Three Style of Leadership

The Three Major Styles of Leadership

By

Panca Dias Purnomo

Prof. Ada Chrisman

Writing and Reading 450

27 March 2011

The meaning of leadership is very wide and varied. According to Charteris-Black (2007), the definition of leadership is: "a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (p. 2).” The function of leadership within an organization is very important because it helps to show and achieve the goals of the organization. Several leadership classifications have been developed by researchers and experts. Each leadership style has its own characteristics that distinguish it from another. The basic leadership styles are divided into three main categories: autocratic leadership, democratic leadership, and delegative leadership (Lewin, 1939). That style is very important to know because understanding each leadership style will help people and organizations to work more effectively and efficiently.

Autocratic leader sets policy, procedures, rules and goals in the organizations by themselves and the decisions are final. Autocratic leadership style assumes that all their organization members do not have ability and expertise. They think that the organization members need assistance and control to ensure organization members are always obedient to the leader. Autocratic leadership usually thrives in organizations that have a strict hierarchical culture, such as military, police, and bureaucratic organizations. This style lacks of innovation, growth, and organizational or personal developments (Burns, 2004). This style is useful when a decision must be made quickly (Cherry, 2005).

Democratic leader is often called as a respectful and regardful leader. Democratic leadership is a style that involves the active participation of organization members in making decisions. It is based on trust, integrity, honesty, equality, openness and mutual respect. Democratic leadership gives emphatic recognition and attention to the others. Democratic leaders motivate the organization members to achieve their highest accomplishment. A democratic leader considers the importance of teamwork (Burns, 2004). However, democratic leadership might need longer time to finish the organization projects (Cherry, 2005).

Delegative leadership is also called Laissez-Faire. Organization members are expected to resolve a problem by themselves (Burns, 2004). Delegative leaders get little information and resources from their members because there is small leader participations. According to the research, delegative leadership has the lowest productivity level. Delegative leadership is best applied to an organization whose members have high expertise and ability. This style is not acceptable for inexperienced members of the workforce (Lewin, 1939).

Nowadays, in the modern era and with the development of science and technology, organizations move and develop rapidly. This can be challenging, as Pedler (2004) says, "Organizations are massively challenged by change and need more leadership". Leadership is increasingly important from year to year. Leaders may not just have one style of leadership, but probably will have some particular characteristics. Understanding the leadership styles will help leaders and organizations determine the best treatment for the organization members to achieve the highest goal. The successful leader is one who can apply different leadership styles according to the specific conditions of the organization.

Reference

Burns, J.M, Goethals, G.R., & Sorensen, G.J. (Eds). (2004). Encyclopedia of leadership (Vol. 2). California: Sage Publication Inc.

Charteris-Black, Jonathan. (2007). The communication of leadership. New York: Routledge.

Cherry, Kendra. (2005). Lewin’s leadership styles. Retrieved March 24, 2011, from http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/a/leadstyles.htm

Lewin, K., Liippit, R. and White, RK. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created social climates. Journal of Social Psychology, 10 , 271-301.

Pedler, Maks. (2004, February). Leadership skills: Mike Pedler looks at the 'challenges approach' to leadership. Personnel Today, 34.