Leadership is the art of persuading people toward a course which is of mutual good. Leadership provides guidance and personnel management for a company to reach its goals. There are various ways to achieve these goals and a number of personality styles to see it accomplished. Based on leadership theories, principles, and leadership styles, there is no one-type-fits-all leadership style for circumstances or companies. One of the three traditional types of leadership style is autocratic leadership.
Definition
Autocratic leadership is usually interpreted as "a person with unlimited power or authority. Absolute power of the leaders over their employees or group characterizes this leadership style. The autocratic leader may employ coercion, exploitation or even intimidation to achieve their goals. Autocracy is very much alive today. The military, many types of governments, businesses, and industry still make use of autocratic leadership style.
Examples of Required Autocracy
There are many situations where autocracy serves a useful purpose. For instance, it would make a lot more sense to have a major in the air force undertake the decision on whether or not to fire, than have a show of hands of all those concerned. An autocratic person in charge successfully runs many corporate organizations and small businesses. Another example would be a manager in an unskilled sector where he will have to dictate orders to get the job completed. Otherwise all the employees may choose to have a day off and not show up for work.
Pros of Autocratic Leadership
In the office, some circumstances may clearly demand immediate action, and in these instances an autocratic leadership style is probably the best style to take on. The majority of employees have surprisingly previously worked for autocratic leaders, and so adapting to that style is a minor problem. In stressful situations or emergencies a number of subordinates may truly favor an autocratic style wherein they are told precisely what to do. The autocratic leadership style is very helpful in stressful times, but very demanding when the strain is off the group or colleagues.
Cons of Autocratic Leadership
Several management experts are against the notion of autocracy in business sectors. Absolute power by a leader over his employees implies the likelihood for turmoil and misunderstandings. Employees and team members have little prospect for making suggestions, even if the suggestions would be in the team or organization’s best interest. Autocratic leadership typically results in increased staff turnover and levels of absenteeism since most people generally take exception to being treated in this manner.
Examples of Autocratic Leaders
A listing of autocratic leaders is extensive. Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Stalin, and other kings had time in power with absolute and undisputed powers. A number of them were good, some were despotic, and the power of despotism originated from their unrestricted autocratic power. Martha Stewart is an example of an individual that achieved questionable fame for demonstrating this leadership style. Several business experts may contend that it was Stewart’s autocratically exacting style that permitted her to prosper in the competitive entertainment industry. Others might dispute that Stewart may have expected additional success if she was not dependent on the autocratic style.
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