Autocratic Versus Democratic Style of Leadership

Abstract

In this Writing Assignment I would like to discuss two leadership styles: Autocratic and Democratic. In the next few passages I will compare and contrast these two styles, and I will try to explain pros and cons of each of them. I will also provide examples of my personal experience working under Autocratic and Democratic leadership styles. In addition, I will also discuss my personal opinion about which style is more productive and which style suits me more as a person.

The reason why I have decided to write about Autocratic and Democratic leadership styles is because in my opinion these two managerial approaches are more productive comparing to other leadership styles, and at the same time they are very different comparing one to another. The Autocratic leadership style approach is when the leader of the group (director, supervisor and etc.) makes all decisions by himself/herself, defining by himself/herself all the activities of subordinates and refusing any initiative from them. The Democratic leadership style approach is when the leader of the group involves subordinates in decision-making process based on group discussions, stimulating their activity and sharing the decision-making authority with them. Of course each of the above styles of leadership has advantages and disadvantages, and produces its own problems. In the next two paragraphs we will take a closer look at pros and cons of these two leadership styles.

Firstly I would like to discuss Autocratic leadership style. This style is more aggressive comparing to the democratic style. The Autocratic leader alone determines the direction of the department or organization by making decisions and in many ways this style allows to achieve great results and productivity. In my opinion and as it was stated in the chapter 2, this style works excellent if a manger has to deal with new employees who are in the process of training.

Advantages of this leadership style are the following:

 Fast decision making

 Close oversight

 Fewer management layers

 Unquestioning subordination to the orders of the head

 Effective in the stressful time when decision must be made on the spot

 Time saving by limiting arguments

 Total control

Disadvantages of this leadership style are the following:

 Dissatisfaction of subordinates

 Frustration of subordinates which transforms in weak production level

 Creates an environment of fear and resentment