Autocratic Management Style: Pros & Cons

What is the autocratic management style?

The autocratic management style is when the manager gives employees strict instructions to follow when delegating tasks. The managers make decisions independently and take full responsibility for handling any issues raised without needing employee contribution.

Autocratic decision making is effective in environments that need quick decision-making, usually in smaller businesses¹. It is also beneficial when managing employees who are rule followers and like being told exactly what to do².

Pros of autocratic management

Faster decision making

When fewer people are involved in decision-making, the manager can reach a solution quicker without needing meetings. Having the manager be the sole decision-maker could also improve efficiency in a fast-paced work environment.
For example, the office may need a new coffee machine for the kitchen area. Instead of the manager holding meetings to hear every employee’s opinion on which machine they should buy, the manager will decide independently, saving time and resources.

Improves productivity

A study showed that CEOs with ‘big ideas without clear execution’ are a key problem for companies². An autocratic system can fix this, giving employees clear instructions rather than leaving them to decide the approach.
Some projects may require a manager who is confident in making decisions and delegating clear tasks to employees.

Reduces employee stress

In a 2022 survey, 79% of employees said they had taken stress-related leave that year³. Autocratic management means employees are not stressed about making important decisions.
When employees experience excessive pressure in the workplace, it harms their health³. When the manager handles the decision-making pressure instead, employees don’t suffer this pressure, reducing stress.

Autocratic decision making improves crisis management

Since the manager is the sole decision maker, they can reach a solution independently when problems arise. A study showed that 21% of employees idealise a manager who always makes the final decision, viewing them as someone who takes action and doesn’t procrastinate².
This autocratic approach avoids lengthy meetings in which employees discuss an issue and how best to solve it².

Cons of autocratic management

Leads to employees being micromanaged

In an autocratic management style, managers may feel the need to micromanage their employees to ensure they are carrying out their exact instructions.
Micromanagement is the ‘excessive control’ and intense supervision of an employee’s work. It can imply that managers don’t trust their employees to manage their own time⁴.
A 2020 report revealed that 21% of employees regard micromanagement as a sign of distrust. Employees view micromanagement as the number one frustration they experience⁵.

Employees may become dependent on the manager

In autocratic management, the manager sets strict rules for employees to follow. Therefore, employees lose their independence, instead relying on their manager to guide them through every decision⁶.
In more lenient management styles, the employee may be free to use their initiative, but with the autocratic approach, the manager controls the employee’s actions and decisions.

Autocratic management can create a high-pressure working environment

When employees are micromanaged under an autocratic management style, they can start suffering from anxiety and stress, affecting their mental health and productivity⁵.
Therefore, autocratic management can create a high-pressure working environment where employees request constant task approval, diminishing their self-confidence.
When employees are constantly seeking approval from their manager, it can also put pressure on the manager to supervise their employees’ work effectively.

Leads to a lack of employee creativity and lowers morale

During autocratic decision making, the manager will dismiss their employees’ expertise in favour of their own. Researchers have discovered that autocratic management often leads to a lack of creative solutions to problems, which can affect the company’s performance as a whole⁶.
In autocratic decision making, employees receive no reward or recognition because they haven’t contributed to project ideas. Employees not receiving this recognition can negatively affect their morale and motivation to produce high-quality work¹.
A 2023 study showed that 75% of employees want greater flexibility in the workplace⁷. So, when an autocratic management style limits this, managers could see a decline in employee retention as a result.

You now have a deeper understanding of the autocratic management style with its pros and cons. Whilst autocratic management styles can make decision-making more efficient and boost productivity, this may be detrimental to your employees’ independence and overall company morale if not monitored. Next, see our overview of the 13 different management styles with our guide.

Check the links below to learn more about autocratic management. Why not, also, discover 13 different management styles?

The Autocratic Management Style in The Workplace: Pros, Cons & Tips

What is the autocratic management style?