What are the characteristics of an autocratic group leader? How successful are such leaders in motivating members of their group?
What are the characteristics of an autocratic group leader? How successful are such leaders in motivating members of their group?
Group working is conceived to be an important part of individual development as a group relies on the cohesion of skills through the harnessing of separate talents and uniting them to achieve more than previously. This group cohesion relies on a type of equity between each individual however it can be seen that all groups require a leader that can motivate the group. The role of leader can be often divided into four types of leaderships, firstly, the collective leadership, where the group itself avoid the concept of a leader and work as equals where status as power are assigned equally and actions are taken as a group decision. Secondly, a laissez-fair leadership role can be adopted where not one person or sub-group takes responsibility for the actions within the group. This type of leadership does not generally work well and little is achieved other than confusion. The third type of leader would be a democratic one. This is where the group comes to decision from all members taking an active role without domination, leading to more united efforts however there may still be an ‘elected’ leader or a rotated leadership role that would produce equity within the group. The fourth and final leadership role would be an autocratic leader where an individual takes charge out of his or her decision.
