The Importance Of Democratic Leadership

the author also comments that this style of leadership is best left to organisations whose staff are technically proficient, have been trained accordingly, work while unsupervised, and have sound work ethics. When examined from a nursing perspective, Jackson, Hutchinson, Peters, Luck, and Saltman (2013) looked upon laissez-faire as an evasive form of leadership, one that harbours underlying issues of ignorance and incompetency. The author’s research found that laissez-faire, while seeking to offer staff independence, could in reality promote a sense of distrust towards the very people offering the independence. Equally important, as discussed by the authors, was the negative effect that this leadership style could impinge upon staff wishing

Firstly, what are the traits that help define this style of leadership? Democratic leadership as defined by Brookfield (2010) is more a function as opposed to rule by supremacy. The author argues that fundamental to this style of leadership is the understanding that all those under its control can in a fact take on the role of leader. Further to this the author adds that all participants have the right to offer ideas and concerns that may help resolve or influence outcomes. It is these very beliefs about the potential of all to lead and exercise their opinion that is indicative of the democratic philosophy. To elaborate further on democratic leadership, Page and Ferguson (2011) offers the view that a successful leader is the catalyst that enables a harmonious relationship, not only between the staff, but also with the company itself. This same leadership, as stressed by the authors, avoids dictatorship, but at the same time is mindful not to fall victim to a laissez-faire style of leadership.

So, to reiterate, democratic leadership when reduced to its core characteristics promotes equality and mutual respect, is not dictatorial, and recognises that all parties have the right to a say that can influences productivity in the workplace. It is with these characteristics of democratic leadership, that this paper will now explore how effective they are in managing or resolving challenges that may confront the registered nurse in the