Benefits Of Autocratic Management Styles

Autocratic management styles that were the norm in the mid twentieth century have been much maligned in recent times. Most managers however recognize the need for applying different styles in different situations and an autocratic style still has its place in modern management. The most obvious place for autocratic management is in crisis or emergency management. In such situations there is no time for discussion or consultation, there is certainly no time to reach consensus on the action that is required. Police, military and emergency services organizations all use this style frequently. Emergency management can also apply to regular business environments. When a situation arises that requires a building or site evacuation everyone from the janitor to the CEO is expected to follow unquestioning the direction of those who are trained to undertake this exercise. In these situations an autocratic style saves lives. Crisis management though is not the only place for autocratic management in business. Vision To be successful a business must have a clear vision for the future. The vision is set by the CEO or business owner and everyone in the business is expected to work toward achieving that vision. Strategies, objectives, goals and actions can all be developed through other more collaborative means and may go through many versions before being implemented. There are many methods that can be used to cascade a vision through an organization but none should carry an option to propose change to the vision. A vision that can be amended or modified by others will not have the power or force to take the organization into the future. Where employees cannot commit to the vision they need to move on. Using an autocratic style in setting a business vision prevents the dilution of the vision and provides a clear path into the future for the organization. New staff Until a new staff member has proved their capability it is usual to direct and monitor their activities closely. The manager will retain all decision making authority until they are satisfied the employee has reached a level of skill and knowledge particular to the organization that allows a less autocratic style of management to be applied. The length of time this takes will be different for each individual. Using autocratic management in this situation benefits the staff member by providing completely clear performance objectives, standards and expectations. It benefits the organization by mitigating the risks of loss due to human error. Meeting legal obligations Setting organizational policy to meet legal obligations such as equal opportunity and occupational health and safety laws is always done using an autocratic style. When performance or behaviors are inappropriate it is also necessary to direct the employee to modify their actions. It is unlikely that anything other than a clear direction will be considered acceptable in any action taken against the company. In addition to the specific situations outlined from time to time events will occur that require a swift response. There will be no time for consultation or discussion and any manager who is unable to use an autocratic style will find they have missed an opportunity or failed to prevent a breakdown in operations. Autocratic management has a clear and valid place in today’s business world; the skill is in knowing when to use it. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society