Which statement correctly contrasts autocratic and democratic leadership styles and their impact on motivation?

Which statement correctly contrasts autocratic and democratic leadership styles and their impact on motivation?

• A. Autocratic: decisions made by the manager alone; quicker decisions but lower motivation. Democratic: involves staff; higher motivation but slower decisions.
• B. Autocratic: decisions by staff; higher motivation. Democratic: manager decides; slower decisions.
• C. Autocratic: is always better for morale; Democratic has no effect on motivation.
• D. Autocratic: involves staff; Democratic ignores staff.

Answer: (A)

Leadership style and its effect on motivation. Autocratic leadership concentrates decision-making in the manager, so decisions are made quickly, which can be useful in urgent situations. However, because staff have little input or ownership, motivation tends to be lower. Democratic leadership, by contrast, involves staff in decision-making, which boosts motivation through participation and a sense of control, even though it can slow decisions due to discussion and consensus. Thus, the best description is that autocratic decisions are made by the manager alone and are quick, but may reduce motivation, while democratic leadership involves staff, boosting motivation but taking longer to reach decisions. The other statements misstate who decides or the impact on motivation, or imply no effect from involvement.

Leadership style and its effect on motivation. Autocratic leadership concentrates decision-making in the manager, so decisions are made quickly, which can be useful in urgent situations. However, because staff have little input or ownership, motivation tends to be lower. Democratic leadership, by contrast, involves staff in decision-making, which boosts motivation through participation and a sense of control, even though it can slow decisions due to discussion and consensus.

Thus, the best description is that autocratic decisions are made by the manager alone and are quick, but may reduce motivation, while democratic leadership involves staff, boosting motivation but taking longer to reach decisions. The other statements misstate who decides or the impact on motivation, or imply no effect from involvement.