Which leadership style is defined by top-down communication and decisions made solely by the manager?

The autocratic leadership style is characterized by a centralized decision-making process where the leader makes decisions unilaterally without seeking input or feedback from team members. This leadership approach relies on top-down communication, meaning that instructions, policies, and changes are communicated from the manager to the subordinates without collaborative discussion.

In organizations utilizing an autocratic style, the leader has complete authority and control over operations, which can lead to quick decision-making and a clear direction for employees. However, this style may also result in a lack of creativity and engagement among employees, as they have little say in the decisions that affect their work.

This contrasts with other leadership styles: the democratic style encourages participation and input from team members, fostering collaboration; the laissez-faire style grants employees autonomy to make decisions, resulting in minimal managerial oversight; and the matrix style involves a more complex organizational structure where employees may report to multiple leaders, promoting cross-functional collaboration.