- **Direct election by the people**. This means that the citizens or the members of the organization vote for their preferred candidate, and the one with the most votes becomes the chief executive. This method is used in some countries, such as the United States and France, and some organizations, such as the International Olympic Committee and the World Health Organization.
- **Indirect election by a body of electors**. This means that the citizens or the members of the organization elect a group of representatives, who then choose the chief executive from among themselves or from a list of candidates. This method is used in some countries, such as India and Germany, and some organizations, such as the European Union and the United Nations.
- **Appointment by the legislature**. This means that the chief executive is selected by the members of the parliament or the congress, who may belong to different political parties or factions. This method is used in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, and some organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.