What are some common leadership styles in different cultures?

Cultural competency is the ability to interact effectively and respectfully with people from different backgrounds, values, and beliefs. It is an essential skill for leaders who want to foster collaboration, innovation, and inclusion in their teams and organizations. However, cultural competency is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Different cultures may have different expectations, preferences, and norms for leadership styles. Understanding these differences can help you adapt your leadership style to the context and situation, and avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. In this article, we will explore some common leadership styles in different cultures, and how they affect communication, decision-making, and motivation.

1 Autocratic leadership

Autocratic leadership is a style where the leader makes all the decisions, sets the goals, and controls the resources. The leader does not consult with the followers or seek their input or feedback. The followers are expected to obey and follow the rules, without questioning or challenging the authority of the leader. Autocratic leadership is often associated with cultures that have high power distance, such as China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Power distance is the extent to which people accept and expect unequal distribution of power and status in a society. In high power distance cultures, people tend to respect and defer to the leaders, who are seen as experts, guardians, and benevolent rulers.

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Madhavi Patri Subramanian

Independent Director (IICA). Certified BRSR Expert. Inspiring wellbeing- Environmental, Individual.
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Autocratic leadership, under certain circumstances may be the only exercisable option of leadership style. For example in the context of military, in the battle field, you can’t have a round table or discussion when an enemy is firing at you. It ought to be leader’s voice and directive, rest of the crew will have to follow. Leader needs to be so capable and tuned, and above that, he/she has to earn complete trust and respect of the followers. After all, what is at stake is one’s life, most precious of all possessions!

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2 Democratic leadership

Democratic leadership is a style where the leader involves the followers in the decision-making process, encourages participation and collaboration, and values their opinions and suggestions. The leader acts as a facilitator, coach, and supporter, rather than a dictator or controller. The followers are expected to contribute, share, and take responsibility for the outcomes. Democratic leadership is often associated with cultures that have low power distance, such as Denmark, Sweden, and Canada. Low power distance cultures value equality, autonomy, and empowerment. In low power distance cultures, people tend to challenge and question the leaders, who are seen as peers, partners, and facilitators.

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Madhavi Patri Subramanian

Independent Director (IICA). Certified BRSR Expert. Inspiring wellbeing- Environmental, Individual.
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Democratic leadership style places a huge responsibility among followers, which renders a sense of power and satisfaction. Voices are heard, there is a piece of everyone in the decisions that are made. It is empowering.

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3 Paternalistic leadership

Paternalistic leadership is a style where the leader acts as a parent or a guardian to the followers, providing them with guidance, protection, and care. The leader considers the needs and interests of the followers, and expects loyalty, trust, and respect in return. The leader may consult with the followers, but ultimately makes the final decisions. The followers are expected to comply, appreciate, and reciprocate the leader's benevolence. Paternalistic leadership is often associated with cultures that have high collectivism, such as Japan, India, and Mexico. Collectivism is the extent to which people prioritize group goals, values, and identity over individual ones. In high collectivism cultures, people tend to value harmony, interdependence, and loyalty. In high collectivism cultures, leaders are seen as mentors, protectors, and role models.

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4 Transformational leadership

Transformational leadership is a style where the leader inspires and motivates the followers to achieve a shared vision, mission, or purpose. The leader communicates a clear and compelling direction, stimulates creativity and innovation, and provides feedback and recognition. The leader also develops the followers' potential, skills, and confidence, and empowers them to take initiative and ownership. The followers are expected to perform, innovate, and grow. Transformational leadership is often associated with cultures that have high individualism, such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Individualism is the extent to which people prioritize their own goals, values, and identity over the group ones. In high individualism cultures, people tend to value achievement, autonomy, and recognition. In high individualism cultures, leaders are seen as visionaries, influencers, and coaches.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some common leadership styles in different cultures?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Autocratic leadership

2 Democratic leadership

3 Paternalistic leadership

4 Transformational leadership

5 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

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What are some common leadership styles in different cultures?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Autocratic leadership

2 Democratic leadership

3 Paternalistic leadership

4 Transformational leadership

5 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

Rate this article

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