Autocratic and democratic leadership styles are often talked about in a political context, however they manifest themselves in everyday life as well. Political, community and business leaders come in many different varieties. Researchers have found that there are two main leadership types: autocratic, in which authority resides in a single person; and democratic, in which the people under a leadership's authority have a say in their organization's direction. A third type of leadership, called delegative, is more characteristic of rulers who let their followers make their own decisions without any guidance. Show
Explore this article1 Research on Leadership StylesIn 1939, psychologist Kurt Lewin and his research team set out to characterize various styles of leadership. In Lewin's study, school children were assigned to one of three groups. Each group had a leader characterized as autocratic, democratic, or delegative. The children were instructed by the leader to complete an arts and crafts project. Researchers observed the children's behavior in response to the varying leadership styles. In 2009, organizational psychologists Richard L. Daft and Andrew Pirola-Merlo revisited Lewin's study to explain how autocratic, democratic and delegative leadership styles continue to be relevant. 2 Autocratic LeadershipAutocratic or authoritarian leaders create a strict divide between the one giving the orders and those expected to follow them. As such, autocrats tend to make decisions independently, which can result in abuse of power and make their followers feel excluded. Lewin found that creativity decreased under autocratic leadership. Daft and Pirola-Merlo identify the autocratic leadership style as ruler-centered. Authority is centralized and power is derived from being in strict control of situations. In an organizational context, employees are not asked for their input. In a political setting, constituents would simply be expected to follow the leader's demands. This style may be used exclusively by a leader, or it may be employed when there is little time to make decisions or consult others. 3 Democratic LeadershipLewin discovered that democratic leaders are generally more effective than autocrats. Democratic leaders offer guidance to their team members and seek their input on making decisions. In Lewin's study, the children in the democratic group had less output than the authoritarian group but their work was of higher quality. Daft and Pirola-Merlo's work furthers this insight, noting that democratic leaders encourage group members to participate but retain final say-so over important matters. This style creates balance, helps team members feel valued and aligns more with Western democratic governments. 4 Delegative LeadershipThe final form of leadership identified by Lewin and his team is called "delegative leadership." However, delegative leaders do very little in the way of "leading." Delegative leadership is often called laissez-faire because the leader offers almost no guidance to group members. In Lewin's study, the children in the delegative group were the least productive. They had no direction and therefore no real output. However, Daft and Pirola-Merlo note that delegative leadership can be effective if group members are qualified in their field. Similarly, laissez-faire policies are often advocated in economics on grounds that free trade functions best with minimal government interference.
About the AuthorJeremy Bradley works in the fields of educational consultancy and business administration. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree. The main dissimilarities or differences between autocratic leadership style and democratic leadership style can be pointed out as follows: Autocratic Vs Democratic Leadership 1. Introduction Autocratic Leadership: Strict type of leadership style where a leader enjoys full authority with centralized power. Democratic Leadership: Liberal type of leadership style where a leader believes in power sharing and group decision making. 2. Decision Making Autocratic Leadership: All decisions are taken by the leader without consulting others. Democratic Leadership: Subordinates are also involved in decision making process. 3. Authority Autocratic Leadership: It follows centralized authority Democratic Leadership: It follows decentralized authority 4. Communication Autocratic Leadership: It uses one way communication (top to bottom) system Democratic Leadership: It uses two way communication (both top to bottom and bottom to top) system. 5. Control Autocratic Leadership: Strict control system is applied Democratic Leadership: Loose control system is applied 6, Autonomy Autocratic Leadership: Less autonomy Democratic Leadership: High autonomy 7. Motivation Autocratic Leadership: It practice negative motivational approaches such as threat, punishment, orders etc. Democratic Leadership: It practice positive motivational approaches such as promotion, rewards, compensation etc. 8. Decision Making Process Autocratic Leadership: Quick decision making process Democratic Leadership: Slow decision making process 9. Suitability Autocratic Leadership: It is suitable if subordinates are not experienced, unskilled and unqualified. Democratic Leadership: It is suitable for qualified, skilled, specialized and educated subordinates. 10. Behavior Autocratic Leadership: It is task oriented or job centered leadership style Democratic Leadership: It is relation oriented or employee centered leadership style.
What is the difference between autocratic and participative leadership style?An autocratic leader runs the organisation in an authoritarian style and is known to solely make decisions of the organisation without involving the subordinates. On the contrast, a participative leader discharges a democratic leadership style by engaging the subordinates in decision-making process.
What is the difference between autocratic and authoritarian leadership?Autocratic leadership is generally understood to reflect a particular style of leadership where power and authority are concentrated in the leader, whereas authoritarian leadership reflects a domineering style that generally has negative implications (e.g., House, 1996).
What is the difference between democratic and participative leadership styles?In participative leadership, the team's input is considered during the decision-making process, but the decision is ultimately made by the leader. In democratic leadership, a vote is taken where each team member has equal say in the ultimate decision.
Why democratic leadership style is better than autocratic?In autocratic leadership, leaders have full authority and control over decision-making, and employees are not consulted at all on important organizational matters. On the other hand, the democratic leadership style is participative in nature as it allows employees to be involved in the decision-making process.
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What is the difference between autocratic leadership style and democratic leadership style?
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