Running header: LEADERSHIP ARGUMENT PAPER

The Most Effective Leadership Style

Uyen Hoang
May 1, 2016
SLCC Business Management 1600

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When running a business one of the most important factors to consider is your business
management style. The three most prominent choices are: autocratic, democratic, or free reign
leadership types. Autocratic consists of a leader who manages all perspectives of a business
themselves. Democratic refers to a leader who takes in suggestions given by his team or
company and they work through it much like a team. Free rein typically lets the leader take a
step back while the company manages things primarily on their own (Chand, 2015). After
analyzing each style, it can be seen that each comes with their pros and cons. In truth, it depends
upon the businesss circumstances to determine which leadership style is most fitting. However,
in a broad hypothesis, Democratic leadership will most likely bear the most ample benefits and
success.
Democratic leadership encourages everyone to engage and participate. Hearing every
persons thoughts, ideas, and opinions can really get the creativity rolling about. They say two
heads are better than one, and in this leadership style it stands profoundly true. Not only does
everyones insight get shared, but this creates a much friendlier atmosphere for the company.
Workers will feel that their opinions and ideas are valuable, thus, creating a business culture that
centers on teamwork. When it becomes a team-involved effort in all projects, it is natural for
creativity and commitment to be encouraged. This will make the workers care more about the
end result, for they were the ones working on it for the entirety. However, for the democratic
leadership style to be most effective, a few factors must be enforced. Each worker must be aware
of what their expectations are and of the role they play in the team. Through this, communication
is key to providing the most successful business possible (Toolbox Leadership). There are of
course, cons to this form of leadership. One conflicting factor is groupthink, where as a group

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seeks so much harmony that they start agreeing with each persons idea. This eventually
escalades into a dysfunctional company.
Autocratic is led much similar to a monarchy. There is one leader, and the leader decides
all. Autocratic leaders rely most heavily upon themselves. They are seen to gather very little
input from others and make all decisions based upon only their own judgments. It is rare that
they accept advice from others; often autocratic leaders believe they already have all that they
need. Autocratic leaders often lead by instilling fear within their followers or workers. This can
be effective, but ultimately only to a short-term effect (Toolbox Leadership). For example, one of
the most infamous autocratic leaders is Adolf Hitler. Hitler was able to entice whole nations
because he was able to envelop them in fear. Although this style can be effective to an extent, it
is not the strongest form.
Free rein or laissez-faire leadership is the technique where the leader nearly disappears
into the background, letting the workers hold full reign of their decisions. This can open up many
opportunities for the workers to take the initiative to perform leadership functions themselves.
This can create a more positive atmosphere for the workers will feel like there is less pressure,
putting them more at ease which may actually improve their performance skills. On the other
hand, if the company is weak and holds incompetent workers, this leadership style can fail
miserably. This technique is only successful if the company already consists of skillful and
dependable workers. As the leader will have stepped back, the workers must be able to find their
own guidance, thus it is crucial for the workers to be highly experience and knowledgeable
within their field (Chand, 2015).
Overall, it can be seen that the autocratic leadership style instills the most successful
outcomes. The autocratic empowers each worker, encouraging participation and involvement.

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This can strengthen the decision made as more ideas are brought to light. Although at times is
may result in a longer delayed decision making period, in the end, it is often better thought out
due to the number of people involved. The workers are also able to not only aid in brainstorming
ideas, but helping develop and execute it. Thus the workers will naturally commit more to its end
result. Through this, creativity becomes highly encouraged, increasing positive attitudes and job
satisfaction. If communication is successfully practiced, and goals become enforced, the
autocratic leadership style will provide the most accommodating results (Cherry, 2016).

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Works Cited
Chand, S. (2015). 3 Styles of Leadership: Autocratic, Democratic and Free Rein Style. Retrieved
2016, from Your Article Library: http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/leadership/3-styles-ofleadership-autocratic-democratic-and-free-rein-style/28002/
Cherry, K. (2016, April 26). What Is Democratic Leadership? . Retrieved 2016, from Very Well:
https://www.verywell.com/what-is-democratic-leadership-2795315
Leadership Toolbox. (n.d.). Leadership Styles: Democratic Leadership Style. Retrieved 2016,
from Leadership Toolbox: http://www.leadership-toolbox.com/democratic-leadership-style.html
Toolbox Leadership. (n.d.). Leadership Styles: Autocratic Leadership. Retrieved 2016, from
Toolbox Leadership: http://www.leadership-toolbox.com/autocratic-leadership.html