Read the following passage and answer the question.
Asha is the head of the finance department in her company. She is very fond of the latest gadgets. Five new models of a smartphone were launched last week, and for three days she has been thinking only about which model to buy. Because of this, she could not concentrate on the discussion in a meeting. She told her subordinates to set their own goals and decide on their own how to achieve them, and said she would only give them the information they needed. Riya is the head of the production department. One day, during the tea break, Riya told Asha that she had heard a rumour that many employees of the company would soon be retrenched. The company pays every employee a basic salary that is enough to meet needs like food, shelter and clothing.
She told her subordinates to set their own goals and decide on their own how to achieve them, and said she would only give them the information they needed.
Which leadership style is shown in the above lines, and why?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Free-Rein, as the subordinates are given a high degree of independence
Option (1) Free-Rein, as the subordinates are given a high degree of independence — Correct. A free-rein leader gives followers a high degree of independence to set their own objectives and ways to achieve them. The manager is there only to support them and supply the information needed. Asha does just this with her subordinates.
Option (2) Democratic, as the subordinates take part in her decision-making — Incorrect. A democratic leader makes decisions in consultation with subordinates. Asha does not decide with them; she leaves the goals and the ways wholly to them.
Option (3) Autocratic, as she alone decides what information they will get — Incorrect. An autocratic leader gives orders and expects obedience. Asha gives no orders. Supplying needed information is the support a free-rein leader gives.
Option (4) Democratic, as she supports them in accomplishing their tasks — Incorrect. A democratic leader does support subordinates, but he also plans and decides together with them. Here the subordinates set the goals on their own.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(ii) Democratic or Participative leader A democratic leader will develop action plans and makes decisions in consultation with his subordinates. He will encourage them to participate in decision-making. …” “(iii) Laissez faire or Free-rein leader Such a leader does not believe in the use of power unless it is absolutely essential. The followers are given a high degree of independence to formulate their own objectives and ways to achieve them. The group members work on their own tasks resolving issues themselves. The manager is there only to support them and supply them the required information to complete the task assigned. At the same time, the subordinate assumes responsibility for the work to be performed. …” |