authoritarian versus authoritative are found in military and street gangs (Adolf Hitler, Vladimir Putin, the mafia), but they also exist in politics and business (Roger Ailes, Martha Stewart, Donald Trump) and in parenting: They believe that children should be taught right from wrong, be given strict guidelines to follow, and punished when they break those rules. They don’t listen to their children or take their opinions into account, and they have little tolerance for mistakes or misunderstandings.
In the workplace, this type of leader makes decisions without consulting anyone and believes that their knowledge is superior to others’. This can lead to a company culture where everyone feels disrespected and disengaged because they don’t feel their ideas are valued.
Navigating Leadership Styles: Authoritarian vs. Authoritative Management
When authoritarian parents are criticized, they tend to argue and lash out. They withdraw affection and refuse to show their kids positive feedback, and they are likely to yell at them. They use harsh punishments and often attempt to control their kids by threatening them with physical and emotional abuse.
On the other hand, authoritative parents are warm and loving to their children and always let them know how much they love them. They set reasonable rules and discipline their kids with a focus on understanding the underlying cause of misbehavior, rather than simply punishing them. They communicate with warmth, avoid shaming their kids, and they are open to discussing problems and making changes together. They’re unlikely to pull back on their high expectations, however.