Management Styles
Video 1 – Autocratic and Persuasive Styles
Video 2 – Consultative, Participative and Laissez-faire Styles
Questions & Exam Practice
Key Concepts Check In
- Define the term management style.
- Identify the five main management styles in order of most management control to the least management control.
- Describe the key features of the autocratic management style.
- Identify the primary characteristics of the laissez-faire management style
- Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of the participative management style.
Deep Dive
- Compare the autocratic and consultative management styles.
- Referring to a business you have studied this year, evaluate the appropriateness of the consultative management style when leading a team.
- Justify the most appropriate management style for each of the following scenarios:
- A manufacturing company faces a sudden equipment breakdown on its production line, causing delays in meeting customer orders. The employees are unskilled in handling technical problems, and decisions need to be made quickly.
- A marketing agency is brainstorming ideas for a new advertising campaign. The team is highly experienced and thrives on collaboration and creativity.
- A start-up software development company hires a group of graduate software developers.
- A retail store is introducing new sales procedures to improve efficiency. The employees have varying levels of experience.
Content in Action
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Clear Pathways is a social enterprise focused on providing training opportunities to youth. The business employs skilled and experienced trainers staff who require minimal supervision.
- Identify the most appropriate management style for Clear Pathways. (1 mark)
- Justify why this management style is suitable for Clear Pathways. (4 marks)
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Harper’s Homewares is a mid-sized retail business specialising in kitchen and home organisation products. The business operates across several locations and has recently introduced a new customer loyalty program designed to improve customer retention and boost sales. As part of this initiative, employees are required to use updated point-of-sale (POS) systems that integrate with the loyalty program.
However, some employees have expressed frustration with the new system, citing technical difficulties and inadequate training. Others feel enthusiastic about the potential benefits of the loyalty program but are unsure how to explain it effectively to customers. The manager, Alex Harper, must decide how to address these challenges to ensure the program’s success while maintaining employee motivation and customer satisfaction.
Discuss the most appropriate management style for Aex to ensure the updated point-of-sale system is implemented successfully. (6 marks)