Boston House, That means workers tend to not take ownership of the work they do because there is no incentive to do so. Paternalistic managers give more attention to the social needs and views of their workers. Autocratic leaders ignore the skills of competent workers. A military leader who cannot make executive decisions can cause a security breach during critical operations, and military personnel who do not receive clear, direct orders from their leaders can become confused and fail to act when necessary. employees also do not show their commitment to the organizational purpose. Some employees dont like the idea of being asked to make an important decision about the future of the company. Do you know why? All operations, methods, processes and delegations are decided by the autocratic leader and only by him. Instead of there being a democratic process for teams, there are no group positions of leadership with the autocratic style. By providing clear instructions, oversight, and guidance, autocrats can speed up turnaround times and improve quality standards. However, excess control can also result in low employee morale and employee engagement. It allows for fast decisions to be made. Autocratic leader This leader is given the power to make decisions alone, having total authority. Leadership is critical in a changing business environment, where small and medi um sized companie s operat e, and even more whe n changes are amplifie d by transformations of a whole economy, like . In autocratic organizations, there are clearly defined tasks, roles, rules, and deadlines to follow. Moreover, they also like to enjoy the credit for the projects success, leaving the employees disheartened. Advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership style. Disadvantages. When controlling large numbers of low skilled workers. To be effective, the leader must be able to have proven competencies in their field, as they are responsible for making most of the decisions in the workplace. Bureaucratic Leadership - Definition, Advantages and Disadvantages Managers must be willing to encourage leadership skills in subordinates. Management Styles in a Business (GCSE) | Business | tutor2u A democratic style of management will put trust in employees and encourage them to make decisions. In other styles, there is a risk that by the time employees receive the message, the entire original message could be lost or there could be multiple interpretations of the message that create confusion. Essentially, no one will be confused about the direction of a company or even the specific assignment they are working on. This is yet another of the several advantages of autocratic leadership style. - They don't have group members, they have followers. Lindsay Kramer has been a small business owner since 2014. Definition, Types, Reasons, and Ways To Overcome, What is Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle? That makes it almost impossible for leaders to leave the workplace, as workers can become so dependent on their decision-making abilities that nothing gets done if the leader is not present for some reason. Autocratic Leadership - Definition and Principles with Examples Low satisfaction also results in below performance than expectations. Be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems, Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions, Possess excellent two-way communication skills, Be well informed and knowledgeable about matters relating to the business. Because this leadership creates a system of dependence. Whatever approach is predominately used it will be vital to the success of the business. Autocratic leadership is very similar to the authoritarian leadership style. This system leaves the employees stress-free. As only the leader makes decisions, the management may or may not provide feedback. That means many leaders practicing this leadership style eventually turn into micromanagers, even if that is not their intent. Each person benefits from the regulated competencies that are offered by the leader. The work culture is based solely on the ethics and morality of the leader, which means a poor working environment is not likely to change. As such people working under autocratic leaders are supposed to accept the guidance or orders of their leader without any disagreement. This is the foundation of a management style called transformational leadership, which pulls everyone in on major decisions, ensuring the entire team is personally invested in . The autocratic leadership style is highly dependent upon the leader. Autocracy has many benefits as well as some drawbacks. Now, she's focusing her writing on helping other small business owners and people planning to become small business owners navigate this crazy thing we call entrepreneurship. There are two reasons why the autocratic leadership style encourages an overall lack of accountability. One of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership is a clearly defined chain of command. There are many qualities that are needed to be a good leader or manager. Although their primary aim should be to achieve business goals, as leaders, it is also their responsibility to add value to employees. This is one of the autocratic leader strengths and weaknesses that is highly dependent on the workplace environment. It is an easy way to cut through administrative red tape to ensure better communication to all workers. By the time the information reaches the front-line employees doing most of the work, the entire original message could be lost. List of the Advantages of Autocratic Leadership 1. Also, graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BA in Business & Management Studies and completed a DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Life-Long Learning Sector) from London South Bank University. For example, a communication style that can be considered barking orders can be critical in high-stakes environments, like among paramedics, but destructive in collaborative environments like university departments. With little or no input by their subordinates, autocratic leaders are free to make decisions, define policies and direct work wherever they feel is most effective. Although this kind of leadership can sound harsh at first, it can be very effective. But, this lacks in autocratic organizations. Open lines of communication ensure that everyone on the team is working toward the same goal. Provides a clear sense of direction Anyone who's worked on a class group project knows the value of having a leader. This creates more speed, better productivity, and enhanced efficiencies within the workplace. Many analysists also argue that this style usually leads to an absence of creative solutions to problems, which may ultimately hurt the group efforts. If you liked any of these articles, please feel free to share with others by clicking on the social sharing icons. Key points of Advantages of autocratic leadership Highlights below: It allows for a fast decision to be made. Autocratic leadership - Definition, Components, Advantage, Disadvantages. Removes employee stress. They make the decision first and then announces it. Autocratic leadership is an exchange process, so it is a matter of contingent reinforcement of staff based on performances. They, therefore, make all the strategic decisions without any or extremely little inputs from the people who work under them. Autocratic leadership always encourages one-way communication to eliminate this problem. It may create an unwelcome culture within the organization. In this type of leadership, the rules and procedures that teams use are quite rigid. What is autocratic leadership and its advantages? Its advantages are as follows: 1) An autocratic leader is in close control of the organization. In such organizations, employees are highly experienced and knowledgeable and they tend to work in a democratic environment instead of an autocratic environment. Because of poor coordination, low job satisfaction, low motivation, etc. Autocratic leaders do not take input from other members of a team in their decisions. Advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership style 4. Autocratic leadership is defined by a top-down approach when it comes to all decision-making, procedures, and policies within an organization. It creates a lack of feedback. Contrary to popular opinions, many organisations are well suited to the autocratic leadership type at some degree. advantages of the autocratic leadership style, autocratic leadership style advantages and disadvantages. It is one of the biggest advantages of the autocratic leadership style. The Mini Guide On Workplace Autocratic Leadership Style - Vantage Circle The idea here is that with a centralised control, giving guidance and direction to employees is relatively easy. The laissez-faire or free reign leader scarcely provides direction to his team members. On the other hand, employees are responsible for following instructions and meeting deadlines. The lack of flexibility in environments headed by autocratic leaders can drive creative and motivated employees away. Advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership The decision can be made faster with this leadership style. They just want to come to work, do what theyre told, then go home at the end of the day with a paycheck. At times, the original instruction may get lost within complex and multiple channels of communication. This approach has limitations (as highlighted by other motivational theorists such as Mayo and Herzberg) but it can be effective in certain situations. They are the managerial equivalent of an emergency room surgeon who is forced to do whatever necessary to save a patients life. Inexperienced employees need a detailed layout and instructions to complete taskstraits an autocratic leader is known for. Autocratic leadership - Definition, Components, Advantage Autocracy Pros and Cons of Autocracy: Are There Reasons to Get a Grip? Characteristics Of An Autocratic Leadership Style | ipl.org 5. Advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership pdf It would be a great world if everyone could work together cohesively, pushing a business to its desired goal. It is a style which dictates how people are supposed to work. Since autocratic leadership ensures clearly defined structures, it clearly states what to do and how to do it. Autocratic executives can affect more productive project completion since they spread information swiftly throughout a company. What Are the Pros and Cons of Autocratic Leadership? | SB 3. Both leadership styles are very well known and are often used due to . 9. 1. Advantages of Autocratic Leadership Quick Decision Making. Autocratic - quick decision making is guaranteed; Autocratic - good for inexperienced workers; . 1. However, according to Schaeffer (2002) autocratic leaders are not those who bully people needlessly. How Procedures Can Improve Efficiency, available at: https://online.stu.edu/articles/education/autocratic-leadership.aspx (accessed 06 April 2021). There are fewer delays because best practices are being followed consistently. Some are collaborative and inspiring, while some are authoritative and controlling. An autocratic leader makes decisions and communicates them on time, making sure that the team has all the information they need to finish the project on schedule. The benefits and disadvantages of benevolent leadership Pros of Autocracy The following sections below demonstrate. Advantages and Disadvantages of Autocratic Leadership This lack of adaptability within your workforce can . Team members have creative freedom 3. When an autocratic leadership style is used in these situations, then the control the policies and procedures provide encourage a deeper commitment to safety. This process may create a powerful and positive impact on their performance. For leaders who don't care much about power and prefer to be appreciated by being of service to others, this is the main advantage. Inexperienced teams can still produce experienced results. Most autocratic leaders do not consider the opinions or abilities of their staff members while making decisions. When a company crisis occurs, a leader with authoritative traits can begin to call the shots to make immediate changes. Some people dont like the idea of coming up with new ideas. It improves overall communication. Autocratic leadership, however, has always been under the scanner. These benefits of autocratic leadership can swiftly take the team out of trouble. Be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions Possess excellent two-way communication skills Have the desire to achieve great things . Likewise, this style is also very effective when astringent synchronisation of processes is essential to productivity. Autocratic leaders are often micromanagers. Among all the recognized autocratic leadership strengths and weaknesses, perhaps one of the most prominent is that this leadership style can cause employees to resent their leader and even their organization. Autocratic Leadership: Definition, Examples, and Pros and Cons Leadership styles There are many ways to lead and every leader has his or her own style. The competencies of the leader practicing autocratic leadership become the foundation for future success. Consequence in Leadership Styles, The Disadvantages of Emotional Leadership, Clear separation of leader and subordinate roles, Clearly defined performance expectations for all team members, Consequences for failure to comply with expectations, Specific processes for performing workplace tasks, Strict adherence to established rules and policies, Tom Petty, founder of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Helen Gurley Brown, former editor-in-chief of, Ridley Scott, critically acclaimed filmmaker, Vince Lombardi, former Green Bay Packers coach. What is the disadvantages of autocratic? - Heimduo It is one of the biggest, advantages of the autocratic leadership style, Faster decision-making and quick information-sharing can help boost the teams productivity. Its main weakness is that it hinges heavily on the abilities and temperament of your employees. The Disadvantages of Impulsive Management, Management Styles That Elevate vs. Devalue Employees. There is just one person in charge. If that leader does not create a fair working environment, then it is difficult for any employees to change that environment. It is one of the best. Autocratic leaders have imperious or commanding personalities. If the results an autocratic leader achieves do not meet corporate expectations, then it can be difficult to correct the issue. There may be dangerous situations or working environments which require complicated tasks to be completed. Did you know that autocratic leadership is great when it comes to handling crises? - There is a clear division between the followers and the leaders. Autocratic Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: It allows for fast decisions to be made: - An autocratic leadership includes fewer levels of administration levels that are to be informed. For example: When quick decisions are needed in a company (e.g. One of the primary reasons why the autocratic leadership style tends to fail is because it is fully dependent upon the skills and knowledge of the leader. Answer (1 of 10): Before I begin, I also tried this type of leadership among newcomers in our Unit. Faster decision-making and quick information-sharing can help boost the teams productivity. Such times require a leader with the ability to give instructions or guide and direct to those under his or her authority. List of Advantages of Autocracy Government 1. Many prime ministers and presidents around the world are also well-known for their autocratic style. In time, this may result in fewer errors, which can provide a boost to revenues. After all, this is what good leadership is all about. Because it is the autocratic leaders reputation on the line, not the worker doing the job, those in this type of position tend to supervise every small detail of the work being done. Management & Leadership Styles | Autocratic, Democratic - YouTube Advantages of autocratic leadership style. If you know anything about democratic leadership, you will know that it sounds better than autocracy. One of the hallmarks of autocratic leadership is that the leader comes to his decisions quickly. This can be beneficial for organizations that need to maintain a strong sense of control and predictability. Autocratic Leadership Guide: Definition, Qualities, Pros & Cons Dependent on the leader: Organizational success is entirely dependent on the leader and their ideas, which can endanger the stability of the organization. Autocratic Leadership: Definition, Examples & Effect on Employees Full potential of subordinates and their creative ideas are not utilized. Although the autocratic leadership style is often viewed as being a directive relationship between the leader and the team member, there are two other varieties found with this style. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For employees, an environment where decision-making is solely the managers job can mean a relatively low stress environment. Because of one-way communication and lack of recognition employees do not get the answers to the questions they deserve. They will delegate to them the authority to do this (empowerment) and listen to their advice. Fewer layers of administration and lesser feedback to look into facilitates swift decision-making in the team. Good leaders can produce great results. Autocratic Leadership | Characteristics, Advantages, Disadvantages Hence, he ensures that the products manufactured and services rendered meet the desired quality benchmarks. The Styles of Leadership: A Critical Review - IISTE However, this is not feasible for the majority of decisions taken by a business- indeed one of the criticisms of this style is that it can take longer to reach a decision. To be effective, people need to work in an environment where there is a trusting partnership. There is no gray area for employee performance in this type of environment, which can be comforting for employees. 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Democratic Leadership Style The leader shares defined roles and patterns of work with the employees. This leadership style doesnt have a specific training forum to attend or require knowledge of a specific theory of leadership. That reduces the productivity available, and eventually leads to declining morale. Autocratic leaders have the opportunity to take full control, responsibility and stress and build and maintain a productive operation. LS23 6AD But rarely do employees know that there are several benefits of autocratic leadership. Many companies tend to turn to an autocratic leadership style when they need to create short-term results in an urgent way. If team members are unfamiliar with the process or tasks, leaders are better off taking a more hands-on approach. Pros and Cons of Autocracy | Indeed.com But, what is autocratic leadership? new data says yes, available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2019/11/24/does-anyone-actually-like-autocratic-leaders-new-data-says-yes/?sh=bd0ef4e10de5 (accessed 06 April 2021), Schaeffer, L. (2002) The leadership journey, available at: https://hbr.org/2002/10/the-leadership-journey (accessed 06 April 2021), St Thomas University (2018) What is Autocratic Leadership? Degrades trust and morale: Autocratic leadership discourages input, which can make teams feel like their ideas are ignored and they're unable to contribute. To be a great authentic leader, you should accept yourself for who you truly are. If they face a decision in the work they are doing, they are almost forced to go to the leader for advice on what to do instead of making the decision on their own. Autocratic Leadership - Study.com Under autocratic leaders, subordinates would fear due to demands and expectations. Boston Spa, One of the greatest advantages to working with an autocratic leader is that the employee always knows whats expected and what will happen if they fail to perform as expected. The autocratic leadership style does a good job of facilitating this process. Autocratic Leadership Pros and Cons (A Complete Guide) Motivation and reward for leaders: It provides strong motivation and reward for the leader. Both issues decrease worker morale and put blame on someone, even though the issue may not be their fault. What are the pros and cons of an autocratic leadership? Workers can benefit from the competencies offered by their leader, replicating productivity by using the leaders knowledge and experience as a workplace asset. php/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-autocratic- leadership-6069 Autocratic leadership refers to a form of leadership in which a leader takes choices without consulting others. Quick decision: Quick decision making is guaranteed because a single person decides for the whole group. Attner, R. and Plunkett, W. (1994) Introduction to management, 5th edition, California: Wadsworth, Inc. Murphy, M. (2019) Does anyone actually like autocratic leaders? Autocratic leaders generally believe that they are the smartest people around and know more than their subordinates. Autocratic leaders generally could use organizational . 2. - reduces staff turnover. For many it is someone who can inspire and get the most from their staff. Although creativity, independent thinking, and new processes are included as part of the overall leadership style, their implementation is not a top priority. An autocratic leader focuses less on collecting input from team members and tends to make executive decisions that others are expected to follow. for the employees, too. That creates a positive impact on the work environment, which leads to more accurate work and consistent production. The advantages and disadvantages below refer to autocracy in general, including the two types of autocracy as discussed above. Cons of autocratic leadership.