Page 20

Democratic and Authoritarian leaders are within the behavioral leadership category.

Authoritarian (theory X)Democratic (theory Y)

The average human being has an inherent dislike of work and will avoid it if possible.

Because of this most people must be made to put forth adequate effort toward objectives

The average human prefers to be directed, wishes to avoid responsibility, has relatively little ambition, and wants security above all.

External control and threat of punishment are not the only means for bringing about effort toward organizational goals.

This theory sees people working because its natural.

Under proper conditions humans want to achieve the goals of the group they are a part of.

Makes all the decisions and closely supervises or instructs people

Co-workers are expected to simply do as told

Co-workers reprimanded

Name some Authoritarian leaders.

Even with democratic leadership such as the USA we still have authoritarian leaders.

Such as the militaryWould it be right for soldiers to vote on when

to fight or when to retreat.

Most of us prefer a theory Y or democratic style

America is founded on this conceptConcept is essential to success of clubs,

groups or organizations

Democratic leaders encourage the following characteristics in exercising leadership

Participation by group membersGroup cooperationFull expression of opinionsUse of accurate and adequate informationCareful thinking and evaluationExpression of all possible relevant

suggestionsProper behavior by members

Use by leader who believes the group can make its own decisions without the leader or at least with little input.

Leaders need to answer three basic questions before selecting a leadership style

1. Is there an obvious solution to the task?2. Is it important for the leader to make the

decision?3. Does the decision have to be made

immediately?

If the leader answers yes to any of the questions they must make the decision

If the answer is no then assess the situation and select the style.

Styles include Telling, Selling, Participating, and Delegating

Determine the members ability and willingness to complete the activity.

Low – tellingModerate to low – sellingModerate to high – participatingHigh- delegating

Provides specific instructions and supervises performance.

Tends to be authoritarian

Explains decisions and provides opportunities for clarification.

Examples of other descriptorsExplaining, clarifying, and persuading

Tends to be democratic

Shares ideas and facilitates in making decisions.

Tends to be democratic

Turns over responsibilities for decision and implementation.

Tends to be laissez-faire style

Indicators of willingness- has an interest in the activity

volunteers for the activitydiscusses the activity with othersdisplays a positive attitude toward the groupfollows through with commitments

Indicators of Abilityhas experience in the activityhas skills in related activitiesis intelligent and can think through

problemscan find and use resources effectively

FFA videoFarm video