LEADERSHIP STYLES

Leadership styles refer to a leader’s behaviour.

It is the result of the philosophy, personality and experience of the leader.

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Kurt Lewin's Leadership styles

Autocratic

Democratic

Laissez Faire

Functional

Institutional Paternalistic

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An Autocratic leader will not entertain any suggestions or initiative from subordinates. Under this type of leadership, one person decides for the whole group. An autocratic leader does not trust anybody.

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Merits: It helps to make quick decisions Inefficient and insincere workers

can easily be identifiedDemerits It kills initiatives for work and

results in frustration among workers.

It often gives scope for conflicts between the leader and his followers

A democratic leader can win the cooperation of his group and can motivate them effectively and positively.

Merits The decision finally made is mutually accepted. It improves the job attitudes of the sub-ordinate

staff.Demerits this leadership is suitable only if the

subordinates are all capable of making worthwhile suggestions.

It may, sometimes be very difficult to evolve a solution that is acceptable to everyone.

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A free rein leader will leave the group entirely to itself such as a leader allows maximum freedom to subordinates.

Merits 1. The superior subordinate relationship is found

to be very good. Highly efficient subordinates, can make use of

the freedom given to them to excel.Demerits Control may become difficult As the leader does

not involve himself at all in the activities. The subordinates are deprived of the expert

advice and moral support of their leader.Mejar Dr Yahya Don

A functional leader is one who is an expert in a particular field of activity. Such a leader always thinks of the task he has undertaken and spends most of his time finding out ways and means of doing it better.

Merits The very presence of an expert is

beneficial to the followers and the organisation.

the subordinates can certainly enrich their job knowledge and skill.Mejar Dr Yahya Don

An institutional leader is one who has become a leader by virtue of his official position in the organisational hierarchy. An institutional leader may not be an expert in his field of activity.

Merits He has official authority to act. He may initiate action against a

subordinate who is shirking duties.

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Demerits

He will not be in a position to offer proper guidance to his followers because he may not be an expert in his field of activity.

Although the leader has the official right to demand performance from his followers, he may not have the moral right

A paternalistic leader takes care of his followers in the way the head of the family takes care of the family members

Merits He assumes a paternal role to protect his

sub-ordinates. He is always ready to provide the

necessary physical amenities to the sub-ordinates

Demerits He is not in a position to offer intellectual

help to his followers.Mejar Dr Yahya Don

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Demerits The functional leader will

not be able to go down to the level of an average worker and offer any help.

Misunderstandings may also arise between the leader and his followers.