Myth of Autocratic Management Style

Autocratic Management Style has been taken as a non favorable style of management in today’s modern business environment. However, in the Management Style theory, it is still in the discussion. There are several styles for which managers either learn, acquired or adopted and use one or more styles to manage their staffs and department. The common management styles are:-

1. Autocratic
2. Democratic
3. Participative
4. Laissez-Faire

Management practitioners advocate that no one style fit all in all work situations and therefore you need to work smart and learn all of them and apply them in the most appropriate situation. In this aspect, some even said there is a management style called the “situational management style”.

What is Autocratic Management Style?

Some basic understanding of the four management styles above is importable for you to adopt a situational management style. Listed below are some of the common traits, Pros and Cons of an Autocratic Management Style:-

Common traits of Autocratic Management Style – Usually adopt a top-down approach and very directional. Managers project himself high authority power with uncompromising position. He project himself as knowledgeable and give solution for a situation and expect “no question asked” environment.  He gets things done to the ways he wanted and listen to no one. Look at these traits and you may not find any wrong with them. If so, what are some pros and cons of an Autocratic Management Style?

Pros

• Instruction is forceful
• Can make fast decision – Get moving fast
• No unexpected side track due to lack communication among staffs
• I know best feeling – boost personal morale
• Implement decided new policy

Cons

• staff feel useless as they are not consulted
• no new ideas from staff as it will not be considered anyway
• Lack team work among staff due to lack discussion
• Wait for instruction thus causing delays
• No initiative from staff
• Manager are alone

Autocratic Management style is best suit what environment?

In any of the management styles we talked about, there is not one best style. Although in today’s business environment, participative or consultative approaches are common adopted as their day to day management, there bound to have a place for Autocratic Management Style. If you look around closely, certain type of industries are fond to adopt this tyle while there are situation in today’s modern business environment has a place for it.

What are the most suitable environment for Autocratic Management Style?

1. military
2. during natural disasters
3. crisis management such as fire fighting, lifeguard etc
4. Traffic control such as airport, ship etc

If you think hard about Autocratic Management Style, you may find more of these case study in Autocratic Management Style and take note of their pros, cons and where to apply it. Remember, there is no one management style fits all situations. An Autocratic Management Style is no exception.

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