Posts: 598
Threads: 286
Joined: Sep 2012
What is Democratic or Participative style of leadership?
Posts: 598
Threads: 286
Joined: Sep 2012
This style is also called consultative or ideographic. This type of leader welcomes the participation of the group in the formulation of policies and decision-making. He attempts to-clarify the goals so that the members of the group acquire the right perspective on their work. He is prepared to listen to his subordinates and is ready to implement suggestions after evaluating them in an objective manner. This type of leader can win the cooperation of the group and can motivate them effectively and positively. Such leaders use influence rather than authority and build two-way communication. These leaders are called employee centered, consultative, permissive and equalitarian.
This leadership style is considered to be most effective than other because it offers some distinct advantages.
(i) It is a highly motivating technique to employees as they feel elevated since their ideas and suggestions are given due consideration in decision-making.
(ii) It provides organisational stability by motivating employees and improving upon their morale and attitude. Further these trained subordinates may take up more responsible positions whenever the organisation needs.
(iii) Under this method of leadership, there are number of people contributing their efforts to the decision-making process. The employees' productivity is high because they are partly to the decision. Thus they implement the decisions wholeheartedly.
(iv) There is involvement of subordinates in the decision making and its implementation and consequently, the subordinates will be willing to accept those changes necessary to implement the decisions, defensiveness is reduced and a positive relationship develops between the manager (leader) and subordinates (followers).
Keeping in view these advantages management makes attempts for effective participation. This style has certain limitations also. For example lack of participation of subordinates in decision making authority, lack of proper understanding of problems of the organisation and its implementation. Inspite of these limitations, it is considered to be the most accepted style of leadership.
