'Tanmay is a supervisor in a factory. He gives orders and expects his subordinates to obey those orders. He is dogmatic.'

Which type of leader is he?

Autocratic/Authoritarian

The correct answer is option (4)- Autocratic/Authoritarian.

Tanmay is an Autocratic/Authoritarian leader.

An autocratic leader gives orders and expects his subordinates to obey those orders. If a manager is following this style, then communication is only one-way with the subordinate only acting according to the command given by the manager. This leader is dogmatic, i.e., does not change or wish to be contradicted. His following is based on the assumption that reward or punishment both can be given depending upon the result. This leadership style is effective in getting productivity in many situations like in a factory where the supervisor is responsible for production on time and has to ensure labour productivity. Quick decision-making is also facilitated. But there are variations also, they may listen to everyone’s opinion, consider subordinates ideas and concerns but the decision will be their own.

OTHER OPTIONS

• 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. This kind of leadership style is more common now-a-days, since leaders also recognise that people perform best if they have set their own objectives.

• 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.