Which leadership style believes people are internally motivated and will work hard when given a chance to participate?

• A. Authoritative/autocratic
• B. Democratic
• C. Laissez-faire
• D. Transformational

Answer: (B)

Participative leadership, or democratic leadership, rests on the idea that people are internally motivated and will put in effort when they have a say in how work is done. When team members help shape decisions, goals, and problem-solving approaches, they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility. This taps into intrinsic motivation—the enjoyment of the work, the autonomy to influence outcomes, and the satisfaction of contributing meaningfully—so individuals are more likely to invest effort and stay committed. The leader becomes a facilitator, inviting input, building consensus, and guiding collaboration rather than issuing orders. Autocratic leadership centers on centralized control and obedience, which can dampen internal motivation. Laissez-faire offers minimal guidance, risking ambiguity and reduced accountability. Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring and developing people, which boosts motivation but does not explicitly hinge on participation as the primary mechanism for driving effort.