Which of the following leadership styles encourages team participation in decision-making?

• A. Autocratic
• B. Laissez-faire
• C. Democratic
• D. Coercive

Answer: (C)

The leadership style that encourages team participation in decision-making is the democratic style. This approach emphasizes collaboration and the inclusion of team members in the decision-making process, allowing for diverse viewpoints and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members. In a democratic setting, the leader seeks input from the group and values the contributions of each participant, which can lead to more informed decisions and a stronger team dynamic.

The democratic style contrasts with autocratic leadership, where the leader makes decisions unilaterally without seeking input from others. Laissez-faire leadership, while allowing for a high degree of autonomy among team members, does not specifically promote participation in decision-making and may lead to confusion or lack of direction. The coercive style involves imposing decisions and directives without giving team members a chance to provide feedback, stifling collaboration and engagement.