Weaknesses Of Democracy Pdf
What is Democratic Leadership?The democratic leadership style is essentially a mode of leadership that is found in participative management and human resources theory. This article will seek to explore the essence of democratic leadership and will, among other things, outline the advantages of democratic leadership, the disadvantages of democratic leadership, the function of the democratic leadership council and provide democratic leadership. The definition of democratic leadership from an organizational standpoint involves the redistribution of authority and power between managers and employees to provide employee involvement in the process of decision making.The Democratic Leadership Style in Action.
Before going any further, it is important to point out that there are conceptual differences between authority and leadership. The former is formalized power that is conferred on a person to engage in particular activities sanctioned by an institution or individual who has the power to be authoritative. For example, in a case where an individual is elected to a public office, the citizens of the state effectively conferred on that individual the power of representation.
In an organizational structure, certain powers are conferred on the CEO of the company by a board of directors to implement board policies. However, leadership can be considered as the power possessed by an individual, who influences the action and belief of others. Formal authority may or may not be possessed by a leader and an individual who has authority may or may not occupy a leadership position. In essence, leadership is a behavior and not an office or position held by an individual. Democratic principles are used to manage the democratic leadership approach. These principles include deliberation, inclusiveness, equal participation and self-determination.
The democratic leadership style is characterized by the three features outlined below:Delegation of ResponsibilityA democratic leader will delegate responsibility among members of his or her team to facilitate member participation in making decisions.Empowerment of Group MembersIt is incumbent on leaders to empower their team members in order that the members will be properly equipped to accomplish their tasks. Included in the process of empowerment is the provision of the education and training required for the completion of delegated tasks.Aiding the Process of Group Decision MakingA significant role played by the democratic leader is ensuring that democratic deliberation takes place when group decisions are being made.
This indicates that the leader is supposed to serve as a mediator and facilitator between members of the group, make sure that the members are psychologically well and there is a respectful environment at all times.Similar to every other style of leadership, there are advantages and disadvantages of democratic leadership. Some of these benefits and drawbacks are outlined below: Advantages of Democratic LeadershipThe techniques used in democratic leadership play a significant role in creating job satisfaction, since a sense of autonomy, control and participation is fostered within the democratic leadership style. Greater participation from employees during the decision-making process could also result in more creative solutions and greater innovation to address problems and serve the organization better.
Below are some specific advantages of democratic leadership:Solution for Complex ProblemsDemocratic leaders are typically excellent at solving complex issues. They have the ability to work collaboratively, using a consensus of opinions to get things done the right way. The democratic leader often thinks innovatively and encourages others to do the same, so that solutions to complex and strategic problems can be found.Good Business FitSolutions that are democratically derived generally last for the longest period of time. The democratic process ensures that the solution is reviewed on a continuous basis. Additionally, engaging team members will enable leaders to maintain effective processes that fit the business well. Democratic leaders ensure that team members work well with other individuals, so that they are suitable to function in large corporate environments in which co-operation and are crucial.Strong Teams are Built by Democratic LeadersTeam members under democratic leadership tend to be supportive and strong.
Honesty flourishes and more collective working is done because the opinions of everyone are taken into consideration. Democratic leaders are usually popular within the organization.Foster Creative EnvironmentsDemocratic leaders effectively foster creative environments since they encourage the input and innovation of team members. Creative designers succeed under democratic leadership because of the support and nurture that is embodied in this leadership approach.
Merits And Demerits Of Democracy Pdf
Disadvantages of Democratic LeadershipCan Appear UncertainDemocratic leadership can sometimes come across as being indecisive. In certain situations, especially during a crisis, leaders must be very directive and democratic leaders do not function well in an authoritarian role. In the midst of a crisis, no time is usually available to address everyone concerned.Time ConsumingThe consultation process could result in procrastination.
If an organization has a project or issue that is urgent, democratic leaders cannot usually work to the timescales required. It takes time to talk to a number of individuals and collect a variety of opinions and many democratic leaders find it difficult to cut corners.Become ApologeticDemocrat leaders sometimes build an environment in which individuals expect for their idea to be implemented. Where there are a variety of solutions in a particular project, only one can be implemented and democratic leaders will have to invest time in apologizing and smoothing things over with individuals whose ideas were not used. Democratic Leadership ExamplesDemocratic leadership style examples include Dwight D, Eisenhower, who was a military leader faced with the challenge of getting the Alliance forces to be in agreement on a common line of attack. He put in hard labor to ensure that there was a united front, so that a common understanding could be reached. This is considered one of his greatest accomplishments as a leader.In the majority of corporate cultures, the democratic leadership style is generally used. There are good results garnered from democratic leaders, which is evident in the level of employee satisfaction that takes place in such an environment.
However, the democratic leadership approach will not always get the job done. A democratic leader will have to learn how to put his or her foot down and come to a decision in certain situations. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.
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A democracy is a governmental system where eligible members of a state or the entire population has a voice in the decisions that must be made. When eligible members represent distinct population districts, they are usually elected to provide this representation. Democracies can also occur in business structures and during personal decisions.The primary advantage of democracy is that it is one of the fairest systems of government that has been created.
Every person has a voice, either on their own merit or through an elected official, which allows them to influence the policies and procedures that are developed for governing. Everyone can be as active or as inactive as they wish to be with the political process.The disadvantage of a democracy is that it is a rather inefficient form of governing. Because everyone has the opportunity to offer their opinion, it takes time for a decision to be made.
In times of crisis, help can be delayed because all policies and procedures are subjected to a voting process. In a true democracy, every person would need to vote on every decision before something could be accomplished.Here are some additional pros and cons of a democracy to think about when studying the various forms of government structures that are available today. List of the Pros of Democracy1. It encourages personal involvement.In one way or another, it is the people who control their own fate under the scope of a democracy. They can choose to vote or choose not to vote.
They can vote for certain policies and against others. Whether they are in the majority or not, there is always the possibility of freely expressing a personal opinion. That is a level of freedom that other forms of government do not always provide.2. It promotes equality.Within a democracy, every vote is weighted with the same value. It doesn’t matter what your gender identification happens to be. It doesn’t matter how much money you make.
It doesn’t matter where you live, what religion you prefer, if you’re a jerk, or if you’re the nicest person who has ever lived. Everyone gets a vote with the same value, even if it is through an eligible representative, and that basic structure promotes equality on a vote level.3. It de-centralizes governmental power.A government with power over the people can dictate how populations live their lives. In a democracy, the governmental power is de-centralized because it lies in the hands of each voter. If an elected official isn’t doing their job, then they can be voted out of office during the next election.
In a true democracy, each vote is its own source of power. That makes it easier for people to stay in control over the direction of chasing their dreams.4. It inspires loyalty and patriotism.A democracy enables people to stand up for what they believe.
It gives them a chance to express their unique perspectives and opinions in a safe environment. Success can be achieved together because the differences people have can be celebrated instead of being feared. This gives people the best chance possible to work towards policies, procedures, and legislation that can benefit as many households as possible.5.
It provides societal consistency.Voting on decisions provides more consistency in government when compared to a government that changes over in power every time a new political party is elected as a majority. People who are given the power to vote are able to maintain the momentum they want on specific legislative items so that, over time, society can be shaped in a way that benefits virtually everyone.6. It stops exploitation.Any form of government is at-risk for exploitation by individuals with power. Because that power is distributed within a democracy, there are more checks and balances in place to ensure that no one is given a form of absolute power.
At a core level, the people are always those that have the most power, no matter what an elected politician might say.7. It encourages GDP growth.People within a democracy are given the opportunity to be whatever they wish to be. By allowing people to pursue their passions, the GDP of a nation is usually higher. Economic opportunities have more stability. Households have an opportunity to form in whatever way suits their needs the best.List of the Cons of Democracy1. It requires voters to be intelligent to be effective.In a democracy, it is possible to cast a vote without having any knowledge about what is being voted on. For this governmental structure to be effective, it is necessary for every voting individual to be well-versed on the subject matter being voted upon.
Without that knowledge, an unnecessary or potentially harmful piece of legislation could be passed.2. It focuses solely on the needs of the majority.Within the structure of a democracy, those who find themselves in the minority on a decision will feel like their country didn’t listen to their ideas and perspectives.
If someone finds themselves in the minority on a consistent basis, then they may begin to feel marginalized. The majority could even attempt to enact policies that harm the minority without protective structures in place to prevent such an action.3. It encourages the mob.People tend to stay in their comfort zones.
More than ever before in the US, people are maintaining friendships within their own political party, but rarely outside of it. Neighborhoods, communities, and even states become polarized because people search for their comfort zone.
A democracy, over a long period of time, encourages mob thinking because it discourages the idea of an open mind. Each vote is an us vs. Them scenario.4.
It is costly.Every vote that is taken in a democracy has a monetary cost associated with it. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, $544 million in lost productivity occurs during a US Presidential election on Election Day. Since 2000, every election cycle in the US has cost more than $1 billion. At the local level, it is not unusual for mayoral, city council, and school council elections to exceed $100,000 in costs.5. It requires a lot of time.Voting requires time to make changes to legislation. Sometimes, however, a decision must be made very quickly. Imagine if the US had to conduct a nationwide vote after an attack by North Korea before a response could be authorized?
Even in a representative democracy, the amount of time that it takes to pass meaningful legislation can extend beyond 1 year quite frequently.The pros and cons of democracy show us that it is a system of government that promotes freedom. That freedom comes at a steep cost, however, and some societies may decide that other forms of government are better suited to meet their needs.How do you feel about the pros and cons of a democracy?