Autocracy - Advantages and Disadvantages

An autocracy can be defined as a system of government in which the supreme political power or the ruling power is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject to neither external legal restraints nor regularized mechanisms of popular control. Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members. A single person is in the power to judge everything and there is no other superior post to challenge his decision. Most commonly it is observed that the autocratic leaders make choices based on their own ideas and judgments and rarely accept advice from followers. Autocratic leadership involves absolute, authoritarian control over a group and do not involve anyone else in the decision-making process.

The autocratic style is one of the most recognized forms of directive leadership that put emphasis on the decision by a single person. The autocratic style seems to contradict many modern work environments that emphasize teamwork, group input and shared decision-making. However, it is also evident that certain conditions and specific industries, such as the military, manufacturing, and construction, are successful only when a leader takes tight control and makes most of the decisions.

Characteristics of Autocratic Leadership

Some of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership include:

• Little or negligible input from the group member, and no authority in the decision-making process
• Leaders make the decisions themselves.
• Group leaders dictate all the work methods and processes.
• Group members are rarely trusted with decisions or important tasks.
• The leader should be strict and in command of every decision.
• Work-method is dictated by the leader.

History of Autocracy

Some historical Slavic monarchs, such as Russian tsars and emperors, included the title "Autocrat" as part of their official styles, distinguishing them from the constitutional monarchs elsewhere in Europe. The Autocratic Leadership Style was first described by Lewin, Lippitt, and White in 1938, along with the Democratic leadership and the laissez-faire leadership styles. Highlights of this leadership style include the owner’s rules, there is limited staff input, and working methods are defined by the owner. There is very little flexibility to make decisions and have strict rules to allow full control of the company leaders been adamant. The autocratic leadership style is sometimes also referred to as the directive leadership style and also the dictatorship.

The characteristics of the autocratic rule include the boss's ideas rule; there is limited employee input and the work methods are dictated to the boss or leader himself. There is little flexibility in decision-making, and rules are strictly adhered to, allowing the leader of the company full control. This type of leader force, manipulation or coercion to use is likely to achieve company objectives. The idea is that employees or followers are not be trusted by the leader, only controlled. This form of control or authority can be viewed as a dictatorship. This type of leader is likely to use force, manipulation or coercion to achieve his objectives. The idea is that employees are not to be trusted, only controlled.

Advantages of Autocracy

Though autocratic leadership may be considered to be dictator type leadership, still it can be beneficial in some instances, such as when decisions need to be made quickly without consulting with a large group of people. Some projects require strong leadership in order to get things accomplished quickly and efficiently, in these situations there is a strong need for an autocratic rule. Autocratic rule is signified by the strong leader who has a strong willpower and is in full control of the situation around him. Thus in areas concerning some military decisions or decision in personal business, the autocracy is something that plays a great role. A strong leader who utilizes an autocratic style can successfully take charge of the group, assign tasks to different members, and establish solid deadlines for projects to be finished. Hence in result oriented projects with specified targets

In the military and other urgent circumstances, it is only the leader who takes a prompt decision that everyone else has to follow; people may prefer the ability to be told what do next. In times of stress or emergency, some subordinates may actually prefer an autocratic style where they are told exactly what to do. The autocratic leadership style is very effective when times are stressful and the decision-making process is quick.

Autocratic leadership is an ancient form of management where one leader typically has complete control over a work area or project. Though there may be other people working under him, these people do not possess any relevant position in the decision-making process. Small business owners may implement this form of leadership when the operation is relatively small and a limited number of employees are available. While an autocratic style is considered more traditional, and in some instances, outdated form of leadership, it still offers a variety of benefits:

• Total Control: The main advantage of the autocratic rule is that everything is under the control of the topmost authority. Autocratic leadership can work well for top-level managers who prefer having complete control over an operation. Since the decision-making process is totally in his hands of the manager, he does not experience the stress of having to rely on help from outside his work area to complete the project or task. For this type of individual, having complete authority can actually result in reduced stress since he has complete control over his own fate. Also, a well-informed person can take a much more effective decision as compared to the other types of leadership styles where everyone goes on giving their expert advice which for the most of the time is good for nothing.
• Quick Decisions: Another important factor in the favour of the autocracy is that decisions are made quickly. Since the manager or leader is himself responsible for all the decisions, therefore there is no wastage of time in consulting other people of reviewing their ideas. The person responsible for decision making is himself doing all the thinking and executing part. An autocratic style of leadership can be effective in work environments where decisions need to be made quickly. The sole responsibility rests with the leader, and he makes the decision without the need to consult others. In a business, there is a need for some quick decision according to the market changes. Hence an autocratic leader can quickly analyze the situation well and make all the relevant decisions for the welfare of his business in relatively less time without relying on others.
• Close Watch: Another added advantage of an autocratic work environment is that the leader can keep a close watch on the activities of his workers. An autocratic leader is constantly aware of the situation around him and has an idea about what would be the consequences. This eliminates the tendency for workers to "slack off" that may occur with some lenient styles of management. The result of this can be increased productivity and speed, as workers who fall behind are quickly identified and corrective measures are taken. Quality may improve, as the employer has a clear idea of what he should expect from his employees and their work is monitored constantly. Time wasting is also reduced, as a leader can closely monitor the work and performance.

Disadvantages of Autocracy

The autocratic style is often considered the classical approach. It is one in which the manager retains as much power and decision-making authority as possible restricted to him. The manager most of the times does not consult employees, nor are they allowed to give any input in the decision-making process. The communication style of an autocratic leader is usually described as one way and does not take part in any discussion or appraisal activities of employees. They tell you exactly what they want to be done, which can be frustrating sometimes if the boss talks to the employees only when they make mistakes, and little praise is provided.

In an autocratic style, employees are expected only to obey orders without receiving any explanations. The motivation environment is produced by creating a structured set of rewards and punishments which are generally not as effective as appraisal form the leader himself. Since decision making is in the hands of one person only, it can generate a company of zombies with no fresh ideas. The autocratic style can sometimes create an environment of fear and resentment, leading to high turnover and absenteeism, which can hinder the progress of any business, area or community. Moreover confining decision-making process to one person can lead to a lack of creative ideas that might make the company lag behind others who have a proper team of managers taking an active part in the decision process. Autocratic leaders generally:

• Rely on threats and punishment to influence their employees or followers
• Do not trust anyone
• Do not allow for input by anyone else

Some other Disadvantages can be:

• Increased Work Burden: Autocratic rule leads to a lot of burden on the leader or the manager. Since they take full responsibility for team decisions and review of a team's work, autocratic leaders tend to remain extremely busy, which can most of the times lead to high stress and even health problems. Other leadership styles, such as participative or democratic, distribute some of the decision-making to certain group members. Leader himself is responsible for thinking, processing and administrative process. Since he does not involve anyone else in his decision making hence no one else can really help out with the processing or inspection part.
• Bad for Highly Skilled and Motivated Workers: Few people like to be told what to do, especially those who are already motivated and understand the task at hand. Also experienced people with relative experience of years do not like anyone else interfering with or controlling the actions related to their field. An autocratic leader facing this type of group will dampen morale and will reduce his team's creativity and productivity. Sometimes autocracy can lead to an ego clash with the highly experienced and educated people. Autocratic leaders in this situation may not make the best decisions since they lack the group input from team members who have experience and skills. Sometimes differences can get even worse and some quality workers may even consider leaving the job.

One way communication without feedback leads to misunderstanding and communications breakdown, and there can be many other limitations like:

• An autocratic leader makes the decision by him, which can be very dangerous in this age of technological and sociological complexity and may be a reason for lagging behind.
• It fails to develop the worker's commitment and motivation towards the objectives of the organization.
• It creates problems with employee morale and production in the long-run; due to their resentment.
• It is unsuitable when the workforce is highly experienced and knowledgeable about their jobs and the job calls for teamwork and cooperative spirit.

Conclusion
The pros and cons of autocratic leadership are clear for certain situations. However, there can be some situations or emergencies where there is a need for a strong leader to keep order. However, in less stressful circumstances, it may be better to debate an issue before proceeding. Autocratic leaders may not be good at communication, but they sometimes have the best ideas. On the other hand, autocratic leaders must take full responsibility for the results. Though this may leave most of the workers unhappy and feel undervalued. Also, this could lead to some quality workers walking out of job. Therefore, the dynamic of the relationship in the professional environment must change to become more equal. Otherwise, you may a have a strong leader with no followers or employees who have no direction. Hence one needs to balance everything throughout.