1. Autocratic
An autocratic manager makes decisions without much regard for subordinates. The decisions will reflect the manager's opinions and personality. An autocratic manager can turn a business into a well-managed business, but the subordinates may become too dependent upon their supervisors and they need to be closely supervised.
2. Paternalistic
Paternalistic management style is also essentially dictatorial. But in this management style, the decision making process takes the best interests of the employees and the business into account. The communication in paternalistic management style is generally downward, but to maintain morale, feedback to the management is encouraged.
3. Democratic
In democratic management style, the employees are allowed to participate in the decision-making process. Therefore, in this management style, everything is agreed by the majority. The communication in democratic management style is extensive in both directions (upwards and downwards). This management style is useful when a decision that require a range of specialist skills need to be made.
4. Laissez-faire
In a Laissez-faire leadership style, the communication is horizontal (equal in both directions). The leader's role in this leadership style is peripheral and the staffs manage their own areas of the business. This management style is great for highly professional and creative groups of employees. However, the staff may experience the lack of focus and sense of direction.
5. (MBWA) Management by Walking Around
Management by Walking Around is practiced by good managers that are proactive listeners. Managers that are using this management style gather as much information as they can in order to prevent a challenging situation from turning into a bigger problem. They carefully listen to employees' concerns and suggestions that will help to avoid potential crises.
