advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership tutor2u advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership tutor2u

LS23 6AD Strict compliance becomes necessary. Faster decision-making and quick information-sharing can help boost the teams productivity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 10. That is because there is one person and they are in charge of all arrangements. The procedures and rules might seem rigid. They wont get blamed if it fails and they wont get credit if it succeeds. This may make many employees feeling intellectually stifled. The three commonly observed leadership . Consequence in Leadership Styles, The Disadvantages of Emotional Leadership, Clear separation of leader and subordinate roles, Clearly defined performance expectations for all team members, Consequences for failure to comply with expectations, Specific processes for performing workplace tasks, Strict adherence to established rules and policies, Tom Petty, founder of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Helen Gurley Brown, former editor-in-chief of, Ridley Scott, critically acclaimed filmmaker, Vince Lombardi, former Green Bay Packers coach. In this kind of leadership mostly leader makes new contacts with outside people. These types of interactions do not create a sustainable working relationship, which ultimately creates productivity problems as workers experience lower morale levels. However, excess control can also result in low employee morale and employee engagement. Autocratic leaders tend to do well in these settings because they ensure that projects are finished on time and that workers follow safety rules to prevent accidents and injuries. Put plainly, an autocratic leader is a leader who has total control over their jurisdiction and does not request or accept input from employees regarding their decisions. 1. can swiftly take the team out of trouble. They even need guidance and instruction on how to, to do the given jobs. There can be a lack of accountability within its structures. This requires good two-way communication and often involves democratic discussion groups, which can offer useful suggestions and ideas. Second, autocratic leadership gives the leader an enormous amount of power in deciding how the team operates, but this also means increasing responsibility and accountability. The manager will however make the actual decisions (in the best interests of the workers) as they believe the staff still need direction and in this way it is still somewhat of an autocratic approach. To be a great authentic leader, you should accept yourself for who you truly are. They are bound to follow whatever the leaders ask them. Most autocratic leaders do not consider the opinions or abilities of their staff members while making decisions. This is an advantage because team members can continue projects, move deadlines, and remove obstacles that could negatively impact their overall productivity. Autocratic leadership eliminates this issue because the command goes straight to the workers involved. This leaves little room for miscommunication and messages getting lost in transit. It improves productivity. Full potential of subordinates and their creative ideas are not utilized. Likewise, this style is also very effective when astringent synchronisation of processes is essential to productivity. Here're some benefits of autocratic leadership: Ensures faster decision making In autocratic leadership, there're fewer levels of administration and hierarchy that you inform before implementing the decision. That means workers who are highly skilled or motivated begin to lose their incentives to stay active under this leadership structure. ", 100 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money, 10 Proven Psychological Pricing Strategies with Examples, 100 Office Etiquette Rules You Need to Know, 50 Best Business Letter Closings of All-Time. One of the greatest advantages to working with an autocratic leader is that the employee always knows whats expected and what will happen if they fail to perform as expected. This style tends to decrease employee performance when additional duties are imposed on the employees without consultation. Workers become dependent on someone else to make decisions. This approach has limitations (as highlighted by other motivational theorists such as Mayo and Herzberg) but it can be effective in certain situations. An autocratic leader is well-equipped to deal with a crisis situation. Definition and Pros/Cons, Demings 14 Points For Quality Management [Explained], What is Deming Management? As in an autocratic organization, a single leader is involved in decision-making, he makes decisions based on his own logic and judgment. Tel: +44 0844 800 0085. One of the hallmarks of autocratic leadership is that the leader comes to his decisions quickly. As such, between them, there is no communication and you know communication is a must for a healthy relationship. Over time, this makes employee morale begin to sink. They prefer to set their objectives, plan of action, processes and methods independently. Low satisfaction also results in below performance than expectations. If yes, then the best way to manage such teams is through autocratic leadership. In many ways, it could be described as, Do it my way or go hit the highway. Workers get the job done, or else they go find a different job. It may impair the morale of the group. Your email address will not be published. VAT reg no 816865400. In addition, the leaders directly communicate to their followers where the work is to be done. Autocratic Leadership (Authoritarian): A leadership style in which an individual is in control of all the decisions and tasks and his/her "followers" have little to no say in the final decision. Because of one-way communication and lack of recognition employees do not get the answers to the questions they deserve. Autocratic executives can affect more productive project completion since they spread information swiftly throughout a company. Cons of autocratic leadership. Despite facing criticism, there are some tangible benefits that an autocratic leader brings to the company. And when it comes to long-term issues, autocratic leaders know how to direct traffic through the hierarchies. Unlike, group decision-making the autocratic leader does not have to decide with his followers. Autocratic leadership is characterized by being highly structured and rigid style. Managers with this type of leadership style, keep a close eye on what is happening in their organisations. Although the autocratic leadership style is often viewed as being a directive relationship between the leader and the team member, there are two other varieties found with this style. - encourages independence and creativity. These. This style has close links with Herzberg's motivators and Maslow's higher order skills and also applies to McGregor's theory Y view of workers. Boston Spa, An autocratic leader makes decisions and communicates them on time, making sure that the team has all the information they need to finish the project on schedule. The employees need not wait for the thumbs up from seniors or ask for a deadline extension if they can get all the approvals and data on time. And, you know discipline is the key to achieving something. Their expertise becomes an asset to the company, even being able to fill-in during a shortfall to immediately correct a problem in virtually any situation. The correct leadership approach used at the right time will foster a long-term employeeleader relationship. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership to consider. These were the autocratic leadership style advantages and disadvantages. There is no need to recognize emotions, respond to personal issues, or find other ways of motivation. Autocratic leader This leader is given the power to make decisions alone, having total authority. Because of the too much rigidity in the structure, and low growth opportunities, most of the experienced employees tend to leave the autocratic organizations. One of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership is a clearly defined chain of command. If that leader does not create a fair working environment, then it is difficult for any employees to change that environment. Autocratic leadership involves absolute, authoritarian control over a group of people. If you know anything about democratic leadership, you will know that it sounds better than autocracy. The biggest problem is, no one talks about innovation and out-of-the-box ideas in this leadership style. However, this leadership style become less effective in large organizations. Many analysists also argue that this style usually leads to an absence of creative solutions to problems, which may ultimately hurt the group efforts. They know themselves very well and try to bring people together to achieve the organisational goals. For example: When quick decisions are needed in a company (e.g. With a clear corporate hierarchy in place, every member of the organization knows not only who they report to, but who their boss reports to. The decision can be made faster with this leadership style. As such people working under autocratic leaders are supposed to accept the guidance or orders of their leader without any disagreement. There are many qualities that are needed to be a good leader or manager. List of the Disadvantages of Authoritarian Leadership It may cause some employees to rebel. Advantages Quick decision making: This comes in handy when a leader is governing a small group or business. The following are some of the instances because of which autocratic leadership is not suitable. They can easily manage these issues because theyre the only ones who get to call the shots. - increases employee satisfaction and motivation. Understanding autocratic leadership strengths and weaknesses can be easier when one understands exactly which kinds of behaviors constitute autocratic leadership. Inexperienced employees need a detailed layout and instructions to complete taskstraits an autocratic leader is known for. If the leader offers questionable ethics, however, and refuses to create fairness, then there is no one who can really hold that person accountable. In this type of leadership, the rules and procedures that teams use are quite rigid. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); At BokasTutor, We aim to provide easy and insightful explanations on different topics of disciplines like Management, Marketing, Finance, Business, and Entrepreneurship. We hope the article Advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership style has been helpful. In the permissive version, the autocratic leader still makes the final decision, but extends some flexibility to their direct reports in how tasks are completed. This leadership style doesnt have a specific training forum to attend or require knowledge of a specific theory of leadership. After all, this is what good leadership is all about. Dependent on the leader: Organizational success is entirely dependent on the leader and their ideas, which can endanger the stability of the organization. This can be achieved by reviewing autocratic leadership examples. There may be situations when leaders are less qualified than their subordinates. Many companies tend to turn to an autocratic leadership style when they need to create short-term results in an urgent way. According to Startingbusiness.com, a significant drawback to working with an autocratic leader is the lack of flexibility in the workplace. 1. Motivation and reward for leaders Effective where a chain of command is crucial 9. Their expertise and experience can solve short-term issues. However, according to Schaeffer (2002) autocratic leaders are not those who bully people needlessly. It is a leadership style that is very easy to learn. In this article, we outline some essential autocratic leadership pros and cons. In most autocratic leadership structures, the leader is responsible for every action of the team. Autocratic leadership A leadership style in which leaders dictate without consultation of subordinates. 3. They can switch back to a more delegative approach as team members gain more experience. These benefits of autocratic leadership can swiftly take the team out of trouble. Lets take a glimpse at who autocratic leaders are and what they do. Also, graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BA in Business & Management Studies and completed a DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Life-Long Learning Sector) from London South Bank University. Since organisation is key to a well-operated business, autocratic leadership can prove useful in situations where the organisation could advance within the company. In a system of dependence, an autocratic leadership style creates a lack of trust between you and your workers. Many prime ministers and presidents around the world are also well-known for their autocratic style. Definition, Features, Principles, and Cycle, What is TQM? Along with many advantages, the autocratic leadership style also has various disadvantages. Be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems, Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions, Possess excellent two-way communication skills, Be well informed and knowledgeable about matters relating to the business. Autocratic leadership refers to a form of leadership in which a leader takes choices without consulting others. In high-pressure, high-stakes situations like buying and selling real estate, an autocratic leader who has the knowledge necessary to make profitable choices can be a companys greatest asset. An autocratic leader is not wishy-washy or passive aggressive; an autocratic leader makes expectations and the consequences for not meeting them clear from the outset. They can easily manage these issues because they're the only ones who get to call the shots. When there isnt enough time to learn something new or a project must be completed rapidly, this type of leadership is the best option. Autocratic leadership is an exchange process, so it is a matter of contingent reinforcement of staff based on performances. The free reign approach can prove an effective type of leadership when the team has achieved identity and cohesion, resulting in motivated and resourceful team members. It is therefore easy for the autocratic leaders to make the organisational goals clear to the subordinates resulting in better and higher commitment to the accomplishment of the goals. An autocratic workplace environment is typically not friendly to innovation or outside-the-box thinking, and this can leave workers feeling intellectually stifled. This is the foundation of a management style called transformational leadership, which pulls everyone in on major decisions, ensuring the entire team is personally invested in . Likewise, it is also very useful when organisations face constant change or a crisis. Subordinates tend to shirk responsibility and initiative. Most of the time Mr. Worth was absent from the rest of the employees, he communicated through his assistant. As such, in autocratic leadership, faster decisions can be made. Autocratic leaders ignore the skills of competent workers. Leaders are of different types. Autocratic Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: It allows for fast decisions to be made: - An autocratic leadership includes fewer levels of administration levels that are to be informed. Advantages of Bureaucratic Leadership Bureaucratic leadership works in so many ways0 Job security and results are both stable Favoritism is no longer a factor in the equation Roles, duties, and expectations are all evident A system of processes and rules that are extremely apparent creates a stronger level of job security Autocratic leaders make choices or decisions based on their own beliefs and do not involve others for their suggestion or advice. This approach derives from the views of Taylor as to how to motivate workers and relates to McGregor's theory X view of workers. What makes a good leader or manager? It also explores the definitions of autocratic leadership style and provides the readers with a list of characteristics and examples of autocratic leaders from different fields. As autocratic leaders usually make decisions without consulting their team members, it may cause team members dislike towards the leadership. Disadvantages. When a leader is asked to operate in an authoritarian manner, it is difficult to turn that role on and off on-demand. The correct leadership approach used at the right time will foster a long-term employeeleader relationship. In workplaces where the employees are largely young and inexperienced, autocratic leadership can be the most effective approach. It is one of the best advantages of autocratic leadership. and lack of staff initiative (2015). It is a style which dictates how people are supposed to work. This process may create a powerful and positive impact on their performance. There is no gray area for employee performance in this type of environment, which can be comforting for employees. Nevertheless, autocratic leadership is one of the least popular management styles and certainly not suitable for each organisation. The leader is the only person to take the decision solely as they are in charge . Characteristics of autocratic leadership style. - They don't have group members, they have followers. Fewer layers of administration and lesser feedback to look into facilitates swift decision-making in the team. The advantages and disadvantages of the autocratic leadership style show that it can be effective when an organization requires quick, accurate decisions from an experienced leader. Each person benefits from the regulated competencies that are offered by the leader. Autocratic leadership style works better in situations where swift decisions are needed. That means a decision is made on the timetable of the leader and no one else. 6. The competencies of the leader practicing autocratic leadership become the foundation for future success. Autocratic leadership, however, has. Autocratic leaders generally could use organizational . Managers do not trust workers and simply give orders (one-way communication) that they expect to be obeyed. This is yet another of the several, advantages of autocratic leadership style. On the other hand, employees are responsible for following instructions and meeting deadlines. She's no stranger to the wild ride that running a business can be, but that doesn't mean she's done learningevery day, it's something different when you're in the driver's seat. Both issues decrease worker morale and put blame on someone, even though the issue may not be their fault. Be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions Possess excellent two-way communication skills Have the desire to achieve great things Autocratic leaders are often micromanagers. Task 2.3 - Comparison of leadership style Autocratic Leadership Style: Mr. Worth took on a more autocratic approach to leadership by operating his office from the top floor of the company, and rarely interacting with his employees. By providing clear instructions, oversight, and guidance, autocrats can speed up turnaround times and improve quality standards. Copyright 2017 2025. But, this lacks in autocratic organizations. Definitions of autocratic leadership style. To be effective, people need to work in an environment where there is a trusting partnership. If an autocratic leader is put in charge of an inexperienced team, theyll be able to get the job done by outlining specific instructions to follow. M Rahman writes extensively online and offline with an emphasis on business management, marketing, and tourism. While employees who need clear directive and feedback from their leader tend to do best under an autocrat, more experienced employees often do well in a more autonomous environment. The leader defines goals and the limitations for action and then leaves the remaining process. Some of the more common styles include autocratic, bureaucratic, democratic, and laissez-faire. for the employees, too. Provides a clear sense of direction Anyone who's worked on a class group project knows the value of having a leader. Autocratic leaders are typically trusted with decisions or important tasks. But rarely do employees know that there are several. Advantages The pros of this approach include: Decisions can be made rapidly which may keep the team agile and very quick to respond to challenges. It reduces the amount of group input received. Motivation and reward for leaders: It provides strong motivation and reward for the leader. Safety is a top priority within the autocratic leadership style. When there is clear direction, with a path toward success, offered to workers, then they are able to focus on productivity instead of problem solving. The result is a more consistent and accurate output. 2. A clear chain of command is important in certain environments, like the military. Therefore, they may not contribute to the team efforts as they should. That consistency leads toward corporate success. Find out more. The leader does not have to deal with internal politics or disputes at the decision-making stage. . There may be dangerous situations or working environments which require complicated tasks to be completed. Employees who prefer some authority and decision-making powers in the team might not appreciate autocratic leadership. This is one of the autocratic leader strengths and weaknesses that is highly dependent on the workplace environment. The result is a more consistent and accurate output. Some are collaborative and inspiring, while some are authoritative and controlling. Autocratic leadership always encourages one-way communication to eliminate this problem. So, what are the autocratic leadership advantages and disadvantages? Although they set their rules and regulations to control the team, they also play a significant role in eradicating employee stress. High clarity on structure and roles Organizations with autocratic leaders usually have very clear lines and borders in between different areas. 7. Both leadership styles are very well known and are often used due to . It also includes less feedback from the management levels. Autocratic (or authoritarian) managers like to make all the important decisions and closely supervise and control workers. Since autocratic leadership ensures clearly defined structures, it clearly states what to do and how to do it. They may also feel that the leadership does not care about their needs and desires which is unproductive for organisations. A military leader who cannot make executive decisions can cause a security breach during critical operations, and military personnel who do not receive clear, direct orders from their leaders can become confused and fail to act when necessary. In the directing format, the subordinates of the leader are told what to do, how to do it, and when the deadline happens to be. Moreover, the instructions will go straight to the employees. Decisions can be made faster with this leadership style. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Autocracy: Leadership is a crucial talent that can be applied to any profession or career as the case may be, and there are several leadership styles to choose from. List of the Advantages of the Autocratic Leadership Style 1. Each level of management can inadvertently (or purposely) put their own spin on the communication come from the leadership. The first involves the work that gets done. There is no doubt that laissez-faire can bring significant disadvantages to an organisation - especially where conditions are not conducive to such a liberal style of management. There Is No Room for Flexibility. It is most likely that well-known leaders or managers are successful due to a combination of personal characteristics and good training. By the autocratic leadership principle, people who work in an autocratic organization or under an autocratic leader must accept the order, instruction, and command of the leader. Because of poor coordination, low job satisfaction, low motivation, etc. This can lead to burnout. Autocratic leadership Advantages And Disadvantages. Most autocratic leaders will not take the opinions, experiences, or knowledge of their team members into account when making decisions. All rights reserved LCHW. Control in the group is minimal; authority is shared among members. Pros of autocratic leadership It increases the work burden for the leader. When the autocratic leadership style is used with an inexperienced team, the experience of the leader can replace the skill gap that is present. This is because they do not consult any other members of their team, so they dont have to wait for other opinions or work through different perspectives to find an appropriate compromise. Through goremotely.net, stats reveal that 78% of the employees want to quit their jobs due to lack of recognition. When there is an autocratic leadership established within an organization, there are fewer levels of administration that must be kept informed of each decision. Did you know that autocratic leadership is great when it comes to handling crises? Moreover, the instructions will go straight to the employees. Pros The foundation of the autocratic leadership style is one built on mistrust. Leadership is critical in a changing business environment, where small and medi um sized companie s operat e, and even more whe n changes are amplifie d by transformations of a whole economy, like . Workers are forced to rely on the autocratic leader for all their feedback, instructions, and work duties. Under autocratic leaders, subordinates would fear due to demands and expectations. Safeguarding Mental Health in the Gig Economy Strengths of Laissez-Faire Leaders They are the managerial equivalent of an emergency room surgeon who is forced to do whatever necessary to save a patients life. Required fields are marked *. Over time, however, this leadership style creates mistrust within the workplace. Decentralisation and Leadership Styles (AQA Paper 1 2019, Q20) Exam Support What is leadership?