Autocratic leadership
sets a distance between the leader and the followers.
The autocratic style of leadership seems synonymous with dictators, but in practice it can sometimes benefit an organization to have confident direction. Autocratic leaders operate on the principles of domination and control.
Facts
The autocratic leadership style sets one primary leader as the sole controlling manager of an organization or group. Autocratic leaders do not accept input or consultation and make any decision they think is best. They make these decisions regardless of the reactions of their followers.
Effects
The autocratic style of leadership can reduce followers' motivation and prevent them from learning make decisions. Since the leader enforces decisions with his or her authority, followers become dependent on the leader without necessarily believing in him or her.
Advantages
The autocratic leadership style has few advantages, but it can help when an organization or group needs immediate and secure directions. The autocratic leader can take the fall if the decisions go bad, but can also carry the responsibility for leading an organization through a difficult point.
Disadvantages
Autocratic leaders use any means necessary to reach their goals, including force. In an organization with an autocratic leader, followers develop passive-aggressive traits and can harbor resentment. This style of leadership also pushes the intelligent and talented members of the group, making the organization weaker. An unchecked autocratic leader also can lead the group down the wrong path.
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