Discussion on leadership styles - Autocratic and Democratic

For implementing any change in organization or to make important decisions, managers follow different leadership styles such as autocratic and democratic. Both these leadership styles must be used appropriately by managers.

Autocratic- In this style, authority will be completely in the hands of managers. That means manger will not consult the employees or subordinate while making decisions. It is a one way communication and its advantages are:

• Quick decisions can be made here as managers need not to consult any group or member.
• Can be a better option when manager has to deal with large number of workforces.
• More controlling power
• Provides great motivation to managers.

More workload on managers and teams depending completely on managers are the two drawbacks of this style.

Democratic- In this style, employees will be valued by considering their opinions, thoughts and ideas. That means manager consults the workers before making a decision. It is a two way communication and its advantages are:

• Creates motivation in subordinates
• Complex decisions can be made easier
•  Develops a positive working environment
• Chance of improving leadership skills in employees

Democratic approach is not feasible in large organization as decision making process takes very long time.

Both these leadership styles have positives and negatives; so managers must use these styles in appropriate situations for implementing changes in workforce or organization.