Ashridge Management College

Ashridge Management College is a business school located in the UK that has identified four management styles: autocratic, persuasive, participative, and democratic. These styles reflect different approaches to decision-making and leadership, and can be used by managers in different situations depending on their goals and the needs of their team.

Autocratic: This management style involves the manager making decisions and issuing orders to the team, who are expected to follow them without question. This style is often used in situations where there is little time for discussion or consultation, or where the manager has the necessary expertise and experience to make informed decisions.
Example: A manager who adopts an autocratic style might tell their team exactly what needs to be done and how to do it, without seeking input or feedback.

Persuasive: This management style involves the manager seeking input and feedback from the team, but ultimately making the final decision based on their own judgment. The manager may consult with the team and consider their suggestions, but the decision-making authority rests with the manager.
Example: A manager who adopts a persuasive style might hold a meeting to gather ideas and suggestions from the team, but ultimately make the final decision based on their own assessment of the situation.

Participative: This management style involves the manager seeking input and feedback from the team before making decisions. The manager may consult with the team and consider their suggestions, but ultimately has the final say on decisions.
Example: A manager who adopts a participative style might hold a meeting to gather ideas and suggestions from the team before making a final decision.

Democratic: This management style involves the manager seeking input and feedback from the team and making decisions based on a consensus. The manager may consult with the team and consider their suggestions, but ultimately the decision is made by the team as a whole.
Example: A manager who adopts a democratic style might hold a meeting to gather ideas and suggestions from the team, and then facilitate a discussion and voting process to reach a consensus decision.

It’s important to note that no one management style is right for every situation, and effective managers often use a combination of different styles depending on the needs of their team and the goals of the organization.