What is the type of leadership where there is little input from group members?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Nursing Management & leadership

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

Autocratic leadership is defined by a top-down approach where the leader makes decisions independently.
This style involves minimal to no consultation with team members, which directly matches the question's description of 'little input from group members'.
The leader centralizes authority, provides clear directives, and expects compliance from the team.
It is a highly directive style, focusing on the leader's control and decision-making power.

Option B: Democratic leadership is the opposite of autocratic. It is characterized by high levels of group input and shared decision-making.
Option C: Laissez-faire leadership involves the leader giving almost all decision-making authority to the group. While the leader's direct input is low, the group's input is maximized.
Option D: Participative leadership is essentially another term for democratic leadership. It emphasizes the leader involving the team in the decision-making process.

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 a clinical setting, an autocratic leadership style is most effective and appropriate during emergencies, such as a cardiac arrest (Code Blue). The team leader must give clear, direct orders to ensure swift and coordinated life-saving interventions.
Conversely, a democratic or participative style is beneficial in non-emergency situations, like unit council meetings or when developing a new workflow, as it promotes staff buy-in, morale, and utilizes the collective expertise of the team.
What if? If a nurse manager used an autocratic style for routine unit decisions like scheduling or holiday assignments, it would likely lead to low morale, resentment, and high staff turnover, as nurses would feel undervalued and powerless.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question stem. The key phrase here is 'little input from group members'.
Next, analyze the options provided, which are different leadership styles.
Recall the definition of each leadership style. 'Auto' means 'self,' so 'autocratic' implies ruling by oneself.
Match the key phrase from the stem to the definitions. 'Little input' directly corresponds to the definition of autocratic leadership, where the leader makes decisions alone.
Eliminate the other options. Democratic and participative styles actively seek input, and laissez-faire delegates decision-making to the group, making them incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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

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