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The autocratic or 'do as I say' leadership style is one in which the boss expects compliance with all work duties and assigned tasks. This leadership style is criticized in today's modern teamwork environments where facilitating and fostering new ideas and mentoring have become more prevalent. Individuals who work for autocratic leaders often fear one mistake will lead to termination. However, there are advantages to the autocratic leadership style to consider.

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  • There's no confusion about the the direction of the company with an autocratic leadership style. Everyone knows where they stand, and things tend to happen quickly.

Clear Lines of Sight

Kurt Lewin's leadership studies and his legacy to social psychology. Leadership study will be specifically re-examined in the light of Lewin’s ideas about what. “democratic” and “autocratic”, affected the way that he and his collaborators understood. Of the study showed that the Librarian Managers in Benue State adopted more of democratic leadership style. By the bureaucratic leadership style then laissez-faire leadership style and lastly autocratic leadership style. Leadership style does not significantly influence the job performance of academic librarians.

The autocratic leader is in charge, and it is the leader's vision that is relayed to employees. There is no confusion about the direction of the company. Its mission and vision are clear. Unlike a democratic leadership style where the manager surveys and gets input from the team that could muddy the vision and question who is in charge, the autocratic style allows no second voices with contrary opinions. If someone contradicts the autocratic leader, that person most likely won't remain with the company for long.

Everyone Knows Expectations

In the same way that the vision is clearly explained and consistently conveyed, employees have clear expectations set by the autocratic leader. While this could lead to a stressful work environment where people are concerned that poor performance will lead to dismissal, it does have an advantage. Think about the sales team that must hit certain numbers to generate the revenues required to keep the company profitable. Those are goals that must be met.

Quick Decision-Making Process

Because there aren't a lot of people involved in the decision-making process, things happen quickly. While the business leader often consults a team of advisers in private, once a decision is made, it is swiftly implemented. There is no delay because the boss has already assessed that the strategy or change benefits the company. For example, the autocratic leader could look at several new point-of-sale systems to streamline operations. After the boss makes the decision, the new system is implemented in a rapid manner and employees are expected to learn it quickly.

Improved Negotiation Stance

When negotiating, it is important to know where your lines exist. If you won't negotiate below a certain dollar value, then you need to be firm in this stance. The autocratic leadership style negotiates from this stance of strength. The autocratic leader isn't always a crass person barking orders. These leaders are confident and certain about what needs to happen and don't want input from others. This can be beneficial in negotiations.

References (3)

About the Author

With more than 15 years of small business ownership including owning a State Farm agency in Southern California, Kimberlee understands the needs of business owners first hand. When not writing, Kimberlee enjoys chasing waterfalls with her son in Hawaii.

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An authoritarian leadership style is exemplified when a leader dictates policies and procedures, decides what goals are to be achieved, and directs and controls all activities without any meaningful participation by the subordinates.[1] Such a leader has full control of the team, leaving low autonomy within the group.

The leader has a vision in mind and must be able to effectively motivate their group to finish the task.[citation needed] The group is expected to complete the tasks under very close supervision, while unlimited authority is self-bestowed by the leader. Subordinates' responses to the orders given are either punished or rewarded.

  • 2Views of authoritarian leaders

Background[edit]

Authoritarian leaders are commonly referred to as 'autocratic' leaders. They sometimes, but not always, provide clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done, and how it should be done. There is also a clear divide between the leader and the followers.[2]Bob Altemeyer conducted research on what he labeled right-wing authoritarianism (RWA), and presented an analysis of the personality types of both the authoritarian leaders and the authoritarian followers.[3]

Authoritarian leaders make decisions independently with little or no input from the rest of the group. They uphold stringent control over their followers by directly regulating rules, methodologies, and actions. Authoritarian leaders construct gaps and build distance between themselves and their followers with the intention of stressing role distinctions.[4] This type of leadership dates back to the earliest tribes and empires. It is often used in present day when there is little room for error, such as construction jobs or manufacturing jobs.[5]

Authoritarian leadership typically fosters little creativity in decision-making. Lewin also found that it is more difficult to move from an authoritarian style to a democratic style than vice versa. Abuse of this style is usually viewed as controlling, bossy and dictatorial. Authoritarian leadership is best applied to situations where there is little time for group discussion.[2]

Views of authoritarian leaders[edit]

A common belief of many authoritarian leaders is that followers require direct supervision at all times, or else they would not operate effectively.[4] This belief is in accordance with one of Douglas McGregor's philosophical views of humankind, Theory X. This concept proposes that it is a leader's role to coerce and control followers because people have an inherent aversion for work and will abstain from it whenever possible. Theory X also postulates that people must be compelled through force, intimidation, or authority, and controlled, directed, or threatened with punishment in order to get them to accomplish the organizational needs.[6]

In the minds of authoritarian leaders, people who are left to work autonomously will ultimately be unproductive. “Examples of authoritarian communicative behavior include a police officer directing traffic, a teacher ordering a student to do his or her assignment, and a supervisor instructing a subordinate to clean a workstation.” [4]

Communication Patterns of Authoritarian Leadership[4][edit]
  • Downward, one-way communication (i.e. leaders to followers, or supervisors to subordinates)
  • Controls discussion with followers
  • Dominates interaction
  • Independently/unilaterally sets policy and procedures
  • Individually directs the completion of tasks
  • Does not offer constant feedback
  • Rewards acquiescent obedient behavior and punishes erroneous actions
  • Poor listener
  • Uses conflict for individual gain
Ways to Properly Incorporate Authoritarian Leadership[edit]
  • Always explain rules: it allows your subordinates to complete the task you want done efficiently.
  • Be consistent: if you are to enforce rules and regulations, make sure to do so regularly so your subordinates take you seriously. This will form a stronger level of trust.
  • Respect your subordinates: always recognize your subordinates' efforts and achievements.
  • Educate your subordinates before enforcing rules: do not present them with any surprises. This can lead to problems in the future due to false communication.
  • Listen to suggestions from your subordinates, even if you do not incorporate them.
Effects of Authoritarian Leadership Communication Styles[4][edit]
  • Increase in productivity when leader is present [7]
  • Produces more accurate solutions when leader is knowledgeable [8]
  • Is more positively accepted in larger groups [9]
  • Enhances performance on simple tasks and decreases performance on complex tasks [10]
  • Increases aggression levels among followers [11]
  • Increases turnover rates [12]
  • Successful when there is a time urgency for completion of projects
  • Improves the future work of those subordinates whose skills are not very applicable or helpful without the demands of another [13]
Downfalls of Authoritarian Leadership[edit]
  • Long term use can cause resentment from subordinates. Use this form of leadership sparingly and when absolutely necessary
  • It has been found by researchers that these type of leaders lack creative problem solving skills
  • Without proper instruction and understanding from subordinates, confusion may arise

Examples of Authoritarian Leaders[edit]

Autocratic Leadership Definition Pdf

Engelbert Dollfuss, chancellor of Austria from 1932 to 1934, destroyed the Austrian Republic and established an authoritarian regime based on conservative Roman Catholic and Italian Fascist principles. In May 1932 when he became chancellor, Dollfuss headed a conservative coalition led by the Christian Social Party. When faced with a severe economic crisis caused by the Great Depression, Dollfuss decided against joining Germany in a customs union, a course advocated by many Austrians. Severely criticized by Social Democrats, Pan-German nationalists, and Austrian Nazis, he countered by drifting toward an increasingly authoritarian regime.[15]

The Italian leader Benito Mussolini became Dollfuss' principal foreign ally. Stellar phoenix convert ost to pst keygen crack. Italy guaranteed Austrian independence at Riccione (August 1933), but in return Austria had to abolish all political parties and reform its constitution on the Fascist model. In March 1933, Dollfuss’ attacks on Parliament culminated that September in the permanent abolition of the legislature and the formation of a corporate state based on his Vaterländische Front (“Fatherland Front”); with which he expected to replace Austria’s political parties. In foreign affairs he steered a course that converted Austria virtually into an Italian satellite state. Hoping therewith to prevent Austria’s incorporation into Nazi Germany, he fought his domestic political opponents along fascist-authoritarian lines.[15]

In February 1934 paramilitary formations loyal to the chancellor crushed Austria’s Social Democrats. With a new constitution of May 1934, his regime became completely dictatorial. In June, however, Germany incited the Austrian Nazis to civil war. Dollfuss was assassinated by the Nazis in a raid on the chancellery.[15]

One must be careful drawing similarities between political dictators and the authoritarian styles of non-politicians. For example, one might argue - controversially - that Martha Stewart had an authoritarian style. She constructed her empire through her own special attention to every detail. She was meticulous, demanding, thorough and scrupulous. She flourished in her ventures and in using her authoritarian leadership style.[16]

What Is Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic leadership style works well if the leader is competent and knowledgeable enough to decide about each and every item under their control. Authoritative leadership is considered one of the most effective leadership styles in the event of an emergency where quick decisions need to be taken. Bill Gates adopted this style and has steered Microsoft toward great success. According to Bill Gates, he had a vision when he took reins of the company and then used all the resources available to make that vision a reality. In the personal computer workplace, many operating conditions call for urgent action, making this style of leadership effective. While Gates does not exhibit this style consistently, his success can be judged by his decision making process and the growth of the computer industry in the world.[17]

References[edit]

  1. ^Business Dictionary. (n.d). authoritarian leadership. Retrieved 2017-04-01, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/authoritarian-leadership.html - 'A leadership style in which the leader dictates policies and procedures, decides what goals are to be achieved, and directs and controls all activities without any meaningful participation by the subordinates.'
  2. ^ abCherry, Kendra. 'Lewin's Leadership Styles.' About.com Psychology. Web. 14 Mar. 2012. <http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/a/leadstyles.htm>.
  3. ^The Other “Authoritarian Personality” by Bob Altemeyer Advances in Experimental Social PsychologyVolume 30, 1998, Pages 47-92
  4. ^ abcdeHackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. E. (2009). Leadership: A Communication Perspective (5th ed.). Long Grove, IL, Waveland Press.
  5. ^Leadership-Toolbox. (2008). Leadership Styles: Authoritarian Leadership. Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://www.leadership-toolbox.com/autocratic-leadership.html
  6. ^Clark, D. (2010). Theory x and theory y. Big Dog & Little Dog’s Performance Juxtapostion. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/history/xy.html
  7. ^Shaw, M. E. (1955). A comparison of two types of leadership in various communication nets. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 50, 127-134.
  8. ^Cammalleri, J. A., Hendrick, H. W., Pittmen, W. C., Jr., Blout, H. D., & Prather, D. C. (1973). Effects of different leadership styles on group accuracy. Journal of Applied Psychology, 57, 32-37.
  9. ^Vroom, V. H., & Mann, F. C. (1960). Leader authorization and employee attitudes. Personal Psychology, 13, 125-140.
  10. ^Rudin, S. A. (1964). Leadership as psychophysiological activation of group members: A case experimental study. Psychological Reports, 15, 577-578.
  11. ^Day, R. C., & Hamblin, R. L. (1964). Some effects of close and punitive styles of supervision. American Journal of Sociology, 69, 499-510.
  12. ^Ley, R. (1966), Labor turnover a function of worker differences, work environment, and authoritarianism of foremen. Journal of Applied Psychology, 50, 497-500.
  13. ^Authoritarian Leadership: Use Sparingly! (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://www.educational-business-articles.com/authoritarian-leadership.html
  14. ^About.com: Psychology. What is Authoritarian Leadership?. (2013). Retrieved November 15, 2013, from http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/f/autocratic-leadership.htm
  15. ^ abcBritannica. (n.d). Engelbert Dollfuss. Retrieved March 21, 2012 from, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/168274/Engelbert-Dollfuss
  16. ^Autocratic Leadership. (2010). Money-Zine.com. Retrieved March 23, 2012, from http://www.money-zine.com.
  17. ^Dogra, Aastha. 'Leadership Styles and Examples'. Buzzle.com. Retrieved 25 March 2012.

Autocratic Leadership Definition Pdf

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