Question

2. Not all leaders lead in the same way, and even then a leader may switch leadership styles based on the situation. Identify and describe three different leadership styles. In addition, for each leadership style give a specific example of a situation in which that style is appropriate, and explain why.

Answer 1

Three leadership styles are as below=

• authoritarian or autocratic - This is the leadership style in which the leader tells and explains the different activities to be done by his or her followers and there is no contribution of the followers in the decision-making process. The entire decision is taken by the leader only. This type of leadership will be best suited in those cases where a very high level of control is required particularly which needs zero error. For instance military or production houses aiming at zero accidents

• participative or democratic - This is the leadership style in which the leader takes the decision after discussing the facts and considering the opinions of his or her followers but the final decision is commonly taken by the leader only. This kind of leadership style is more useful in those situations where it is important to take the decision after considering the various aspects of a certain situation and the followers have adequate expertise and experience to contribute to the decision-making process.

• Delegative or laissez-fair (free-rein) - This is the leadership style in which the leader permits the followers to make the decisions but the responsibility of the final outcome lies on the leader only. This form of leadership is used when the team is made of highly experienced and knowledgeable people and they all have working experience in their respective fields. Example+ Project team including highly professional and expert IT professionals