Final answer:
The autocratic style is top-down and directive, democratic is consensus-driven, laissez-faire is hands-off, paternalistic treats employees like family, and task-oriented focuses on efficiency. The leadership style with top-down communication is authoritarian.
Step-by-step explanation:
To match the correct management style to each description using the knowledge of the leadership grid:
- Autocratic leadership is a style where the leader issues orders and assigns tasks with little to no input from group members, focusing on meeting goals quickly, akin to how some entrepreneurs operate.
- Democratic leadership involves leaders who encourage group participation in decision-making, striving to build consensus before taking action, often seen in a club situation where members vote on activities.
- Laissez-faire leadership is characterized by a hands-off approach, allowing group members to self-manage and make their own decisions, which can be effective with highly motivated and autonomous participants.
- Paternalistic leadership is not explicitly described in the provided text but typically refers to leaders who treat their employees like family and make decisions for their best interest.
- Task-oriented leadership focuses on getting the job done efficiently and typically involves setting clear goals and deadlines for the team.
For the question asking which type of group leadership has a communication pattern that flows from the top down, the answer is a. Authoritarian leadership, as it is characterized by a clear, top-down approach to communication and decision-making.