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Autocratic or dictatorial leadership:-
- In autocratic leadership subordinates have less freedom which increases in democratic leadership. Superior enjoys more authority in autocratic leadership and less leadership in democratic leadership.
2. Autocratic is useful when subordinates are illitrate, unskilled, untrained and secrecy in decision making is required.
3. It can be applied when there is a clear chain of command or clear-cut division of authority.
4. Its features are retention of power, relying on orders only and close supervision.
Democratic or consultative or participative
► In this method manager consults his subordinates and invites their suggestions before making decisions.
► Formal or informal meetings are also held.
► Here subordinates work heartily because their views and opinions are respected.
► Close personal contacts and clear understanding of problems are ensured.
► It develops trust, co-operation and leadership among employees.
► This stage is useful when subordinates are literate, have sense of responsibility and organized.
► It requires much time in decision making.
Free rein or Laissez Faire leadership
► In this method, manager delegate authority to his subordinates and they are encouraged to develop and contribute independent thought and action.
► This method is preferred mostly by highly educated and independent persons.
► Here details are prepared by subordinates.
► There is a free communication between superior and subordinates.
► They do not feel difficulty in consulting each other.
► It is more creative and develops latent abilities of subordinates.
► Selection of leadership style depends on (1) force in manager (2) force in subordinates (3) force in situation
► In safety management, autocratic leadership style is not suitable as safety is not be imposed like military discipline, and involvement of employees at all levels is required.
► The concept of employees participation, safety committee, safety education and training and “safety is everybody’s duty” can be well implemented by democratic or consultative leadership type.
► Democratic leadership style at workers and middle level and free-rein leadership style at higher (executive) level are desirable for safety management.
