Final answer:
The leadership style that focuses on setting high-performance standards and involves a top-down communication pattern is Authoritarian (or Autocratic) leadership. The option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the Leadership styles for Healthcare, the one that focuses on the leader setting high-performance standards for his or her followers is the Authoritarian (or Autocratic) leadership style. This type of leader is often seen in scenarios where quick decision-making is necessary, and there is less emphasis on consensus or employee input.
They have clear goals and a strong focus on meeting those goals, often issuing orders and assigning tasks to their team members. Authoritarian leaders may risk alienating their team due to their top-down communication approach, but they can be very effective in circumstances where a strong, directive approach is needed. Therefore, option (A) is correct.