Question

a) Explain Laissez-Faire leadership style

b) How does Laissez-Faire leadership style works and is used?

c) How effective is the Laissez-Faire leadership style?

d) Examples of the Laissez-Faire leadership style?

Answer 1

a. A non-authoritarian style of leadership. Laissez faire leaders are trying to give subordinates as little guidance as possible and are trying to gain control by less obvious means. They believe that when left alone, people excel in responding in their own way to their responsibilities and obligations.

b. Laissez-faire leadership is a form of leadership style in which leaders are hands-off and allow team members to make the decisions. Researchers have found that this is typically the style of leadership that results in the lowest productivity among members of the group. It is important to realize, however, that this style of leadership can have both advantages and potential pitfalls. There are also some environments and circumstances where the most suitable form of laissez-faire leadership might be. Understanding your dominant style of leadership will help you understand your own strengths and potential weaknesses. Laissez-faire leadership is defined by: very little leadership direction Complete freedom for followers to make decisions It is anticipated that leaders will provide the tools and resources required by members of the group to solve problems on their own.

c. Like other styles of leadership, the delegative approach has many advantages as well as weaknesses. This style can sometimes be effective, especially if used properly in the right settings and with well-responding groups. In cases where group members are generally more competent than the leader of the group, the delegative style can be particularly effective. Since team members are the experts in a particular area, the style of laissez-faire enables them to demonstrate their profound knowledge and skills about that particular topic.

d. Throughout history, there have been a number of well-known political and business figures who have demonstrated a laissez-faire leadership style characteristics. Steve Jobs was known to give his staff guidance on what they wished to see, but then left them to their own devices to find out how to satisfy their wishes. Former U.S. President Herbert Hoover is known for taking a more laissez-faire approach to governance, often by having more seasoned experts to take on roles where he lacked knowledge and expertise.