Authoritarian Leadership

People continue to wonder about the best style of leadership that you can practice. Some say that the authoritarian leadership is the worst kind of leadership there is. But is it really so? Let's explore what it is like the authoritarian leadership.

Authoritarian leaders tend to say exactly what their followers should do. They say when it should be done and exactly how they want to do. In this way, the followers will know who is boss and who calls the shots. There is an emphasis on formal authority. The titles are important and should have a title to be qualified for the respect and following.

Authoritarian leaders tend to make decisions for themselves. Rarely ask for input from others. This does not mean you do not have advisers and consultants. In fact, they do! But they usually make sure that the final decision always.

Under the guidance of authority, creativity can be stifled. While authoritarian leadership can be efficient and effective, the creativity of followers tend to be limited, it is not easy to express, can not easily carry on any project without the approval of the powers that be.

Authoritarian leadership tends to be highly structured and hierarchical. The formal authority is necessary. You need to pay attention to the needs and whims of the person directly above you. No matter if you want the policy or not, your job is to obey and not ask questions.

The authoritarian leaders are generally suitable for all the things you want to achieve including methods to be used. In this case, the followers usually have to take everything literally. In this case, the natural creativity of workers is compromised and will not have much room for innovation and improvements because the leaders simply want to do everything his own way.

If not handled properly, this type of leadership can inspire covert or overt rebellion by followers and subordinates. If you believe that the leader has stepped on their self-esteem and their respect for themselves, may feel that we lose nothing if they rebel. So, instead of realizing what the authoritarian leader wants, the subordinates will undermine and compromise the work that needs to be done. If this happens, the organization loses.

This type of leadership style that is prone to abuses. But there are moments (like war), where this type of leadership makes more sense than any other style. This type of leadership has become popular in various Asian countries in 1960 to 1980 with varying results. If you want to use this style of leadership, one must be cautious....