Leadership In the field of Social Work: Leadership Styles
Contents
- Introduction
- Autocratic or authoritarian
- Participative or democratic
- Laissez-faire or free-rein leadership
- Task-oriented and relationship-oriented
- Paternalism
- Servant leadership
A leader's leadership style refers to how he or she gives orders, implements plans, and motivates others. It is the culmination of the leader's philosophy, personality, and experience. Rhetoric experts have also created models for analysing leadership (Robert Hariman, Political Style, Philippe-Joseph Salazar, L'Hyperpolitique. La Domination's Political Technologies
Different situations necessitate various leadership styles. An autocratic leadership style may be most effective in an emergency when there is little time to reach an agreement and where a designated authority has significantly more experience or expertise than the rest of the team; however, in a highly motivated and aligned team with a homogeneous level of expertise, a more democratic or laissez-faire style may be more effective. The approach taken should be the one that most effectively achieves the group's goals while also balancing the needs of individual members. Military science, for example, has recently expressed a holistic and integrated view of leadership, including how a leader's physical presence influences how others perceive that leader. Military bearing, physical fitness, confidence, and resilience are all factors in physical presence. The intellectual capacity of the leader aids in the conceptualization of solutions and the acquisition of necessary knowledge for the job. Agility, judgement, innovation, interpersonal tact, and domain knowledge are all examples of a leader's conceptual abilities. Tactical and technical knowledge, as well as cultural and geopolitical awareness, are all part of a leader's domain knowledge.
Autocratic or authoritarian
As with dictators, all decision-making powers are centralised in the leader in an autocratic leadership style.
Subordinates are not asked or considered for suggestions or initiatives by autocratic leaders. Because it provides strong motivation to the manager, autocratic management has been successful. It allows for quick decision-making because only one person makes decisions for the entire group and keeps each decision to himself or herself until he or she feels it is necessary to share it with the rest of the group.
Participative or democratic
The democratic leadership style entails the leader sharing decision-making authority with group members while also promoting the group's interests and promoting social equality. This is also referred to as shared leadership.
Laissez-faire or free-rein leadership
Decision-making is delegated to subordinates in laissez-faire or free-rein leadership. This leadership style is known as "laissez faire," which means not interfering in other people's affairs. (Laissez-faire is a French phrase that literally means "let them do"). Subordinates are given complete authority and power to make decisions regarding the establishment of goals and the resolution of problems or roadblocks.
The followers are given a great deal of autonomy and freedom to formulate their own goals and strategies for achieving them.
Task-oriented and relationship-oriented
Task-oriented leadership is a leadership style in which the leader concentrates on the tasks that must be completed to meet a specific production goal. Task-oriented leaders are more concerned with developing a step-by-step solution for a given problem or goal, adhering to strict deadlines, and achieving desired outcomes.
Relationship-oriented leadership is a different style of leadership in which the leader focuses on the group's relationships and is generally more concerned with the group's overall well-being and satisfaction. Relationship-oriented leaders prioritise group communication, demonstrate trust and confidence in group members, and express gratitude for completed tasks.
Task-oriented leaders are more concerned with acquiring a specific solution in order to meet a production goal than they are with catering to group members. As a result, they are usually able to meet deadlines, but their group members' well-being may suffer as a result. These leaders are laser-focused on the goal and the tasks assigned to each team member. Relationship-oriented leaders are concerned with the growth of their team and the relationships that exist within it. The benefits of working in this type of environment include increased motivation and support for team members. However, putting a greater emphasis on relationships rather than getting a job done may reduce productivity.
Paternalism
Leadership styles that are paternalistic often reflect a father-figure mentality. The team's structure is hierarchical, with the leader positioned above the followers. In the lives of the members, the leader also provides both professional and personal direction. Due to the heavy direction given by the leader, the options available to the members are frequently limited.
Paternalism comes from the Latin word pater, which means "father." Most of the time, the leader is a man. This is a common leadership style in Russia, Africa, and Pacific Asian societies.
Servant leadership
The concept of servant leadership has grown in popularity as the world has evolved into a knowledge society, owing in part to modern technology management styles such as Agile. The leadership is externalised in this style, with the leader acting as a "servant" or service provider to the team they lead as well as a guardian of the methodology. A common culture, common goals, and sometimes a specific methodology determine the team's cohesion and common direction. This style differs from laissez-faire in that the leader constantly works with the team to achieve common goals, but without giving explicit task directions.
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