What is Democratic Leadership?
The democratic leadership style is essentially a mode of leadership that is found in participative management and human resources theory. This article will seek to explore the essence of democratic leadership and will, among other things, outline the advantages of democratic leadership, the disadvantages of democratic leadership, the function of the democratic leadership council and provide democratic leadership. The definition of democratic leadership from an organizational standpoint involves the redistribution of authority and power between managers and employees to provide employee involvement in the process of decision making.
The Democratic Leadership Style in Action
Before going any further, it is important to point out that there are conceptual differences between authority and leadership. The former is formalized power that is conferred on a person to engage in particular activities sanctioned by an institution or individual who has the power to be authoritative. For example, in a case where an individual is elected to a public office, the citizens of the state effectively conferred on that individual the power of representation. In an organizational structure, certain powers are conferred on the CEO of the company by a board of directors to implement board policies. However, leadership can be considered as the power possessed by an individual, who influences the action and belief of others. Formal authority may or may not be possessed by a leader and an individual who has authority may or may not occupy a leadership position. In essence, leadership is a behavior and not an office or position held by an individual. Democratic principles are used to manage the democratic leadership approach. These principles include deliberation, inclusiveness, equal participation and self-determination. The democratic leadership style is characterized by the three features outlined below:
Delegation of Responsibility
A democratic leader will delegate responsibility among members of his or her team to facilitate member participation in making decisions.
Empowerment of Group Members
It is incumbent on leaders to empower their team members in order that the members will be properly equipped to accomplish their tasks. Included in the process of empowerment is the provision of the education and training required for the completion of delegated tasks.
Aiding the Process of Group Decision Making
A significant role played by the democratic leader is ensuring that democratic deliberation takes place when group decisions are being made. This indicates that the leader is supposed to serve as a mediator and facilitator between members of the group, make sure that the members are psychologically well and there is a respectful environment at all times.
Similar to every other style of leadership, there are advantages and disadvantages of democratic leadership. Some of these benefits and drawbacks are outlined below:
Advantages of Democratic Leadership
The techniques used in democratic leadership play a significant role in creating job satisfaction, since a sense of autonomy, control and participation is fostered within the democratic leadership style. Greater participation from employees during the decision-making process could also result in more creative solutions and greater innovation to address problems and serve the organization better. Below are some specific advantages of democratic leadership:
Solution for Complex Problems
Democratic leaders are typically excellent at solving complex issues. They have the ability to work collaboratively, using a consensus of opinions to get things done the right way. The democratic leader often thinks innovatively and encourages others to do the same, so that solutions to complex and strategic problems can be found.
Good Business Fit
Solutions that are democratically derived generally last for the longest period of time. The democratic process ensures that the solution is reviewed on a continuous basis. Additionally, engaging team members will enable leaders to maintain effective processes that fit the business well. Democratic leaders ensure that team members work well with other individuals, so that they are suitable to function in large corporate environments in which co-operation and communication are crucial.
Strong Teams are Built by Democratic Leaders
Team members under democratic leadership tend to be supportive and strong. Honesty flourishes and more collective working is done because the opinions of everyone are taken into consideration. Democratic leaders are usually popular within the organization.
Foster Creative Environments
Democratic leaders effectively foster creative environments since they encourage the input and innovation of team members. Creative designers succeed under democratic leadership because of the support and nurture that is embodied in this leadership approach.
Disadvantages of Democratic Leadership
Can Appear Uncertain
Democratic leadership can sometimes come across as being indecisive. In certain situations, especially during a crisis, leaders must be very directive and democratic leaders do not function well in an authoritarian role. In the midst of a crisis, no time is usually available to address everyone concerned.
Time Consuming
The consultation process could result in procrastination. If an organization has a project or issue that is urgent, democratic leaders cannot usually work to the timescales required. It takes time to talk to a number of individuals and collect a variety of opinions and many democratic leaders find it difficult to cut corners.
Become Apologetic
Democrat leaders sometimes build an environment in which individuals expect for their idea to be implemented. Where there are a variety of solutions in a particular project, only one can be implemented and democratic leaders will have to invest time in apologizing and smoothing things over with individuals whose ideas were not used.
Democratic Leadership Examples
Democratic leadership style examples include Dwight D, Eisenhower, who was a military leader faced with the challenge of getting the Alliance forces to be in agreement on a common line of attack. He put in hard labor to ensure that there was a united front, so that a common understanding could be reached. This is considered one of his greatest accomplishments as a leader.
In the majority of corporate cultures, the democratic leadership style is generally used. There are good results garnered from democratic leaders, which is evident in the level of employee satisfaction that takes place in such an environment. However, the democratic leadership approach will not always get the job done. A democratic leader will have to learn how to put his or her foot down and come to a decision in certain situations.