Which leadership style provides freedom for subordinates to manage their own work with limited direct supervision?

• A. Authoritarian
• B. Laissez-faire
• C. Democratic
• D. Facilitative

Answer: (B)

Freedom for subordinates to manage their own work with limited direct supervision points to a hands-off approach where the leader steps back and lets the team decide how to execute tasks. This style, known as laissez-faire, works best when team members are skilled, self-directed, and clear on goals. The leader’s role is to provide resources, remove obstacles, and offer support as needed, rather than issuing detailed directions or micromanaging.

Contrast this with authoritarian leadership, which centralizes control and directs most tasks with little input from the team. Democratic leadership involves input and collaborative decision-making but still includes guidance from the leader. Facilitative leadership centers on guiding processes and helping the group reach decisions, which can involve coordinating and supporting rather than granting full independence.

So, the described scenario aligns with laissez-faire.