LEADERSHIP STYLES

"A person capable of inspiring and associate others with a dream is a Leader." ARIEU. A

DEFINITION:
Leadership has been described as the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen." - ALAN KEITH Leadership is lifting of a Mans vision to higher sights, the raising of mans performance to a higher standard and the building of mans personality beyond its normal limitation.- PETER DRUCKER The process by which an executive imaginatively directs, guides and influence the work of others in choosing and attaining specified goals by mediating between the individuals and the organisation in such a manner that both will obtain maximum satisfaction.- THEO HAIMANN The quality of behaviour of individuals whereby the guide people or their activities on organized effort. CHESTER I BARNARD Leadership is a process of influence on a group in a particular situation at a given point of time and in a specific set of circumstances that stimulate people to strive willingly to attain organizational objectives, giving then the experience in helping attain the common objectives and the satisfaction with the leadership provided. JAMES CRIBBIN It is therefore important that organizations have a visionary mission, since it is a powerful way to strengthen the leadership of its directors.

TYPES OF LEADERSHIP STYLES:

Leadership style is a form of cross situational behavioral consistency. It refers to the manner in which a leader interacts with his or her subordinates. More specifically, dimensions of leadership style depict the way in which a leader (a) attempts to influence the behavior of subordinates (Goal Attainment Function); (b) makes decisions regarding the direction of the group (Adaptation Function); and (c) his or her balance between the goal attainment function and the maintenance function of the group. Listed below are three different ways in leadership style has been defined.

1. AUTOCRATIC OR AUTHORITARIAN STYLE 2. PARTICIPATIVE OR DEMOCRATIC STYLE 3. LAISSEZ-FAIRE OR FREE REIN STYLE

AUTOCRATIC OR AUTHORITARIAN STYLE

It is also known as Directive Style. Under the autocratic leadership style, all decision-making powers are centralized in the leader, as with dictator leaders. He uses both Positive and Negative motivations. When he uses positive motivations it is called as benevolent autocratic style and when he uses negative motivations then it is called as dictatorial or oppressive autocratic style. They do not entertain any suggestions or initiatives from subordinates. He gives orders to the subordinates and expects them to follow such orders completely without any question. The autocratic management has been successful as it provides strong motivation to the manager. It permits quick decision-making, as only one person decides for the whole group and keeps each decision to himself until he feels it is needed to be shared with the rest of the group.

The disadvantages of this style are, It leads to frustration, low morale and conflict among subordinates. Full potential of subordinates and their creative ideas are not utilized. PARTICIPATIVE OR DEMOCRATIC STYLE
The democratic leadership style favors decision-making by the group as shown, such as leader gives instruction after consulting the group. This style emphasizes group- discussions and group decision making. The subordinates are encouraged to utilized their full potential and capacities, and assume greater responsibilities, delegates adequate authority to them. They can win the co-operation of their group and can motivate them effectively and positively. The decisions of the democratic leader are not unilateral as with the autocrat because they arise from consultation with the group members and participation by them. The advantages of this type of style is It improves job satisfaction amd morale, develops positive attitude, reduces resistance to change, generates self-motivation due to participative decision makings and freedom of thought and impression.

The disadvantages of this type of style are it is time consuming and causes delay in decision making. It may fail when communication and skills are not strong.

LAISSEZ-FAIRE OR FREE REIN STYLE

A free-rein leader does not lead, but leaves the group entirely to itself as shown; such a leader allows maximum freedom to subordinates, i.e., they are given a free hand in deciding their own policies and methods. Different situations call for different leadership styles. In an emergency when there is little time to converge on an agreement and where a designated authority has significantly more experience or expertise than the rest of the team, an autocratic leadership style may be most effective; however, in a highly motivated and aligned team with a homogeneous level of expertise, a more democratic or laissez-faire style may be more effective. The style adopted should be the one that most effectively achieves the objectives of the group while balancing the interests of its individual members. The major advantages of this type of style are, it increases subordinates freedom, develops their expression, compels them to work as group members, increase job satisfaction and utilize subordinates potential maximum possible extent and promotes creativity. The major disadvantages of this type of style are without a leader the group is left directionless and uncontrolled. It ignores the leader role and contribution of the leader. TRANSFORMATIONAL VERSUS TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP: TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE - Transactional leaders views the leader-follower relationship as a process of exchange. They tend to gain compliance by offering rewards for performance and compliance or by offering threatening punishment for non performance and non compliance. The approach emphasizes getting things done within the umbrella of the status quo; almost in opposition to the goals of the transformational leadership. It's considered to be a "by the book" approach in which the person works within the rules. As such, it's commonly seen in large, bureaucratic organizations. TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE - Transformational leaders, in contrast, are more visionary and inspirational in approach. They tend to communicate a clear and acceptable vision and goals, with which employees can identify and tend to engender intense emotion in their followers. Rather

than exchanging rewards for performance, transformational leaders attempt to build ownership on the part of group members, by involving the group in the decision process. The primary focus of the transformational leadership style is to make change happen in:

Our Self, Others, Groups, and Organizations

The transformational style requires a number of different skills and is closely associated with two other leadership styles: charismatic and visionary leadership.