IGCSE, A Level Business Student Forum

Analyse impacts on the employee motivation in a hotel, of the appointment of a General Manager, who introduces an autocratic leadership style. [8]

==== Point 1 ====
KN: One impact is reduced employee autonomy. An autocratic General Manager makes decisions unilaterally, limiting employees’ ability to contribute ideas or take initiative.

AN1: This lack of involvement can lead to frustration and disengagement, as employees feel undervalued. For example, front-desk staff may feel demotivated if their suggestions for improving guest experiences are ignored.

AN2: Over time, this can result in lower job satisfaction and higher turnover rates, as employees seek workplaces where their input is appreciated. This negatively affects the hotel’s service quality and reputation.

AN3: This leads towards the conclusion that reduced autonomy under autocratic leadership harms employee motivation. By stifling creativity and input, it creates a disengaged workforce, ultimately impacting the hotel’s performance.

==== Point 2 ====
KN: Another impact is increased stress and pressure. An autocratic General Manager often enforces strict rules and expectations, creating a high-pressure work environment.

AN1: Employees may feel micromanaged and constantly scrutinized, leading to anxiety and burnout. For instance, housekeeping staff may feel stressed if they are penalized for minor deviations from strict cleaning protocols.

AN2: This pressure can reduce morale and productivity, as employees focus on avoiding mistakes rather than excelling in their roles. It may also lead to absenteeism and a decline in service quality.

AN3: This leads towards the understanding that autocratic leadership increases workplace stress. By prioritizing control over employee well-being, it undermines motivation and harms the hotel’s operational efficiency.

==== Point 3 ====
KN: A third impact is limited professional growth. An autocratic General Manager may not provide opportunities for skill development or career advancement, as decisions are centralized.

AN1: Employees may feel stagnant and unfulfilled, as they are not encouraged to take on new challenges or responsibilities. For example, kitchen staff may miss out on learning new culinary techniques if the manager dictates all processes.

AN2: This lack of growth opportunities can lead to disengagement and high turnover, as employees seek roles where they can develop and progress. This disrupts team cohesion and increases recruitment costs for the hotel.

AN3: This leads towards the conclusion that autocratic leadership stifles professional growth. By limiting employee development, it reduces motivation and retention, ultimately affecting the hotel’s long-term success.

[KN] Autocratic leadership style limits employees input, thus making them feel unwanted into the business.
[AN] this further lowers the efficiency as they will not get good working environment and also will not care for the business since they would have no say in it
[AN+] also if employees will only follow the orders without their creativity, they might feel disengaged thus high labour turnover.
[AN+] due to the lack of interest of the employees they might also not serve the custonmers right leading to low customer satisfaction as well.
[KN2] increase burden and stress on employee.
[AN] high stress can lead to burnout, resulting in lower productivity and poor service.
[AN+] due to not having good mental heath there would be more chances of making errors thus wastage of resources as well.
[AN++] hotel’s overall service would decrease leading to ruining its brand image as well.

[KN] it will make them feel restricted as their opinions, ideas or inputs will be limited
[AN] this is because in autocracy, the manager will be more strict and would only want their opinions to be implemented, making the employees reluctant in sharing their evaluations like for eg. suggesting a way to enhance their customer service
[AN+] this restriction would mean a loss of potential innovative ideas that could have been implemented
[AN+] not only that, it may also ruin the employees' perception or image of the hotel manager as someone who micromanages and limits their freedom of choice/opinion
[KN] it may lead to increased turnover rate as employees will leave because of an autocratic management
[AN] this is because employees won't find any of their values respected, by working at a hotel where the manager does not appreciate any inputs from them hence, reducing their morale and job satisfaction
[AN+] this leads to employees feeling stagnant, stressed and pressured all the time as they aren't having any professional growth because they are ordered around
[AN+] thus, pushing them to look for another business where they are not limited to certain ideas and where they can have a collaborative environment. However, this may lead to a loss of intellectual capital for the hotel business.