Question

Describe the four leader decision-making styles with examples.

Answer 1

The four leader decision making styles are:

• Directive
• Analytical
• Conceptual
• Behavioral

Examples of each style:

Directive : when there is an emergency in the company, then the  manager directs a group of people on how to tackle the situation due to his experience and expertise. Then it is a directive style of decision making. The group has to follow the directions. In this case, the manager takes the entire decisions without consulting the other members. He takes full control and there is no scope for negotiation.

Analytical: when a manger, makes analysis on the pros and cons of a certain decision then he is following the analytical style. He takes the .decisions based on data, facts and observations.

For example: before an acquisition the manager , they want to have all information and make analysis before reaching a conclusion.

Conceptual : When the manager follows the conceptual style of decision making then they approach a problem in a more relaxed manner. They brainstorm all the possible alternatives and do not hesitate to follow a highly risky strategy. The main area of concern in this style of decision making is long term results. Their decisions are not backed by strong data or observations.

For example, when a manager takes the decision to set up a shopping mall in an under developed  land scenario. She and her team brainstromed all the alternatives and set up a high risk plan. This plan could result in massive financial losses for the company. Without any strong data and facts supporting that this plan will be successful , the manager takes this decision.

Behavioral: Behavioral style is more intuitive . When a  manger follows this style, he will engage the team members and take decisions and what they intuitively feel is right and then the decisions will be communicated clearly to the rest of the team members.

For example:team style of leadership. Manager X, consults on the team members and then based on their intuitive ability they reach out for a conclusion.