People employ many different management methodologies and over the years these practices have been defined and labeled. Many managers will gravitate to one management style and will be known for their preferred method of interacting with subordinates. This writer believes that the best practice is to employ the appropriate management style based on circumstances and people. In an automotive repair environment there is a diverse mix of employees acting at different skill levels and different levels of independence. Therefore a ‘one size fits all’ approach to management will likely be ineffective and possibly even counter-productive. Following is a look at five different management styles:
- Autocratic – An autocratic management style is used by a manager who decides what will be done and exactly how it will be done with no input from subordinates. Although this sounds somewhat negative there are circumstances under which it may be the best or only option … Read More >>
- Consultative – The consultative management style – sometimes referred to as ‘Paternalistic’ employs the style of the autocratic management style in decision making regarding business processes and work execution but the needs of employees on a social and personal level are taken into consideration to a greater degree … Read More >>
- Democratic – When a democratic management style is utilized – employees are included in the decision making process. This management methodology is well suited to situations in which there are more than one possible alternative to addressing a situation and both management and employees will be impacted … Read More >>
- Chaotic – The name of this management style may be somewhat misleading as it seems to imply that the objective is to promote chaos. However, what it really means is that all members or facets of an organization are allowed to act freely and independently without interference from management … Read More >>
- Laissez-faire – When the laissez-faire management style is employed goals and objectives are communicated but the means of achieving them is left up to the employees. This is a very “hands off” approach to management … Read More >>
