Which leadership style is characterized by one-way communication and strict control?

The leadership style characterized by one-way communication and strict control is autocratic leadership. This style involves a leader making decisions unilaterally, with little to no input from team members. The autocratic leader maintains significant authority and control over their team, providing clear directives and expecting compliance without debate or discussion.

In this style, communication flows predominantly from the leader to the team, reinforcing a hierarchy where the leader's decisions are final. This can lead to efficiency in decision-making and can be effective in situations that require quick action or when guidelines need to be strictly followed. However, this approach may stifle creativity and reduce team morale, as team members may feel disengaged and undervalued due to the lack of opportunity for input or collaboration.

Understanding this style is crucial since it contrasts with other leadership styles, such as democratic, which encourages participation and input from team members, and laissez-faire, which offers minimal intervention, allowing team members to operate largely independently. Paternalistic leadership straddles between authoritarian and more democratic involvement but focuses on a leader's protective role rather than strict control.