Final answer:
The ideal leadership style for developing exemplary followers varies according to the followers' characteristics as well as situational factors. Sociologists identify democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian as key leadership styles, each with its application, strengths, and weaknesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The debate over which leadership style best develops exemplary followers is complex, considering the diversity among individuals and contexts. However, research has identified certain key factors that influence the effectiveness of a leadership style, including the characteristics of followers such as their extroversion and individual need for growth. Sociologists have categorized leadership styles into democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian, with each possessing unique benefits and challenges.
Democratic leaders engage group members in decision-making, promoting consensus but potentially slowing down the process. Laissez-faire leaders give autonomy to group members, suitable for motivated individuals but risking a lack of structure. Authoritarian leaders prioritize goals with a top-down approach, effective in urgent situations but potentially alienating followers. Leaders need to be adaptive to both the situation and the needs of their followers, as different scenarios may require different approaches.