Final answer:
There are three styles of leadership: democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian. Each style appears along a continuum of greater or lesser employee participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are three styles of leadership that appear along a continuum of greater or lesser employee participation: democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian.
- Democratic leadership: This style encourages group participation in decision-making and focuses on building consensus before taking action. It is commonly seen in organizations where members vote on activities or projects.
- Laissez-faire leadership: This style is hands-off, allowing group members to self-manage and make their own decisions. It works best when participants are highly motivated and have clear goals.
- Authoritarian leadership: This style involves issuing orders and assigning tasks. It focuses on meeting goals but may risk alienating workers.
Each style has its own advantages and risks, and the most effective style depends on the circumstances. It's important to consider which leadership style you prefer and why in different areas of your life.