Management Styles

Management style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans and motivating people.

Most leaders use a range of styles based on the organisations structure, the situation that needs to be managed, their own personality and the characteristics of their subordinates.

There are five distinct management styles.

Management Style Continuum

Task-Orientated

Employee-Orientated

Autocratic Leadership

Boss centred

Managers make the majority of decisions

Little trust in employees

Strict top down chain of command

Democratic Leadership

Managers consult employees

Management makes all final decisions

Understands the importance of positive relationships with employees

Laissez-Faire

Managers take a step back

Employees are given control for setting direction, tasks and decision-making.