Management style plays an important role in the business environment. Business owners often develop a management style to run their organization and manage employees. An autocratic leadership style relies on one individual to make decisions in a business. Small businesses often use an autocratic leadership style because the business owner is responsible for all business decisions.
An autocratic leadership style is a more authoritative management style. Business owners use autocratic leadership to ensure all employees are on the same page with the business owner. Autocratic work environments usually have little room for flexibility. Business owners use this management style to ensure all goods or services are produced in a consistent manner. Policies, procedures and guidelines are natural extensions of an autocratic leader. These rules help enforce the leader&rsquo;s management style.
Business owners use an autocratic leadership style to ensure they have full control of their business. Autocratic leadership does not rely on several people to make a decision in urgent business situations. Business owners can assess the company under current economic decisions to make critical business decisions. Other businesses in the economic environment may prefer professional relationships with a worker directly with the business owner. Business owners usually become the face of an organization in an autocratic leadership environment.
Autocratic leadership often creates a more stressful work environment. Employees may worry less about completing business functions to the best possible outcome and more about avoiding punishment from leaders and managers. Employees can also face strict punishment or penalties for operating outside company guidelines. Business owners using an autocratic leadership style can increase their employee turnover. Employee turnover occurs when individuals become disenchanted when working in a difficult business environment and desire to find another job.
Multiple management styles can help business owners create a more fluid work environment. Small business owners have a difficult challenge of delegating business tasks as their company grows and expands. Owners should consider giving managers and employees small amounts of authority to make decisions. Using economy can relieve some pressure from the business owner. Business owners can also ensure they do not become involved in minor decisions that do not need their input.
Autocratic leadership is not a bad management style in and of itself. Business owners who fail to implement this style effectively often receive negative results. Business owners should be sensitive to the personality and working style of their employees. Creating an open and understanding work environment allows employees to provide business owners with feedback regarding business operations. Business owners can use this information to refine their management style and improve the working relationship of the owner and employees.
- &ldquo;Principles of Management;&rdquo; Tony Morden; 2004
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