effects
PositivesNegatives
Laissez-Faire Style Positives and Negatives
  • Minimal time and effort required of the leader
  • Little is accomplished
  • Employee confusion about goals, tasks, and procedures
  • Chaotic atmosphere
  • Frustrated employees
  • Decreased motivation and productivity

 

Check your understanding icon

 

Now, check your understanding of laissez-faire leadership in the workplace. Click the link below to complete the Laissez-faire Leadership Exercise.

Laissez-faire Leadership Exercise

Leadership Styles in Practice

Each leader has a unique style of leadership. Leadership styles are not unique entities but occur on a continuum that varies from high to low influence.

Figure 4.1 from the Introduction to Leadership textbook shows that leader influence is highest in authoritarian leadership, moderate in democratic and lowest in laissez-faire

Note: From Northouse, P. (2015), Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (p. 95).
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Adapted with permission.

Personal leadership styles are not fixed and often vary depending on the circumstances.  Effective leadership includes understanding where you tend to lie on the continuum and on your ability to engage the style that is most appropriate for a given situation.


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