Management Styles — Flashcards & Quiz

Q1: Describe the autocratic management style and when it is appropriate.

The autocratic management style involves the manager making all decisions without input from employees. Communication is one-way (top-down). The manager has full authority and control. Appropriate when: quick decisions are needed (crisis situations), employees are unskilled or new, tasks are routine and require strict compliance (e.g., safety procedures), or in military/emergency contexts.

Q2: What is the persuasive management style?

The persuasive management style involves the manager making all decisions but then persuading (explaining the reasons to) employees to accept and follow those decisions. Communication is predominantly one-way but the manager takes time to explain the rationale. Employees do not have input into the decision but understand why it was made.

Q3: Compare the consultative and participative management styles.

Consultative: the manager seeks input and feedback from employees before making the final decision themselves. Two-way communication but the manager retains decision-making authority. Participative: the manager shares decision-making power with employees. Decisions are made jointly through collaboration and consensus. Employees have genuine influence over outcomes. Both involve two-way communication, but participative gives employees more power.

Q4: What is the laissez-faire management style and what are its risks?

The laissez-faire management style involves the manager taking a hands-off approach, allowing employees to make their own decisions with minimal direction or supervision. Communication is horizontal among employees. Risks: lack of direction can cause confusion, inconsistent performance, some employees may not be self-motivated enough to work independently, accountability can be unclear, and the manager may appear disengaged.

Q5: What factors influence the choice of management style?

Factors include: 1) Nature of the task — routine tasks suit autocratic; creative tasks suit laissez-faire. 2) Time available — urgent decisions require autocratic or persuasive. 3) Experience and skill of employees — skilled staff suit participative or laissez-faire. 4) Manager's personal preference and experience. 5) Organisational culture — hierarchical cultures lean autocratic; flat structures lean participative. 6) External environment — crisis situations require centralised control. 7) Size of the business — small businesses may use more informal styles.

Q1: The autocratic management style involves the manager making decisions without consulting employees.

Answer: TRUE

In an autocratic style, the manager has full authority and makes all decisions independently. Communication is one-way (top-down) and employees are expected to follow instructions without input into the decision-making process.

Q2: In the consultative management style, employees make the final decision.

Answer: FALSE

In the consultative style, the manager seeks input and feedback from employees but retains the authority to make the FINAL decision. The manager listens to suggestions but is not bound to follow them.

Q3: The laissez-faire management style is most appropriate for highly skilled and self-motivated employees.

Answer: TRUE

Laissez-faire works best when employees have the expertise, experience and self-discipline to work independently with minimal supervision. Unskilled or unmotivated employees are likely to underperform without direction.