Autocratic and Permissive Business Management: Promoting Equality in the Workplace

Dr. Ryan Giffen

When it comes to managing a business, there are several methods that will be effective in running a smooth operation. The caveat involved with any successful business management method is that morals and ethics must be effectively implemented. One of the most important things to ensure is equality. Equality in the workplace will keep employees happy and motivated. Safety and overall morale are as important as equality in the workplace. Let’s have a look at a few business management methods and how to promote equality in the workplace.

Autocratic Business Management

While running a business autocratically, the whole idea is that the owner (or upper management) has the final say. When it comes to all business-related decisions. This can be an efficient mode of operation for several reasons. When a problem comes up or a need arises under good, autocratic leadership a simple solution can be made across the board. Another benefit of autocratic management is that the ‘voice’ or ‘mission’ of the business can be protected and driven with care.  An effective leader will have the opportunity to guide the business. With a clear, concise, direction without running the risk of ‘losing-touch'. Along with the core values that makes the business what it is. In this way, an autocratic management style can be extremely effective when ‘streamlining’ the business and allowing it to be easily understood.

Permissive Business Management

A permissive style of business management is quite different. The subordinates get to make decisions and share responsibilities rather than upper management. Although this can lead to a chaotic work environment and ever-changing leadership, it can allow motivated individuals to come together and progressively enhance the business. 

Keeping and Promoting Equality

In any business, inequality can create detrimental problems. Just as the problems that inequality can create are vast, so can be the potential issues that lead to inequality. A driven and effective leader can maintain equal pay, equal responsibility and equal treatment.

One of the keys to a successful business is clarity across the board. Just as the mission of the business should be cohesive and implemented in every avenue, so should the concept of equality. If a business is to keep long-term employees who are able to stay motivated and excited about their work, that business will have to ensure that the employees have a sense of unity and equality. 

Autocratic business management can allow for values like equality and unity to be positively reinforced and maintained. Equality in the workplace is an important topic that leadership should be promoting. This is why great leadership starts with proper training and implementation of good learning practices.

Making sure that the workforce of a business understands concepts like equality is paramount in the successful business operation. Strong leadership and thorough training can help to keep your business unified through equality.

About Dr. Ryan Giffen

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ryan Giffen is an expert in human relations and business culture. His career began in hospitality, leading operations and human resource departments for Fortune 500 companies and the like. Not long after, Ryan found his passion for teaching and consulting. He earned a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management with a Human Resources focus from Iowa State University and now works as an assistant professor at California State University, Long Beach. For over a decade, he continues to research and speak on organizational culture, relationship intelligence, and leadership effectiveness. Ryan is also the founder of Inospire, a company helping bosses and employees build stronger relationships with one another.  Lastly, Dr. Giffen is producer and host of the Corporate Shadow Podcast. a show helping everyday employees overcome workplace nonsense.