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Managing Human Element at Work

Notes a man’s sights to a higher vision, the raising of man’s standard to a higher performance, the
building of a man’s personality beyond its normal limitations.” This viewpoint of Peter Drucker
stresses the leader’s obligation to attain organizational goals and gives attention to the needs
of the individuals who are his subordinates. The important functions of a business leader may
be briefly summarized as follows:
To take the initiative: A leader initiates all the measures that are necessary for the purpose of
ensuring the health and progress of the undertaking in a competitive economy. He should not
expect others to guide or direct him. He should lay down the aims and objectives, commence
their implementation and see that the goals are achieved according to the predetermined targets.
He identifies group goals: A leader must always help the group identify and attain their goals.
Thus, a leader is a goal setter.
He represents the organization: A leader represents the organization and its purpose, ideals,
philosophy and problems to those working for it and to the outside world. In other words,
leader is true representative of the entire organization.

He acts as arbitrator: When groups experience internal difference, whether based on emotional
or intellectual clashes, a leader can often resolve the differences. He acts as an arbitrator to
prevent serious group difference.
To assign reasons for his action: It is a delicate task of leaders to assigns reason to his every
command. He has to instruct things in such a way that they are intelligible to all concerned
and their co-operation is readily forthcoming.

To interpret: He interprets the objectives of the organization and the means to be followed to
achieve them; he appraises his followers, convinces them, and creates confidence among them.

To guide and direct: It is the primary function of the leader to guide and direct the organization.
He should issue the necessary instructions and see that they are properly communicated.

To encourage team work: A leader must try to win the confidence of his subordinates. He must
act like the capital of a team.
He manages the organization: Last but not the least, he administers the undertaking by arranging
for the forecast, planning, organization, direction, coordination and control of its activities.

13.6 Types of Leaders

The different types of leadership are:

1. Autocratic or Task Management Leadership,
2. Participative or Democratic Leadership,
3. Laissez-Faire or Free-Rein Leadership, and
4. Paternalistic Leadership.

13.6.1 Autocratic or Task Management Leadership
The autocratic leader gives order which he insists shall be obeyed. He determines policies for the
group without consulting them, and does not give detailed information about future plans, but
simply tells the group what steps they must take. In other words, an autocratic leader is one who
centralizes the authority in himself and does not delegate authority to his subordinates. He is
dictatorial by nature, and has no regard for the subordinates. He drives himself and his
subordinates with one thought uppermost in his mind—action must produce results. An autocratic
does the entire planning and calls upon his subordinates to execute what he has planned.

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