Answer to Question #303722 in Management for JADE

Question

Critique the use of autocratic leadership style in construction projects such as

construction of pipelines. Focus on the negative impact of the style.

Answer 1

Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a leadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members. It gives the leader an absolute, authoritarian control over a group.

In construction projects, the style adopted should enable the leader to plan, monitor, and control the progress of a project very effectively. The need for leadership ability in a construction manager depends on the tasks, teams, organizational environment, manager's abilities, project resources, available time, and budget.

Autocratic style is not suitable in the construction industry due to the following reasons;

The leaders often the abuse the power is often problematic as it is often perceived as being bossy and dictatorial and domineering of which can install grudges among subordinate.

Also,

1. Allows little or no input from group members
2. Requires leaders to make almost all of the decisions
3. Provides leaders with the ability to dictate work methods and processes
4. Leaves group feeling like they aren't trusted with decisions or important tasks
5. Tends to create highly structured and very rigid environments
6. Discourages creativity and out-of-the box thinking