By not counting on the opinions of their subordinates, autocrats can place extreme hardship on employees in a company. He has published articles on the United Kingdom, the European Union, political and legal issues, science, sociology, economics and other topics on various websites. This video discusses the concept of Autocratic Leadership, its various characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The transactional style can be detrimental to female bosses. Autocratic leadership style: In this style of leadership, a leader has complete command and hold over their employees/team. Some projects require strong leadership to get things accomplished quickly and efficiently. They tend to believe themselves to be the smartest on earth, while less likely accepting others’ recommendations and opinions. However, autocratic leadership can be beneficial in some instances, such as when decisions need to be made quickly without consulting with a large group of people. Communication with this type of management is one way, top-down to the employees. The autocratic leadership style particularly emphasises the distinction between authoritarian leaders and their followers.These types of leaders make sure to create only a distinct professional relationship. That consistency leads toward corporate success. "Against Management"; Jacqueline C. Mancall et al; 2000, "Modern Management Theories and Practices"; Dr. Yasin Olum; July 2004, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Management Styles. Autocratic Leadership, or otherwise called as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style adopted by the management, involving one man control over all managerial decisions of the organisation, without consulting with the subordinates. David Susman, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. Autocratic management styles This type of management follows a top-down approach, with one-way communication from bosses to employees. The third style, democratic leadership, was by far the best leadership style. Autocratic leadership can also impair the morale of the group in some cases. This … One of the hallmarks of an autocratic leader is reliability, and she may use her track record of success to drive new initiatives that stress reliability and responsibility within the organization. It favors some extent of decision-making among the subordinates and might contribute to a more successful relationship between leaders and employees. Follow through and enforce the rules you have established. It provides for quick decision-making because here only one person i.e., the leader takes decisions.. 2. 1. The team cannot put forward their views even if they are best for the team’s or organizational interests. For example, an autocratic style can be used effectively in situations where the leader is the most knowledgeable member of the group or has access to information that other members of the group do not. The Leadership Experience. Autocratic leaders can sometimes make team members feel ignored or even rejected. As there is no consultation with subordinates, confidential matters can be kept secretly. Autocratic leadership is a leadership style characterized by one person having control over decision-making; the leader makes decisions on behalf of subordinates with minimal or no feedback. Establish that you are a reliable leader and your team is more likely to follow your guidance because you have built trust with them. This may serve the team well in emergency situations, or when implementing “zero occurrence” policies (e.g., driving for zero pressure ulcers, etc.). A century ago, this was the most reveled and most utilized form of leadership. Autocratic leaders make decisions without using team members, even if it would be useful (mindtools.com, n.d.). When dealing with blue-collar workersAs an autocrat, your decisions are entirely individual. If they need additional assistance, offer oversight and training to fill in this knowledge gap. In a rapidly evolving market environment, managers need to take into account of the expertise of skillful subordinates and thus make the best decision for the company. When an autocratic leader sees that her management style is driving strong results, she may take pride in her tough approach and continue to cultivate a focused, results-driven workplace persona. No one can question the decision made by the autocratic leader; he structures the complete situation, and the subordinates are required to do what they have been told by the leader. Leadership Styles Karen Plascencia B2 2.3.15 Leadership style is the way a person leads others and the way they perform and impact others; either in a positive or negative way.The leadership styles are: autocratic,democratic , and laissez-faire leaders.Autocratic leaders have a way of being more strict. Try to recognize success more than you point out mistakes. Autocratic leaders are result oriented, make decisions based on their views and judgments and rarely accept advice from the subordinates. Like other leadership styles, the autocratic style has both some benefits and some weaknesses. This leadership style is usually adopted by the military, corporate organizations and government institutions. Advantages of autocratic style of leadership are: 1. Characteristics of Autocratic leadership: The following characteristics displays the leadership style of Autocratic leaders: • Dictates all process of work • Accepts virtually no involvement from individuals within the group • Leaders will determine the outcome of choices • Leaders will manage all strategies in regards to work and how they are carried out • Members within the group are infrequently trusted with decisions Autocratic leadership … “The autocratic style does not provide ethical inspection, review or input by subordinates and ultimately provokes negative subordinate reaction” monsoons & Thomas 2007) Effect of culture on leadership Culture plays an important role in the employees’ reaction towards a particular leadership style. Autocratic leadership is a directive leadership; on the flip side, democratic leadership is participative leadership. He explains that such leaders are over-confident and likely to make the wrong decisions because they have no respect for the opinion of their subordinates. As the name suggests, it is the type of leadership where a single person takes up the authority of leading and does not concern himself with the group choices, their ideas or judgments. Variations of this style are authoritative, persuasive, and paternalistic. Read our, Medically reviewed by John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE, Verywell Mind uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. You might not change your mind or implement their advice, but subordinates need to feel that they can express their concerns. Wang H, Guan B. This is the most controlling of the different management styles, with the management making all workplace decisions and holding all of the power. People tend to feel happier and perform better when they feel like they are making contributions to the future of the group. What is the autocratic leadership style? Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members. As the name suggests, it is the type of leadership where a single person takes up the authority of leading and does not concern himself with the group choices, their ideas or judgments. The team cannot put forward their views even if they are best for the team’s or organizational interests. Autocratic leaders typically make choices based on their ideas and judgments and rarely accept advice from followers. In an autocratic leadership style, the person in charge has total authority and control over decision making. What Are Prominent Leadership Styles and Frameworks You Should Know? If one of their employees doesn’t follow orders, they’lll punish them by chewing them out or threatening their job. Communication in Small Groups: Theory, Process, and Skills. - Autocratic leadership style is a style used to control a situation in an important circumstance, specifically emergencies. Autocratic leadership involves absolute, authoritarian control over a group. Still, as extreme as it may sound when it comes to running a company, there are instances when autocratic leadership … What is Autocratic Leadership Style? Autocratic leaders rely on specific rules, policies, and procedures to govern all processes within the workplace. In relation to treatment of subordinates, there are two types of autocratic management -- Directive Autocrat and Permissive Autocrat leaders. Failing to consult with other team members in such situations hurts the overall success of the group. Some common problems with autocratic leadership:. As the name suggests, the autocratic leadership style is a form of management demanding absolute obedience from the team members . Danev is currently a law student at Brunel University in West London. This leadership style is characterized by the following: Limited input from stakeholders. With this in mind, many people can think of an autocratic manager with whom they have worked or can come up with an autocratic coach example. You are likely an autocratic leader if: Leadership styles There are three different types of leadership styles that a leader can use depending on the particular situation, the three leadership styles are; Autocratic, Democratic and Abdicratic. Autocratic Leadership is when the leader holds literally all the decision power. The key difference between autocratic and bureaucratic leadership is that autocratic leadership is a leadership style where the leader makes all decisions and exerts a high level of control over the subordinates whereas bureaucratic leadership style is based on following normative rules in management and decision When and where the authoritarian style is most useful can depend on factors such as the situation, the type of task the group is working on, and characteristics of the team members. Autocratic leaders make decisions without using team members, even if it would be useful (mindtools.com, n.d.). With this approach, a supervisor has complete control over a group and the decisions made for that group—an autocratic leader rarely requires input or suggestions from their team. This can sometimes result in resentment among group members. These types of group projects tend to work better when one person is either assigned the role of leader or simply takes on the job on their own. three leadership style: Autocratic, Democratic and Laissez-faire leadership on the output and identify which leadership style influences the most on the success of this restaurant. If this tends to be your dominant leadership style, there are things that you should consider whenever you are in a leadership role.. Autocratic management is the most controlling of the management styles. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Autocratic. In general, autocratic leaders hold all the decision power and the organization is normally entirely dependent on the leader to make the decisions. As the name suggests, the autocratic leadership style is a form of management demanding absolute obedience from the team members.Autocratic leaders make unilateral decisions on everything based on their views.. The characteristics inherent in an autocratic leadership style are: First, the authority is in the hands of one person (leader).Leaders make nearly all decisions, including goals, tasks, projects, and work processes. Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members. People who abuse an autocratic leadership style are often viewed as bossy, controlling, and dictatorial. Under this form of leadership, the manager exercises supreme control over his subordinates. The Positive Effect of Authoritarian Leadership on Employee Performance: The Moderating Role of Power Distance. As there is no consultation with subordinates, confidential matters can be kept secretly. How Do Transformational Leaders Inspire and Motivate Followers? Both can be useful depending on the setting and what is required. The purpose of the autocratic leadership style is to establish centralized control and use that control to achieve desired results, whether this be for a for-profit corporation or nonprofit organization. Their subordinates often lack the motivation to contribute to the business structure because they feel suppressed and underestimated by their leaders. Autocratic leadership is often most effective when it is used for specific situations. Mostly subordinates like to work under centralized authority and strict supervision.. 3. While autocratic leadership does have some potential pitfalls, leaders can learn to use elements of this style wisely. Autocratic leadership style is a classical leadership approach that functions by commanding workers, without providing them explanations or including them in the decision making process. Another example of directing autocratic governance is the North Korean government led by Kim Jong-un, where he exercises complete command over the decision-making process and the implementation of decisions. Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. While autocratic leadership is one of the least popular management styles, it’s also among the most common. The third style, democratic leadership, was by far the best leadership style. Such leaders do not inquire about the consent and the considerations of subordinates and do whatever they feel is necessary in order to achieve a goal. Cons of Autocratic Leadership Style Mostly subordinates like to work under centralized authority and strict supervision.. 3. He closely supervises the work of his subordinates in order to make sure that the tasks he has imposed are being completed. A directive autocrat is a manager who makes decision unilaterally and without the consent of his employees. If so, the chances are that your grade or job performance suffered as a result. This leadership style involves absolute and authoritarian control over a group. Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a style of management in which one leader holds the power to make decisions without input from others. 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. Recent Articles. Pros of Autocratic Leadership Style. Autocratic leadership is a style in which the leader tells how to work while in democratic leadership, the leader asks the subordinates and discuss the plans to achieve a target. By setting clear roles, assigning tasks, and establishing deadlines, the group is more likely to finish the project on time and with everyone providing equal contributions. These styles were part of the Kurt Lewin experiments in the 1930s. Autocratic leadership in nursing will be effective in making quick decisions when necessary. Autocratic Leadership, or otherwise called as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style adopted by the management, involving one man control over all managerial decisions of the organisation, without consulting with the subordinates. However, such managers leave some discretion to their employees as to the means through which a task can be achieved. An example of a directing autocratic system is the armed forces unit where the leadership style adopted by commanders of the armed forces is usually absolute and undisputed. [citation needed] They regard direct supervision as fundamental in maintaining a successful environment and followership. Fortunately, it is a skill that can be learned. Autocratic leadership, also known as ‘authoritarian leadership’, is a leadership style where the leaders make all the decisions and exert a high level of control over the subordinates. In situations that are particularly stressful, such as during military conflicts, group members may prefer an autocratic style. Under this form of leadership, the manager exercises supreme control over his subordinates. Such a directive autocrat might consider the workforce he has and the potential of further development by observing his subordinates, but would not inquire about their views on any further business activity. As a stark contrast to the laissez-faire leadership style, autocratic … Some of the experiment’s conclusions were that autocratic leadership often led to bullying and laissez-faire leadership led to the lowest productivity. The autocratic management style allows managers to make decisions extremely fast, but employees hate working under it. In these situations, it is essential that each person have a clearly assigned task, a deadline, and rules to follow. Another example of directing autocratic governance is the North Korean government led by Kim Jong-un, where he exercises complete command over the decision-making process and the implementation of decisions. Autocratic leaders make choices or decisions based on their own beliefs and do not involve others for their suggestion or advice. Daft, RL. Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a style of management in which one leader holds the power to make decisions without input from others. Autocratic leadership is also known as the authoritative style of leadership is a special kind of leadership which favors individual control over all decision making. Why the Most Effective Leaders Know How to Adapt to the Situation. Autocratic leaders typically make choices based on their ideas and … Advantages of Autocratic Style of leadership. This is why women need to focus more heavily on the transformational leadership style because it allows them to set high expectations, while personally helping the members of their teams. It’s also one of the most ineffective management styles: underdeveloped employees feel overwhelmed -- they won’t get any help -- and the most skilled employees can’t let their talents shine in such a rigid environment. The autocratic leadership process generally entails one person making all strategic decisions for subordinates. They cannot criticize or question the leader’s way of getting things done. ↑ Table of Contents ↑ Banning Bossy What is Autocratic Leadership? While input is not always necessary, this style can also use a small group of trusted advisors … Characteristics of autocratic leadership. Every style has a unique approach and every style is designed to deliver different results. Change Management is a critical skill for leaders trying to innovate and improve their organizations. Autocratic leadership (also known as authoritarian leadershi p) relies primarily on the use of authority in groups and in organizations (Goethals, 2004). What’s it: Autocratic leadership is a leadership style in which decision making is concentrated on the leader. By using Verywell Mind, you accept our. Front Psychol. Advantages of autocratic leadership One of the strengths of autocratic leadership comes from the structure of the decision-making process which guarantees decisions are made quickly . Autocrats are often compared to political figures such as the Italian leader Mussolini. Autocratic management is the form of leadership that enables managers to make decisions unilaterally. Autocratic leadership style: In this style of leadership, a leader has complete command and hold over their employees/team. An autocratic leadership style is similar to an authoritarian leadership style. While autocratic leadership can be beneficial at times, there are also many instances where this leadership style can be problematic. Autocratic Leadership Style: A type of leadership characterized by individual control over … Autocratic leadership is better known as authoritarian leadership. In order to expect team members to follow your rules, you need to first ensure that guidelines are clearly established and that each person on your team is fully aware of them. Advantages of autocratic style of leadership are: 1. Autocratic managers lead business activities according to their own considerations and often ignore the expertise of their employees. By doing so, your team will respond much more favorably to your correction. Change Management is a Core Leadership Skill. Learn how the autocratic leadership style compares to other forms of leading. It provides for quick decision-making because here only one person i.e., the leader takes decisions.. 2. Autocratic leadership can therefore be a tricky leadership style and it does come with its own pros and cons. He is the ultimate decision maker and believes in centralization of power. Autocratic leadership is a leadership style characterized by one person having control over decision-making; the leader makes decisions on behalf of subordinates with minimal or no feedback. Some of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership include:, Allows for quick decision-making especially in stress-filled situations, Offers a clear chain of command or oversight, Works well where strong, directive leadership is needed, Ignores or impairs creative solutions and expertise from subordinates. How to Become a Stronger and More Effective Leader, The Psychology Behind Why We Strive for Consensus, How a Transactional Leadership Style Works, How to Talk to Work About Your Mental Health Challenges, Do Great Leaders Share Certain Traits? Among all of the different leadership styles, there is one that tends to get a bit of a bad rap: autocratic leadership. In areas where creative thinking is a key, people are empowered to make decisions, and leadership is decentralized, the autocratic direction will likely be unpopular. Autocratic leaders tend to overlook the knowledge and expertise that group members might bring to the situation. Autocratic leadership is better known as authoritarian leadership. It certainly can be when overused or applied to the wrong groups or situations. When a leader is asked to operate in an authoritarian manner, it is difficult to turn that role on and off on-demand. Inconsistent leaders can quickly lose the respect of their teams. Sign up to find out more in our Healthy Mind newsletter. In such situations, a strong leader who utilizes an autocratic style can take charge of the group, assign tasks to different members, and establish solid deadlines for projects to be finished. This also allows group members to become highly skilled at performing certain duties, which is ultimately beneficial to the success of the entire group. Your team may quickly lose motivation if they are only criticized when they make mistakes but never rewarded for their successes. If you tend to utilize this type of leadership with a group, learning more about your style and the situations in which this style is the most effective can be helpful. May 11, 18 08:59 AM. You might say it is a request that induces compliance or obedience. Autocratic leaders are not in the business of using their power for oppression, instead this leadership style is more focused on power for pushing the group forward. Leaders make decisions and solve problems on their own with little input from their subordinates. Economist Mark Van Vugt also states that autocratic management might lead to instability in the working environment. Example of Autocratic Leadership Style An autocratic leader is one who has total control over the team he leads and the projects he oversees. Leadership Comparison Two leadership styles on the opposite ends of the spectrum from one another are autocratic and participative. Professor Jacqueline C. Mancall, specialist in the psychology of leadership, explains that autocratic managers have the power to control a confident business structure. Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members. 2018;9:357. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00357. How Procedures Can Improve Efficiency, Allows little or no input from group members, Requires leaders to make almost all of the decisions, Provides leaders with the ability to dictate work methods and processes, Leaves group feeling like they aren't trusted with decisions or important tasks, Tends to create highly structured and very rigid environments, Discourages creativity and out-of-the box thinking, Establishes rules and tends to be clearly outlined and communicated.