IGCSE, A Level Business Student Forum

Explain two ways autocratic leadership might affect motivation of employees [8]

[Def] Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making, where the leader makes decisions without employee input.

[KN] The decision making in autocratic style is quick but it would have a negative impact on the employee motivation since they will feel undervalued and less involved in the decision making.

[AN] This may lead to reduced creativity, lower job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates. Higher turnover means when more employees leaves the business.

[AN+] This would increase the recruitment costs for the business, as now they have to advertise, select and train the employees who have been hired recently.

[AN+] Also, reduced creativity will lead toward less innovative products being introduced in the markets which will make customers bored & may shift to the creative competitor in the future.

[KN] However, there are some benefits too. Some of the businesses do require autocratic style of leadership like a military and police. Some situations do require autocratic style like a restaurant dealing with customers in peak hours.

[AN] For military & police it is more important to deal with emergencies rather delaying the responses therefore employees don't waste their time in decision making. A clear instruction by the boss means it has to be followed quickly.

[AN+] This way Military and Police can respond in better manner which is crucial to save lives of employees as well as the public. This way mishaps can be avoided.

[AN+] Such clarity in instructions for the employees would help employees to remain productive and efficient leading to increased customer satisfaction (in terms of a restaurant)

point 1
(KN) rigid work environment
(AN1) when manager implements strict regulations and control employee may feel limited to freedom and micromanaged
(AN2) this can cause frustration decreasing intrinsic motivation creating a lack of trust between employee and employer resulting in lower engagement which can alter performance
(AN3) in conclusion autocratic leadership although prioritizes task completion it may undermine motivation by limiting employee autonomy and creativity.
(KN) centralized decision making which is helpful and efficient especially in crisis times
(AN1) this can make employees feel undervalued due to no consultation on different tasks as there is lack of autonomy
(AN2) leading to reduced job satisfaction and less room for creativity hindering growth opportunities of employees
(AN3) thus can increase job turnover and employees would want to have involvement and improvement in their organization.

(KN) Employee participation in decision-making is restricted under autocratic leadership, which lowers morale and decreases job satisfaction.
(AN1) For instance, workers at a retail company may become dissatisfied and less involved in their jobs if they are not informed over work schedules or sales tactics.
(AN2) If employees in a manufacturing organization are given rigid orders without being given the opportunity to recommend process changes, they may get disinterested in their work and lose motivation.
(AN3) In a similar vein, workers who believe their perspectives are not valued at work may lose motivation, which could result in increased absenteeism and decreased output.

(KN) In environments where stringent control is required, autocratic leadership can improve productivity and discipline.
(AN1) For example, in emergency services or the military, when prompt and unambiguous decision-making is essential, an authoritarian boss can guarantee that staff members adhere to directives exactly, preventing delays and misunderstandings.
(AN2) An authoritarian chef can uphold high standards in a restaurant kitchen where precision and speed are crucial by making sure employees follow tight instructions, reducing mistakes, and enhancing patron pleasure.
(AN3) Strict regulations can also increase safety and compliance in a manufacturing facility by making sure that workers adhere to established protocols to avoid mishaps.