Final answer:
Authoritarian leadership is closely associated with making high-stakes decisions and is necessary for situations requiring prompt and decisive action. It is effective in times of crisis or when specialized knowledge is needed, but it carries the risk of alienating subordinates if not balanced carefully.
Step-by-step explanation:
The kind of leadership that involves making high-stakes decisions is often characterized by an authoritarian style. These leaders make decisions that can have significant impacts and often do so in situations that require swift and decisive action. For instance, this leadership style is typically seen in scenarios like military operations or in the corporate world among CEOs when quick, determined decisions are necessary. Unlike democratic leaders, who involve group participation in decision-making, authoritarian leaders issue orders with little to no input from group members.
Authoritarian leadership is crucial in moments of crisis or when a high level of expertise and decisive action are necessary to achieve goals and confront challenges. Historical figures such as army generals or well-known entrepreneurs like Mark Zuckerberg can exemplify this leadership style. This style allows for prompt decision-making which can be vital in situations that demand immediate action to prevent potential failure or to seize an opportunity that requires a rapid response.
However, employing an authoritarian style of leadership comes with risks. It can alienate subordinates and create an environment that stifles creativity and independent thought. Moreover, if used overly or inappropriately, it can lead to resistance or loss of trust within the organization or group. Therefore, while authoritarian leadership can be effective in high-stakes scenarios, it requires careful balancing to ensure that it does not counterproductively impact the team's morale and cohesion.