Management Styles: Laissez Faire Management and Democratic Leadership, Essay Example

Laissez Faire

This style of management leadership is where the Manager simply sets or assigns the job and allows the employee to get on with it.  Although the Manager takes little direct involvement the objective is to recognize the individuals skills and perform a role of mentor or coach.  In this model the staff are encouraged to take on responsibility for the job providing added motivation.  This style of leadership best suits professional people.  For example a Program Manager leading a team of qualified Project Managers.  The style is not applicable to junior staff who may feel abandoned and potentially lose their way.

Democratic

The democratic manager is a delegator of responsibility allowing staff the authority to complete assigned tasks.  Staff may use their own methods but tasks need to be completed on time, within scope and accepted quality levels.  Staff are more involved in the decision making process and this is a motivator because of inclusivity.  Note that delegation of responsibility does not free the Manager from accountability; the Manager is accountable for the end result.  There is a danger that staff do not carry their weight and rely upon others to carry them.