The style of leadership that dominates and commands a group is called:

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is characterized by a single leader who holds all decision-making power.
The leader in this style dominates the group, issues commands, and expects compliance without question.
This approach centralizes power and control, fitting the description of a leader who 'dominates and commands'.
It is a directive, top-down approach where communication flows from the leader to the followers.

Option B: Democratic leadership is the opposite of dominating; it involves collaboration and shared decision-making with the team.
Option C: Laissez-faire leadership is a 'hands-off' approach with minimal control or command from the leader, which is contrary to the stem's description.
Option D: Participative leadership is a synonym for democratic leadership. It emphasizes team involvement and shared decision-making, not command and control.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Leadership Styles in Nursing Management as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing, an autocratic style is essential during emergencies like a 'Code Blue' or a mass casualty event, where a single leader must give clear, rapid commands to save lives.
A democratic style is more effective for routine unit management, such as developing new care protocols or creating staff schedules, as it improves morale and buy-in.
What if the situation was developing a long-term patient education program? In that case, a democratic or participative style would be far more effective than an autocratic one, as it would incorporate diverse ideas from nurses, patients, and other specialists, leading to a better program.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question stem: 'dominates' and 'commands'. These words imply a high degree of control and a top-down power structure.
Next, review the definitions of the leadership styles provided in the options.
Match the keywords from the stem to the definition that fits best.
Autocratic leadership is defined by a leader who controls all decisions and commands the group, which directly matches 'dominates and commands'.
Eliminate the other options: Democratic/Participative involves sharing control, and Laissez-faire involves giving up control.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing_Management_and_leadership_Johny_Kutty_JosephCbs_Publishers (pp 16-364 of 374) p. 157-159

E6 Textbook of Nursing Management and Leadership I. Clemen — Subpart B (pp 328-654 of 982) p. 165-167

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.