The
Laissez-Faire leadership style frequently has a negative connotation. This style of leadership depicts an inert
leader who is averse to stimulating subordinates or giving focus (Deluga,
1990).
The Laissezz-Faire leadership style places
an emphasis on the employee centered attribute that was discussed in the University of Michigan and Ohio State University studies (Professional Organizations,
n.d.). Leaders who use this style fail
their employees because they offer no positive or negative direction nor do
they interfere at any time (Webb, 2007). According to Deluga (1990), Laissezz-Faire
leaders renounce their leadership thus giving employees a wide spectrum of
decision-making which could lead to amplifying their power and influence. Another
assessment of research reported these leaders shun goal-setting, opportunities
to succeed, fail to coordinate organizational objectives, ignore
responsibilities, and routinely avoid making decisions on important matters
(van Eeden, Cilliers, & van Deventer, 2008). Leaders assume the employees will make
decisions in a timely manner and handle whatever problems that arise
(Professional Organizations, n.d.).
There are some advantages and
disadvantages of using this style of leadership. It allows team members to develop a working
relationship in an informal setting and generates an opportunity to be
successful by making their own decisions.
On the other hand, a team member can dominate and take control which
could lead the team to make incorrect decisions and possibly have the team
reprimanded which would lead to negativity within the group; affecting the
process and their motivation (Professional Organizations, n.d.). This absence of leadership leads to nothing
happening which promotes ineffective leadership (McGuire & Kennerly, 2006).
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