But, the results always lead to corporate success. . They must make every decision for the team. Although their primary aim should be to achieve business goals, as leaders, it is also their responsibility to add value to employees. From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors, 11 Autocratic Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages, Leaders Eat Last Speed Summary: 15 Core Principles, Extreme Ownership Speed Summary (3 Minutes) w/ PDF, Good to Great Speed Summary: 15 Core Principles of, "From Disabled and $500k in Debt to a Pro Blogger with 5 Million Monthly Visitors. Autocratic leaders are like the captain of the ship. the us american football coach vince lombardi is an example. 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. Autocracy has many benefits as well as some drawbacks. Both leadership styles are very well known and are often used due to . Advantages and Disadvantages of the Autocratic Leadership, Poor Relationship Between the leader and Followers, Not Suitable for Large and Diversified Organizations, What is Organizational Change? - consultative although the manager will have the final say. When the leader is the only person in the organization who makes decisions and determines the companys strategy, they can easily feel overwhelmed. They can easily manage these issues because they're the only ones who get to call the shots. Professionals operating under this leadership can have lower confidence and slower decision-making skills. Through goremotely.net, stats reveal that 78% of the employees want to quit their jobs due to lack of recognition. There is also less feedback from various levels of management which must be processed. It is one of the best advantages of autocratic leadership. Most of the time Mr. Worth was absent from the rest of the employees, he communicated through his assistant. 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. In autocratic organizations, there are clearly defined tasks, roles, rules, and deadlines to follow. One of the disadvantages of autocratic leadership is that it degrades the employees morale and motivation. This can be beneficial for organizations that need to maintain a strong sense of control and predictability. In some situations, this leadership . The idea here is that with a centralised control, giving guidance and direction to employees is relatively easy. That means workers who are highly skilled or motivated begin to lose their incentives to stay active under this leadership structure. "An organisation is only as good as the person running it". In this kind of leadership mostly leader makes new contacts with outside people. - There is a clear division between the followers and the leaders. 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. On the other hand, employees are responsible for following instructions and meeting deadlines. That consistency leads toward corporate success. It is a leadership style that is very easy to learn. This is one of the autocratic leader strengths and weaknesses that is highly dependent on the workplace environment. Company Reg no: 04489574. 8. Although they set their rules and regulations to control the team, they also play a significant role in eradicating employee stress. Control in the group is minimal; authority is shared among members. Under autocratic leaders, subordinates would fear due to demands and expectations. 214 High Street, According to Startingbusiness.com, a significant drawback to working with an autocratic leader is the lack of flexibility in the workplace. Definition, Features, Principles, and Cycle, What is TQM? The leader does not have to deal with internal politics or disputes at the decision-making stage. There are some work environments which require a high level of control. Advantages of autocratic leadership style. The autocratic style provides fast crisis management benefits. Faster decision-making Read more about each of these advantages in detail in our separate post: Laissez-Faire Leadership Advantages. There are numerous autocratic leadership strengths and weaknesses and sometimes, a characteristic thats a strength in one scenario is a weakness in another. If there is a short-term problem, the expertise of the leader can be used to create a solution. If that leader goes away, then the team is unable to function because they were focused on their role. Contrary to popular opinions, many organisations are well suited to the autocratic leadership type at some degree. In, laissez-faire leadership leader gives all power to his subordinates to act on their own. However, according to Schaeffer (2002) autocratic leaders are not those who bully people needlessly. Because of poor coordination, low job satisfaction, low motivation, etc. - They don't have group members, they have followers. Good leaders can produce great results. In this article, we outline some essential autocratic leadership pros and cons. This is an advantage because team members can continue projects, move deadlines, and remove obstacles that could negatively impact their overall productivity. . Quick decision: Quick decision making is guaranteed because a single person decides for the whole group. They will delegate to them the authority to do this (empowerment) and listen to their advice. When there is an autocratic leadership established within an organization, there are fewer levels of administration that must be kept informed of each decision. Because of one-way communication and lack of recognition employees do not get the answers to the questions they deserve. They get to take all the credit for the work that gets done. Some are collaborative and inspiring, while some are authoritative and controlling. Experienced, skilled workers tend to do better in an environment where their leader asks for their input in decision-making or even leaves decision-making entirely up to them. That is because there is one person and they are in charge of all arrangements. The autocratic leadership style means that the person in charge has the entire control upon all decision making. But rarely do employees know that there are several. Since autocratic leadership ensures clearly defined structures, it clearly states what to do and how to do it. LS23 6AD The result is a more consistent and accurate output. This can mean the only employees who remain working with the company are unmotivated and even lazy individuals. SWOT Analysis of Kelloggs (Kellogg Company), https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2019/11/24/does-anyone-actually-like-autocratic-leaders-new-data-says-yes/?sh=bd0ef4e10de5, https://hbr.org/2002/10/the-leadership-journey. List of the Disadvantages of a Democratic Leadership Style. The cadets were fresh and were eager to learn, my Commanding Officer told me to do the "traditional" way of welcoming the cadets, this in fact is very beneficial to me and us because it instill dis. There may be situations when leaders are less qualified than their subordinates. The second involves a leader refusing to take responsibility for work they personally instructed a worker to complete. What leads to a successful working relationship is an ability of workers to have trust in their leaders, and vice-versa. However, they describe the disadvantages of this style as promoting staff defiance, lack of free . Effective communication is when the receiver gets the exact message the sender wants to convey. A work environment where autocratic leadership style is exercised is usually not friendly to innovation or creative thinking. When the autocratic leadership style is used with an inexperienced team, the experience of the leader can replace the skill gap that is present. When a company crisis occurs, a leader with authoritative traits can begin to call the shots to make immediate changes. This leadership style doesnt have a specific training forum to attend or require knowledge of a specific theory of leadership. The first involves the work that gets done. They can switch back to a more delegative approach as team members gain more experience. Did you ever invite him for a drink? Everything rests with the leader. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. People who step out of this line are quickly identified and brought back into the fold. And they are accountable for the outcomes. 9. If you know anything about democratic leadership, you will know that it sounds better than autocracy. One of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership is a clearly defined chain of command. Tel: +44 0844 800 0085. Here are the top advantages of autocratic leadership: This leadership style enables quick decision-making, which is one of the most significant benefits of autocratic leadership. It can be a joyless experience for team members. 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. Disadvantages of Autocratic or Authoritarian Leadership. Autocratic leaders take the pressure off of their teams because they are fully responsible for the decisions that are made. The free reign approach can prove an effective type of leadership when the team has achieved identity and cohesion, resulting in motivated and resourceful team members. An autocratic workplace environment is typically not friendly to innovation or outside-the-box thinking, and this can leave workers feeling intellectually stifled. As such, between them, there is no communication and you know communication is a must for a healthy relationship. Some employees dont like the idea of being asked to make an important decision about the future of the company. In many ways, it could be described as, Do it my way or go hit the highway. Workers get the job done, or else they go find a different job. Therefore, leaders who exercise autocratic leadership should follow a balanced process to attain organizational objectives. As such, it becomes the right choice for employees who thrive when they are told what to do. The result is a more consistent and accurate output. The autocratic leadership style should not be used when: Employees become tense, fearful, or resentful Employees expect to have their opinions heard Employees begin depending on their manager to make all their decisions There is low employee morale, high turnover and absenteeism 2.1.1 Advantages of Autocratic Style of Leadership West Yorkshire, Productivity levels can see increases with this leadership style. Management & Leadership Styles | Autocratic, Democratic, Paternalistic, Laissez- Faire and More Two Teachers 16K subscribers Subscribe 224 Share Save 27K views 3 years ago Business Studies Videos. Both issues decrease worker morale and put blame on someone, even though the issue may not be their fault. The autocratic leadership style is highly dependent upon the leader. Because all decisions are made by the leader, a new leader must be brought in, which requires everyone to start from scratch. List of Advantages of Autocracy Government 1. There are a number of vital benefits to autocratic leadership, according to the Houston Chronicle. Your email address will not be published. autocratic leadership advantages and disadvantages? Autocratic leadership is one-directional, top-down leadership. Safety is a top priority within the autocratic leadership style. Other relevant articles for you are: Advantages and disadvantages of digital marketing, Advantages and disadvantages of franchising. 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 . Autocratic style leads to frustration, low morale and conflict among subordinates. Lindsay Kramer has been a small business owner since 2014. The employee doesnt have to worry about anything beyond performing their job duties properly, and for many employees, this is much less mentally taxing than an environment where they're expected to pitch ideas and weigh in on business strategies. The following are some of the instances because of which autocratic leadership is not suitable. The autocratic leadership style does a good job of facilitating this process. 6. Provides a clear sense of direction Anyone who's worked on a class group project knows the value of having a leader. Every leadership style comes with some benefits and weaknesses. There is no doubt that laissez-faire can bring significant disadvantages to an organisation - especially where conditions are not conducive to such a liberal style of management. Do you have a team of inexperienced employees? The laissez-faire or free reign leader scarcely provides direction to his team members. Advantages of charismatic leadership style. There is no need to recognize emotions, respond to personal issues, or find other ways of motivation. An autocratic. Its main weakness is that it hinges heavily on the abilities and temperament of your employees. Unlike, group decision-making the autocratic leader does not have to decide with his followers. Put plainly, an autocratic leader is a leader who has total control over their jurisdiction and does not request or accept input from employees regarding their decisions. Many companies have been forced to completely reset their under-performing teams because the leadership in place formed the identity of everyone involved. The competencies of the leader practicing autocratic leadership become the foundation for future success. This form serves well when the . Advantages of Bureaucratic Leadership Bureaucratic leadership works in so many ways0 Job security and results are both stable Favoritism is no longer a factor in the equation Roles, duties, and expectations are all evident A system of processes and rules that are extremely apparent creates a stronger level of job security Employees feel motivated and devote their maximum effort when they feel valued for their presence and contribution. List of the Disadvantages of Authoritarian Leadership It may cause some employees to rebel. Leaders must assume that their workers are not performing as they should, which requires their direct supervision to ensure results happen. 2. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider with the autocratic leadership style. It creates focused targets for everyone. Autocratic leadership A leadership style in which leaders dictate without consultation of subordinates. The Advantages of the Laissez-Faire Leadership Style Here is a list of the pros of the Laissez-Faire Leadership style: 1. In high-pressure, high-stakes situations like buying and selling real estate, an autocratic leader who has the knowledge necessary to make profitable choices can be a companys greatest asset. The idea here is that with a centralised control, giving guidance and direction to employees is relatively easy. The manager will however make the actual decisions (in the best interests of the workers) as they believe the staff still need direction and in this way it is still somewhat of an autocratic approach. Autocratic leadership, however, has always been under the scanner. It may impair the morale of the group. The decision can be made faster with this leadership style. Autocratic (or authoritarian) managers like to make all the important decisions and closely supervise and control workers. Advantages and Disadvantages of Autocratic Leadership: The advantages of Autocratic leadership are that it allows for fast and effective decisions in a crisis situation, this is due to the ability of make quick decisions without having to discuss amongst team members which wastes valuable time. How was that going for you? They are bound to follow whatever the leaders ask them. Autocratic leaders are able to handle a crisis situation easily because they are the ones who are in charge. At times, the original instruction may get lost within complex and multiple channels of communication. These environments allow for an error margin of zero. 4. Required fields are marked *. Autocratic leadership always encourages one-way communication to eliminate this problem. Fewer layers of administration and lesser feedback to look into facilitates swift decision-making in the team. Autocratic leadership Advantages And Disadvantages. Essentially, no one will be confused about the direction of a company or even the specific assignment they are working on. Autocratic leaders do not take input from other members of a team in their decisions. There is nothing complicated about the autocratic leadership style. The biggest problem is, no one talks about innovation and out-of-the-box ideas in this leadership style. Autocratic leaders are often charged with information movement. 1. 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. 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. But, the results always lead to corporate success. Many prime ministers and presidents around the world are also well-known for their autocratic style. A clear chain of command is important in certain environments, like the military. There is just one person in charge. This leadership style makes it difficult to correct poor results. The democratic leadership style does solicit for opinions, perspectives, and experiences. . Here are the top advantages of autocratic leadership: Faster Decision-making This leadership style enables quick decision-making, which is one of the most significant benefits of autocratic leadership. and lack of staff initiative (2015). Unfortunately, they might not appreciate the advice of their team members. Rules are placed for employees to follow in an autocratic leadership style because there is a need to create consistency. Autocratic leaders exercise absolute control over the team. Increased Work Burden Workers are less likely to stop their projects or ask for later deadlines because they receive timely decisions and communication from their leadership. Along with many advantages, the autocratic leadership style also has various disadvantages. He holds an MSc in Tourism & Hospitality from the University of Sunderland. It is one of the biggest advantages of the autocratic leadership style. On the other hand, employees are responsible for following instructions and meeting deadlines. It allows for fast decisions to be made. Over time, however, this leadership style creates mistrust within the workplace. Disadvantages: Strict compliance becomes necessary. An autocratic leader is well-equipped to deal with a crisis situation. To be a great authentic leader, you should accept yourself for who you truly are. Autocratic leaders are in charge and they make this fact known. You must have seen people with varied working styles, ways of talking, and traits. outline the advantages of this style, such as increased situational control, discipline over workers, short discussions, and group members knowing their roles and tasks. If an autocratic leader is put in charge of an inexperienced team, theyll be able to get the job done by outlining specific instructions to follow. High clarity on structure and roles Organizations with autocratic leaders usually have very clear lines and borders in between different areas. When an autocratic leadership style is used in these situations, then the control the policies and procedures provide encourage a deeper commitment to safety. Employee morale can also be negatively affected when autocratic leadership is employed. That reduces the productivity available, and eventually leads to declining morale. Autocratic leaders tend to do well in these settings because they ensure that projects are finished on time and that workers follow safety rules to prevent accidents and injuries. However, excess control can also result in low employee morale and employee engagement. This approach derives from the views of Taylor as to how to motivate workers and relates to McGregor's theory X view of workers. Inexperienced employees need a detailed layout and instructions to complete taskstraits an autocratic leader is known for. The correct leadership approach used at the right time will foster a long-term employeeleader relationship. Managers deal with their employees in different ways. In addition, in this style of leadership, managers don't take care of the opinions of their staff and ore not open to changes. Every crisis or decision lies on their shoulders. According to goremotley.net, around 83% of employers feel that it is crucial to create leaders at all levels. A team can become so dependent upon the leader that they stop functioning when their directions are no longer present. Many analysists also argue that this style usually leads to an absence of creative solutions to problems, which may ultimately hurt the group efforts. This can be achieved by reviewing autocratic leadership examples. If there isnt enough time to develop personal skills or learn something new, then autocratic leaders are still able to get the job done. 10. Team members may have opportunities to provide feedback; however, their feedback is highly unlikely to change the course of action. Faster decision-making is the key to attaining organizational goals. There may be dangerous situations or working environments which require complicated tasks to be completed. He is a lecturer in Management and Marketing. It can also mean workers personal needs are neglected, causing them to feel like their supervisor does not care about them as individuals. This style has close links with Herzberg's motivators and Maslow's higher order skills and also applies to McGregor's theory Y view of workers. They know themselves very well and try to bring people together to achieve the organisational goals. Charismatic leaders are usually adaptable and possess the power to make the followers feel comfortable with . That means many leaders practicing this leadership style eventually turn into micromanagers, even if that is not their intent. 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. When controlling large numbers of low skilled workers. Motivation and reward for leaders Effective where a chain of command is crucial Authoritative leaders are most consistent in their approaches and systems. This detailed article sheds light on some of the advantages and disadvantages of autocratic leadership style. If the leader offers questionable ethics, however, and refuses to create fairness, then there is no one who can really hold that person accountable. Autocratic leadership is a type of leadership that is individual-centric. - the leader respects other peoples opinions and feedback. Autocratic leadership is a suitable option for small-sized organizations where a single leader can handle all the matters easily. 3. Autocratic leaders are often micromanagers. 2002-2023 Tutor2u Limited. Autocratic leadership, characterized by this centralized style of leadership, is an important concept in business, economics and politics. 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. Autocratic - quick decision making is guaranteed; Autocratic - good for inexperienced workers; . Its advantages are as follows: 1) An autocratic leader is in close control of the organization. The employees need not wait for the thumbs up from seniors or ask for a deadline extension if they can get all the approvals and data on time. Benefits of autocratic leadership Here are some of the pros of an autocratic leadership approach. What is autocratic leadership and its advantages? The advantages and disadvantages of the autocratic leadership style show that it can be effective when an organization requires quick, accurate decisions from an experienced leader. - They are in complete . After all, this is what good leadership is all about. The ultimate democratic system occurs when decisions are made based on the majority view of all workers. Whatever approach is predominately used it will be vital to the success of the business. But, in an autocratic environment, there is no employee participation and their concerns are ignored. Advantages Autocratic style of leadership is very effective in times of emergency or stress since people will always work from orders or commands of their leaders. There are two reasons why the autocratic leadership style encourages an overall lack of accountability. Autocratic leaders generally could use organizational . But this might not be possible with an autocratic leadership style. List of the Advantages of the Autocratic Leadership Style 1. Whether this style makes a good leader has been a longstanding debate. In this type of leadership, the rules and procedures that teams use are quite rigid. Business, sports, politics, and many other fields have witnessed a great number of autocratic leaders throughout the history. Disadvantages of autocratic leadership style. They use their personal experiences to form rules or regulations that translate into step-by-step instructions for workers to follow. The correct leadership approach used at the right time will foster a long-term employeeleader relationship. Low satisfaction also results in below performance than expectations. It reduces the amount of group input received. There is also less feedback from various levels of management which must be processed. Communication is the systematic process of passing information from one person to another. By the time the information reaches the front-line employees doing most of the work, the entire original message could be lost.