.: Leadership style is the general way or pattern of behaviour of a leader towards his followers in order to influence their behaviour to attain a goal.
The
main styles of leadership are as follows:-
(1)
Autocratic and Authoritarian Leadership: An autocratic leader is one who
centralizes power and make all the decisions himself. He tells his followers
what to do and expects to be obeyed without questions. Thus, such a leader
imposes his will on his followers.
Autocratic
leaders may be of two types :-
(i)
Pure Autocratic or Negative Leader : He is a director and makes all decisions
himself. He superimposes his decisions on his subordinates. He uses fear of
punishment or penalty to carry out his decisions. Thus, it is a negative
leadership.
(ii)
Benevolent Autocrat or Positive Leader : When an autocrat leader avoids
negative coercive power and uses reward power to influence his subordinates, he
is called a benevolent autocrat leader. Such a leader shows active concern for
the feelings and welfare of his subordinates.
(2)
Participative/Democrative Leadership: Participative leaders decentralize
authority. Such leaders involve subordinates in decision making process. The
leaders and their group members work as a social unit. They freely exchange
their views and express opinions and suggestions.
(3)
Free Rein or Laissez Faire Leadership Style : Such a leader completely
delegates his authority to his subordinates and allow them to make their own
plans, procedures and decisions. He simply aids his subordinates in performing
their job. He exist as a contact person with the subordinates external
environment. Free rein leadership style is permissive and leader least
intervenes his subordinates. The leader remains passive observer but intervenes
only during the crisis. Free rein leadership is suitable where subordinates are
highly competent and duty conscious.