The Positive And Negative Effects Of Autocratic Leadership

“Leadership is the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization” (Army). Leadership is defined in many different ways, however, there are certain characteristics that remain the same. The point that is irrefutable is that leadership is a process. It does not matter if someone is born with the ability to lead or if they learn how to lead; leadership is still a process. While most leadership styles can be broken down into two general categories there are some styles that may mix methods; those few variances will not be discussed. Additionally, leadership involves at least two groups of people, those that lead and those that follow. The approaches or styles

Within this style of leadership the manager or supervisor retains most if not all the authority possible. A simple example of this method can be seen within the basic military approach. Do what you’re told without question. Input for planning is not sought out from the subordinates. Rewards and punishments are based upon the ability, or inability, to function successfully within the structured environment that is created. “No one challenges the decisions of autocratic leaders. Countries such as Cuba and North Korea operate under the autocratic leadership style” (Johnson). There are positive and negative effects of the autocratic approach. “Some studies say that organizations with many autocratic leaders have higher turnover and absenteeism than other organizations” (Essortment.com). Another downside is that it can foster an environment with a lack of trust in employees and may use threats to coerce or influence subordinates. However, autocratic leadership may be effective in certain scenarios such as when dealing with large numbers of untrained employees with little knowledge of the

With so many options one may wonder what is best. As Rhea Blanken put it in her article 8 Common Leadership Styles, “There is a time and place for all leadership styles. No style is good or bad. It 's how leaders use them that determines success or failure”. The terms or phrases used to encapsulate the many methods of leadership maybe ever changing just as the leaders that use them will also change. However, leadership itself will always be a process of influencing others to achieve a positive or desired