Which leadership style emphasizes letting subordinates make decisions?

• A. Autocratic
• B. Laissez-faire
• C. Democratic
• D. Servant leadership

Answer: (B)

Letting subordinates make decisions is a hallmark of laissez-faire leadership. In this style, the leader steps back, sets goals, and provides resources, then allows team members to determine how to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision. This can boost creativity and ownership when the team is skilled and motivated, though it can lead to ambiguity or accountability gaps if roles aren’t clear. By contrast, autocratic leadership centers decision-making in the leader, democratic leadership seeks input and consensus with the final call resting on the leader, and servant leadership focuses on serving and developing others, often with more guiding support. The description fits laissez-faire best because it emphasizes granting decision-making authority to subordinates with limited direct oversight.