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CMA Foundation · Fundamentals of Business Economics and Management · Planning, Organizing, Staffing and Leading

The head of a Chennai software team states the objectives, then lets the experienced developers choose methods, schedules and task division with almost no interference. Which style is this, and what is its main risk?

This is laissez-faire leadership, where the leader sets objectives but leaves methods and scheduling to the team. Its main risk is lack of direction and poor coordination, since minimal supervision can let efforts drift. Autocratic style would instead cause resentment through tight control.

  1. AAutocratic; resentment among subordinates
  2. BLaissez-faire; lack of direction and coordinationCorrect
  3. CDemocratic; slow decisions due to voting only
  4. DTransactional; excessive reliance on rewards

Explanation

Giving the group freedom to decide methods with minimal interference is laissez-faire (free-rein). It suits skilled, self-motivated staff, but the risk is drifting, poor coordination and lack of direction. Autocratic style would involve tight control, not freedom.

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