![](https://i0.wp.com/revision.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/democracy-min.jpg?resize=600%2C411&ssl=1)
Democracy means rule by the people. Image credit kalamu.com
ZIMSEC O Level Business Studies Notes: Democratic Leadership style
- Is also known as participative leadership
- Under this style the members of the team contribute to the decision making process
- The leader asks for contribution from team members during the process of making decisions
- The leader then makes the final decision
- This style is consultative in nature as the leader makes the final decision which may or may not take the contributions by team members into account
- There is two way communication
Advantages
- Is suitable for complex tasks
- Is suitable where the subordinates are skilled and experienced
- It motivates the workers as they become more involved in the decision making
- Fosters creativity
- Enhances personal commitment
- Empowers the group/team members
- Higher quality decisions
Disadvantages
- There is delayed decision making
- Leads to compromise which might not be ideal in certain situations
- Sometimes there is ambiguity and no clear chain of command
- Management might lose control especially if a group has charismatic members and the designated manager is weak
- Not suitable in situations where the subordinates lack skill/expertise to make decisions
To access more topics go to the O Level Business Notes page