Leadership Style Theories: Which Leadership Style Is The Most Effective?

There are several different leadership styles that can be used by effective managers, as well as several theories on how leadership styles are determined. The leadership style that is most effective for a particular manager will depend on the manager's personal preference, the type of work performed by employees, and the knowledge, skill, and motivation of the employees. The appropriate style to use will also depend on the type of company and the culture of the organization (Wertheim). This paper explains three main leadership styles: authoritarian, participative, and delegative.