SOCIAL STUDIES NEW

• Social Studies
• Secondary Education

SOCIAL STUDIES

LEADERSHIP &  FOLLOWERSHIP

By: B.A.K AKORLOR

SOCIAL STUDIES

LEVEL: SHS

TOPIC: LEADERSHIP AND FOLLOWERSHIP

SUB-TOPIC: LEADERSHIP STYLES

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, you must be able to;

• Differentiate between Laissez Faire Leadership Style and the Paternalistic Leadership Style.

WRITE DOWN TWO (2) CHARACTERISTICS OF;
a) Autocratic Leadership Style
b) Democratic Leadership Style

INTRODUCTION

In our previous lesson, we discussed the two types of the leadership styles that exists.

They are;

• The Autocratic Leadership Style and 
• The Democratic Leadership Style.
  

FOCUS

This lesson will focus on the last two leadership styles which are;

• The Laissez Faire Leadership Style and

• The Paternalistic Leadership Style

What is a characteristic of autocratic leadership?

1. Shares decision-making with the team
2. Promotes a collaborative work environment
3. Encourages open communication within the team
4. Makes decisions without consulting the team

In a democratic leadership style, what is encouraged?

1. Strict control over team members' input
2. Participation from team members in decision-making
3. Centralized decision-making by the leader
4. Limited involvement of team members in decision-making

What is a feature of autocratic leadership?

1. Flexibility in leadership approach
2. High level of control by the leader
3. Empowerment of team members to make key decisions
4. Equal distribution of decision-making authority

Which describes a democratic leadership style?

1. Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
2. Authoritarian control over team members
3. Minimal interaction between leader and team
4. Individualistic decision-making by the leader

What is a characteristic of autocratic leadership?

1. Empowerment of team members to make independent decisions
2. Time-consuming process for reaching decisions as a team
3. Consensus-building among team members for every decision
4. Quick decision-making by the leader

LAISSEZ - FAIRE LEADERSHIP STYLE

The word Laissez - Faire is a French word which means 'Let them do it'  This is the leadership style where the leader gives absolute freedom to the followers to take decisions and work towards the success of the team.

Laissez-faire leadership, also known as delegative leadership, is a style where leaders provide minimal direction and allow group members to make decisions.

This hands-off approach grants team members a high degree of autonomy, fostering creativity and innovation but requiring a high level of self-motivation and responsibility among the group. Another name for this leadership style is ZERO LEADERSHIP.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Autonomy: Team members have the freedom to set their own goals and make decisions.

• Minimal Supervision: Leaders offer little to no supervision and instead act as advisors.

• Trust: Leaders trust their team members to do their jobs effectively.

• Responsibility: Team members are responsible for their outcomes and are expected to manage their time and resources efficiently.

Specific Class: This leadership style is practised among teams in which members are co-equals and professional. Everyone know what to do.

Horizontal Communication: The communication between the leader and the followers. They discuss issues like colleaques.

ADVANTAGES

• Encourages innovation and creativity.

• Boosts morale and job satisfaction as employees feel trusted and valued.

• Suitable for highly skilled and motivated teams.

DISADVANTAGES

• Can lead to a lack of direction and coordination.

• Potential for decreased productivity if team members are not self-motivated.

• Risk of inconsistent performance and quality.

PATERNALISTIC LEADERSHIP STYLE

Paternalistic leadership is a style where the leader acts as a father figure, taking a personal interest in the well-being of their employees and providing a high level of care and guidance.

This approach involves a mix of authority and benevolence, where leaders make decisions in the best interest of their employees, expecting loyalty and trust in return.

CHARASTERISTICS

Parental Role: Leaders take on a nurturing role, looking out for their employees' welfare.
Guidance and Support: Leaders provide substantial guidance and support, often involving themselves in personal matters of their employees.

Authority and Control: While caring, leaders maintain clear authority and control over decision-making processes.
Loyalty and Respect: Leaders expect loyalty, respect, and compliance from their employees in exchange for their care and concern.

ADVANTAGES

•     Builds strong, trusting relationships between leaders and employees.

•     Can lead to high levels of employee loyalty and morale.

•     Employees often feel valued and supported, which can boost job satisfaction and productivity.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?

Laissez-faire leadership style is important for promoting autonomy and creativity in the workplace.

Agree: Encourages innovation and empowers employees.

Disagree: Can lead to lack of direction.

Agree: Fosters independent thinking and problem-solving.

Neutral: Depends on the nature of the work environment.

The disadvantages of laissez-faire leadership include potential for lack of accountability and guidance.

Agree: Can result in chaos and confusion.

Disagree: Allows for individual freedom and responsibility.

Agree: Lack of oversight can lead to inefficiency.

Neutral: Depends on the competence of the team.

Practicing laissez-faire leadership requires trust in the abilities and judgment of the team members.

Agree: Empowers and motivates employees to excel.

Disagree: Risks lack of control and coordination.

Agree: Promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Neutral: Depends on the experience and skills of the team.

Laissez-faire leadership style may not be suitable for high-stakes or time-sensitive projects.

Agree: Demands more structure and oversight.

Disagree: Allows for flexibility and adaptability.

Agree: Risks lack of urgency and prioritization.

Neutral: Depends on the level of expertise and experience of the team.

Over reliance on laissez-faire leadership without proper monitoring and feedback can lead to disengagement and inefficiency.

Agree: Needs periodic check-ins and support.

Disagree: Promotes self-motivation and accountability.

Agree: Lack of feedback can hinder performance.

Neutral: Depends on the level of self-discipline and motivation of the team.

Paternalistic leadership fosters loyalty and a sense of security among employees.

Agree: Employees appreciate the care and support.

Disagree: It can lead to dependency.

Agree: It creates a positive work environment.

Disagree: It may stifle individual growth.

The paternalistic leadership style can lead to a lack of innovation and creativity.

Agree: It discourages independent thinking.

Disagree: It promotes a supportive atmosphere.

Agree: It may hinder new ideas and perspectives.

Disagree: It encourages a team-oriented approach.

Paternalistic leaders tend to have a strong personal connection with their employees.

Agree: It creates a familial atmosphere.

Disagree: It can blur professional boundaries.

Agree: It enhances trust and communication.

Disagree: It may result in favoritism and bias.

The paternalistic leadership style can be effective in crisis situations.

Agree: It provides a sense of stability.

Disagree: It may limit adaptability and flexibility.

Agree: It can offer reassurance and guidance.

Disagree: It could impede swift decision-making.

Paternalistic leadership may lead to a lack of autonomy and empowerment for employees.

Agree: It can limit individual decision-making.

Disagree: It offers guidance and support.

Agree: It may create a hierarchical work culture.

Disagree: It fosters a sense of security.

END OF LESSON

BY:

BENJAMIN AKORLOR