What are the different Leadership Styles?
Posted in Human Resource Management | Email This PostSeveral terms have been used to defined the leadership styles of individuals and the most commonly use terms to describe leadership styles are:
(i) Autocratic leader: The autocratic leader assumes all the responsibility for decision making, initiating action and directing and controlling the subordinates. Powers are centralized in the hands of the leader who wants obedience and adherence to his decisions from the subordinates. The autocratic leader reviews that performance level of his subordinates with a view to eliminate any deviations from his directives.
(ii) The participated leader: Leadership by consultation is practiced in this style of leadership. The leader does not delegate his powers to make final decision but he does seek the opinion of his subordinates on different matters that affect them. To be effective the participated leader should listen and accept the contribution of his subordinates wherever it is possible and practical to do so. Though the final authority lies with the leader he becomes more supportive rather than being dictatorial.
(iii) Free Rein Leader: Leaders following this style of leadership delegate the decision making authority to their subordinates to completely. The leaders accept the subordinates to take their responsibility of their motivation, guidance and control. Other than providing the basic rules the leader provides a limited amount of support to the subordinates. As the contact is limited the subordinates have to be high qualified and capable of doing their job of achieving successful results.