Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Leadership style describes how a leader guides, directs, and motivates their team.
These styles are classified based on how decisions are made and the level of employee participation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the characteristics of different leadership styles:
1.Democratic (Participative) style (A): In this style, the leader encourages active participation and consults with group members before making decisions.
Although the leader retains final decision-making authority, they value input from the team, which boosts morale and cooperation.
Thus, (A) is the correct option.
2.Autocratic (Authoritarian) style (B): In this style, the leader makes all decisions unilaterally without consulting the group, expecting strict obedience.
3.Free-rein (Laissez-faire) style (C): In this style, the leader delegates all decision-making authority to the group, giving them complete freedom to set goals and complete tasks.
4.Paternalistic style (D): In this style, the leader acts like a father figure, making decisions in the perceived best interest of the group while expecting loyalty and trust.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The leadership style based on consulting with group members is the Democratic style.