The autocratic leadership style allows managers to make decisions alone without the input of subordinates. Managers possess total authority and impose their will on employees (Simpson, 2012:13). No one challenges the decisions of autocratic leaders. This leadership style benefits employees who require close supervision (Maseti and Gumede, 2011: 1481). Autocratic leadership style is slowly becoming outdated (Maseti and Gumede, 2011: 1481). Autocratic style is now only popular in public organizations where a leader sees himself as a commander who must not be challenged with regard to his authority and power. Autocratic leadership style is often seen as professional brutality and cruelty.
Authoritative leaders have the following characteristics:
• Autocratic leaders possess total authority and control,
• They keep their eyes on goal completion,
• Autocratic leaders want to make as many decisions as possible (Maseti and Gumede, 2011: 1481),
• Authoritative leaders adopt a dictatorial approach,
• Authoritative leaders are reluctant to delegate completely (Maseti
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People may prefer the ability to be told what to do next. The autocratic leadership style may be very effective when times are stressful or when there is an emergency. This type of leadership limits debates and arguments. It allows employees to have one task, and that is to work, which could mean that employees master their tasks and become proficient enough to lift up the company. Other advantages of Autocratic leadership style include the following (Maseti and Gumede, 2011:1481):
• Authoritative Leaders possess total control,
• There is improved work output, efficiency and effectiveness due to intensive inspection,
• Authoritative style helps improve competitiveness in logistics and operations,
• There is fast decision making due to one centre of