Theory X considers that the human beings are lazy and they have no clarity in their vision. They do not like any modifications and control is required for them (Bagad, 2008). Theory X favors autocratic decision style for controlling people. A well known person, Bill Gates is a remarkable example of autocratic leadership. His leadership style is very effective because he is a leader who is knowledgeable and competent. He has decided about everything effectually with his skills and knowledge and has taken quick decisions whenever needed (Travica, 2013). This ultimately resulted in the mind boggling success that can be seen from the advancement of the computer industry in America and also all over the world, which is very motivational for the entire workforce.
Another example of the autocratic leader is Muammar Gaddafi, leader of Libya. He has also worked hard and has improved the condition of the country, such as he has changed the cultural, social conditions and flourished businesses in the country. He has banned nightclubs, gambling and alcohol from the country. He has utilized the wealth of oil for building schools, hospitals and homes. Women were awarded economic and political rights and the literacy rate and life expectancy improved (Murphy & Bahrampour, 2011).
Moreover, I endorse this leadership style because it provides the right direction and set the standards that pave the way to the remarkable results. It also helps to take quick decision and due to streamline process of work the problems can be assessed quickly before any serious consequence. However, there are certain drawbacks associated with such type of leadership style. An autocratic leader fails to develop the commitment of people because decision is made without the consent of people. Considering the fact, the leader Muammar Qaddafi who has made all the state decisions himself and has not considered the opinion of the citizens, which ultimately results in the severe failure of his leadership with disastrous results.
Furthermore, there is another theory known as Theory Y that considers that consides that people are active, adaptive to the change, and responsible (Stewart, 2010). Theory Y emphasizes on the participative leadership style that promote mutual cooperation, friendliness, assistance and commitment. It encourages the participation of all in the decision making process and the opinion of all people is regarded before making an ultimate decision. This leadership style also leads to the satisfaction of job (Shaikh, Maitlo, Bhatti and Hashmi, 2012). An example of a leader who is following the participative leadership approach is Carlos Ghosn, a CEO of Nissan and Renault. He has always encouraged the employees to perform in a much better way and made them understand that their leader trust him. He has always empowered employees to take the decisions.
Moreover, one leadership style is not best in all the situations. The leaders however choose the best action course based on the changes in the situations. Different leadership styles may be appropriate for several types of the decisions and decision making situations. For example, a situation in which the leader is experienced as well as knowledgeable and can manage the work properly, autocratic leadership style is most suitable. Moreover, in circumstances where the members of group are skilled the participative leadership style is highly effective. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of autocratic and participative leadership styles are mapped below.
In my opinion, the theory Y is encouraging theory while theory X leads to discouragement of employees. In theory Y, people are motivated for enhancing and showing their skills through their work but this is not the case with theory X because considers that people always require a push and a control to perform their duties rightfully. A leader should understand the leadership theories because the leaders familiar with these theories get a better idea about how to behave in different situation. Moreover, comprehending these theories helps in the development of further necessary skills that are required for a successful leader. For example, both the autocratic and participative leadership help in developing foresightedness that is a necessary and an important skill for a leader and is also necessary for his/her future triumph.
References
Bagad, V.S. (2008). Management Science. Technical Publications, Pune, India
Murphy, Caryle., & Bahrampour, Tara. (2011). Moammar Gaddafi killed: For longtime Autocrat, a Violent End. The Washington Post. Retrieved from:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/moammar-gaddafi-confirmed-dead-in-libya/2010/09/21/gIQAFOCV0L_story.html
Sheikh, Naveed., Maitlo, Ghulam Murtaza., Bhatti, Nadeem., Shaikh, Faiz M., & Hashmi, Muhammad Amir. (2012). The Impact of Autocratic and Democratic Leadership Style on Job Satisfaction. International Business Research, 5(2), pp. 192-201
Stewart, Matthew. (2010). Theories X and Y, Revisited. Oxford Leadership Journal, 1(3)
Travica, Bob. (2013). Conceptualizing Knowledge Culture. Online Journal of Applied Knowledge Management, 1(2), pp. 85-104
