by Infoshelter

Created on: June 27, 2009

The findings of a survey conducted by the British Institute of Management, show that most organizations apply a form of the bureaucratic style of management, with lower numbers of businesses following the reactionary and the autocratic style. There seems to be a link between the management style followed by a business entity and the current stage in its life cycle. Thus, most companies in recession are characterized by the bureaucratic style, resulting in a prevailing climate of secrecy.

In contrast, healthy and developing companies, encourage the involvement and participation of employees, the initiative for innovation and the spirit of trust between workers and between workers and management.

Key factor to understanding the different styles of management is the juxtaposition of their distinctive concepts and the individual cases to which they apply.

Firstly, let's examine the absolute-authoritarian-dictatorial model, according to which the manager maintains the utmost power and the right of decision, without first consulting workers. He mandates that they must obey without any further discussion.

The power of the autocratic leader can derive from his position, his influence within the company or his knowledge and uses this power to achieve compliance with existing requirements. The main way of action of such a leader consists of the following elements:

a) He sets objectives and obligations, and possibly the key methods of achieving them, to his subordinates.

b) He uses his authority to motivate or force his subordinates to act in accordance with his wishes. c) He controls and assesses the performance and behavior of his subordinates.

This style is more direct and controlling. This kind of managers tends to be more focused on productivity targets and achievement of objectives. Their power is based on their ability to achieve targets, often as a result of quick decisions. Authoritarian leaders assume power by resolving problems. They enjoy the freedom of managing themselves and others. They tend to measure success on the tasks carried out successfully. According to the Education Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association, this style of management is used for young workers who must quickly learn the tasks they are expected to execute and for temporary employees or employees who are difficult to be managed and do not respond to other styles.

Secondly, the bureaucratic style is characterized by the leader's acting under a framework of rules

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