Project Management: Analyzing Leadership Style's Impact on Success

This report investigates the impact of leadership styles, specifically democratic and autocratic approaches, on project management outcomes within a business organization. It begins with an introduction outlining the importance of organizational leadership, defines the two primary leadership styles, and highlights the research objectives and questions. The report then reviews existing literature, exploring the positive and negative aspects of each leadership style and identifying gaps in current research regarding their direct impact on project management. The research methodology is detailed, including research philosophy, design, data collection, and analysis methods. Findings are presented, analyzing how democratic leadership facilitates quicker policy implementation through regular communication and strategic interactions, while autocratic leadership may hinder progress. The report concludes with recommendations on which leadership styles are most effective in project management contexts, emphasizing the need for adaptable leadership based on project requirements and organizational culture. The study underscores the significance of leadership in ensuring project success and achieving organizational goals.

Running head: IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Impact of Leadership Style on Project Management
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1 – Introduction...........................................................................................................3
1.1. Background Overview......................................................................................................3
1.2. Problem Statement............................................................................................................5
1.3. Research Objectives..........................................................................................................6
1.4. Research Questions...........................................................................................................6
2. Review of Literature.............................................................................................................7
2.1. Gaps in the Review of Literature......................................................................................9
3. Chapter 3 – Research Methods...........................................................................................10
3.1. Research Philosophy.......................................................................................................10
3.2. Research Design..............................................................................................................10
3.3. Data Collection and Analysis..........................................................................................11
3.4. Sample Size.....................................................................................................................11
3.5. Sampling Technique.......................................................................................................11
3.6. Ethical Factors.................................................................................................................11
3.7. Limitations of the Study..................................................................................................12
4. Chapter 4 – Findings and Analysis.........................................................................................13
4.1. Regular Communication by Democratic Leaders results in Quick Implementation of
Policy and Practice....................................................................................................................13
4.2. Autocratic Leadership can hinder the Implementation of Sound Policy and Practice....14

2IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
4.3. Strategic Interactions and Communication by Democratic Leaders can lead to Quick
Policy Implementation...............................................................................................................15
5. Chapter Five – Conclusion and Recommendations...............................................................16
5.1. Recommendations...........................................................................................................16
References......................................................................................................................................17

3IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
1. Chapter 1 – Introduction
Organizational leadership is a term that refers to the management style or approach that is
adopted by the leaders or administrators of an organization to direct business operations in a way
that is suitable for both the stakeholders and shareholders of the organization. Organizational
leadership has a role to play in influencing the outcome of business strategy and business
operations, and more often than not, it decides the successful implementation of projects
(Abraham et al. 2018). If a project is to be passed or executed with success in a business
organization, then it becomes imperative for the leadership of the organization to be strong and
assertive so that the right actions can be taken at the right times in order to generate the desired
outcome. Organizational leadership is seen to be of different styles or forms, the most common
styles being the democratic leadership style and the autocratic leadership style among others (Al
Khajeh et al. 2018). This assignment enters into an investigation to assess the impact that both
the autocratic and democratic style of leadership can have on project management in a business
organization. To this end, the aims, objectives and the key or important research questions are
stated, a detailed review of literature is undertaken, the research methods are properly outlined
and the results of the research are discussed and analyzed. The research concludes with some
useful recommendations that can be taken into consideration when engaging in leadership
activities for project management in a business organization.
1.1. Background Overview
The phrase organizational leadership is used to describe the type of behavior or attitude
that is played when guiding an individual or groups of people within the four walls of a business
organization. Organizational leadership is aimed at supervising and in guiding teams of

4IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
employees to achieve the goals and objectives of the business organization (Ameh 2017). It is the
leaders of the organization who establish the work culture of the organization and who have a
role to play ensuring that the operations of the business organization are carried out in the
manner that is desired. Organizational leadership is usually of two different types, namely the
autocratic leadership style and the democratic leadership style. Both styles of leadership can
prove to be effective in the running of a business organization based on the circumstances in
which the organization has to conduct its operations (Brown and Weli 2019).
The autocratic leadership style is also referred to by the term authoritative
leadership style or authoritarian leadership and it is a form of leadership where absolute control
is assumed by the supervisor or the manager over the rest of the employees and administrators in
the organization. This person leads and guides the organization much in the way that a dictator
would in a totalitarian state (Brown and Weli 2019). There is little room for consent and much of
the actions and decisions that are taken by the autocratic business leader are actions taken, on the
basis of this person’s own free will rather than being based on the opinions and thoughts of
fellow employees and subordinates. Some of the important characteristics that are associated
with the autocratic leadership style in a business organization are the fact there is no or very little
input from other members of the organization at the time that this person takes a decision, it is
the leader who takes all important decisions for the most part, the methods and processes of the
work are dictated by the leader, other members of the organization or of group are not trusted
with the rendition of important tasks and assignments, and the work that is performed by the
members of the organization tends to be quite rigid and structured instead of being flexible and
dynamic (Amah 2017). The autocratic leadership style seldom gives employees in an
organization the freedom and the dynamic work environment that they need in order to be

5IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
innovative about how they do their work and to exercise their own autonomy in the work
process. The authoritarian leader rules like a dictator and suppresses dissent in quite a ruthless
manner as and when this is seen to arise. Growth and progress are stifled for the most part even
though the organization runs on the most efficient lines when an authoritarian leader is placed in
charge of the organization (Kaiser 2017).
The democratic leadership style is much the opposite of the autocratic leadership style.
According to this style of leadership there is plenty of room or scope for the employees in an
organization to follow their heart’s desire when undertaking projects (Kaiser 2017). They are
accorded with the flexibility and the dynamism that is needed in the workplace environment in
order to perform operations in a way that allows them to be at their innovative and creative best.
The free flow of ideas and the smooth implementation of projects is something that is guaranteed
when there is a democratic leader in a position of power. When the organization is governed by a
democratic leader, then the different members of the organization are encouraged to share their
thoughts and ideas on a variety of matters, they feel entirely engaged in the decision making
process and the creativity that they are able to demonstrate at the place of work is something that
is rewarded as well as encouraged. Some of the specific traits that are possessed by democratic
leaders are fairness, competence, creativity, courage, intelligence and honesty (Mohiuddin 2017).
1.2. Problem Statement
The literature on organizational leadership points out the positive traits and the negative
traits about the democratic and autocratic styles of leadership. It talks about the dimensions of
such leadership forms and the way by which business operations are conducted or implemented
when such leadership styles or forms are in place. Specifically, though, the existing literature on
organizational leadership does not talk about how autocratic or democratic leadership styles, or

6IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
both for that matter, can have an impact on the process of project management. This gap will be
addressed in the present investigation, which will aim to see how a democratic style of leadership
in an organization influences the passage of a medical insurance coverage or plan, with the sub-
leadership of the organization being of an autocratic element.
1.3. Research Objectives
The primary objectives of the present investigation are as follows –
 To assess the impact of democratic leadership style on project management
 To assess the impact of autocratic leadership style on project management
 To determine the benefits of democratic style of leadership in an organization
 To determine the benefits of an autocratic style of leadership in an organization
 To provide recommendations on the type of leadership style that ought to be
implemented by an organization when implementing project management
1.4. Research Questions
RQ 1 – What is the impact of democratic leadership style on project management?
RQ 2 – What is the impact of autocratic leadership style on project management?
RQ 3 – What are the benefits of democratic leadership style in an organization?
RQ 4 – What are the benefits of autocratic leadership style for an organization?
RQ 5 – What is the type of leadership that should be adopted by a business organization when
implementing project management?

7IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
2. Review of Literature
Fiaz et al. (2017) have undertaken research on the importance of democratic leadership style
for growth and development in a business organization. The study has been carried out in the
context of Pakistan and it has been demonstrated well enough by the authors that a democratic
leadership style needs to be in place in business organizations for such organizations to grow and
to flourish. It is argued by Fiaz et al. (2017) that democratic leadership style gives individuals the
scope to grow and expand their abilities in a dynamic work environment. Statistical analysis
undertaken by the researchers shows that there is wide preference for democratic leadership in
business organizations and that such a form of leadership needs to be in place if an organization
is to move in a forward direction and establish competitive advantage in the industry where it
functions.
Chukwusa (2018) has undertaken research to show how the autocratic style of leadership
is one that can prove to be highly detrimental for organizations that implement such a form of
leadership. The research has been carried out in the context of academic libraries with an attempt
being made on the part of the researcher to show how autocratic leadership can be dysfunctional,
how it can stifle opinion and how it can keep an enterprise from moving in forward direction.
When the decisions are not made in an organization with the consent of employees and if the
opinions of the staff of an organization are not taken into account by the leadership of the same,
then the policies introduced by the leaders fail to have little or no impact and ultimately keep the
organization from achieving its goals and objectives easily. Hence as argued by Chukwusa
(2018) this is a form of leadership that needs to be entirely done away with.

8IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Hussain et al. (2017) have attempted to see how the leadership style that is exercised by
the principal of a school can have an impact on the satisfaction that teachers are seen to
experience when they work for the organization. In fact, it is argued by Hussain et al (2017) that
the more flexible, dynamic and approachable the principal of the school, the happier the teachers
in the organization are likely to be. The importance of principals exercising democratic
leadership has been showcased in the research that has been undertaken. It was found in the
context of this particular research that the faculty members of the school under study were not
always included in the decision making process and it is argued by Hussain et al. (2017) that this
is something that should be encouraged if teachers are to be given the incentive to stay and work
for the school. In the view of Hussain et al (2017) when faculty members are involved in the
decision making process, they feel more wanted or included by the organization and
consequently experience the satisfaction and the desire that is necessary to serve the organization
over the long term.
Sevinc et al. (2018) have also attempted to see how the autocratic and democratic style of
leadership can play out in a school setup. The research has been carried out with special
reference to the mobbing that teachers are seen to suffer. In the view of the researchers, there is a
negative relationship that is seen to exist between the democratic leadership style and the
mobbing of teachers while a positive relationship exists between autocratic leadership style and
teacher mobbing. It has been found by Sevinc et al. (2018) that autocratic leaders do a better job
of controlling rowdiness within a school set up compared to democratic leaders. Work
commitment is better enhanced as well through the autocratic style of leadership. In the ultimate
analysis it is argued by Sevinc et al. (2018) that both styles of leadership should be implemented
in the governance of a school.

9IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Dyckowzka and Dyckowzka (2017) have studied about democratic and autocratic styles
of leadership in the context of participative management. In the view of the researchers, both
participative management as well as rewarding strategies when implemented by small scale or
medium sized enterprises has a strong impact on the satisfaction that is experienced by
employees when working for the organization. They further go to argue that such participative
management and the rewarding and recognition of employees is something that can be assured of
or implemented only when the leadership that is in power in the organization is a democratic
style of leadership. The study has been carried out in the context of Poland and it is found by the
researchers that only when employees are truly satisfied and when their voice is taken into
consideration by the higher management of a firm do they feel the desire and the incentive to
perform. Dyckowzka and Dyckowzka (2017) argue in conclusion that business organizations
need to implement the democratic style of leadership in order to keep their employees happy and
satisfied both in the short and the long term, arguing further that the autocratic form of leadership
can only hinder the work process.
2.1. Gaps in the Review of Literature
The literature that has been reviewed above has done a thorough job of pointing out the
effectiveness that is associated with the democratic style of leadership. It has also pointed to the
importance of autocratic leadership style as well as the problems that are connected to this form
of leadership. The literature has not however pointed out how both styles of leadership can have
a role to play when it comes to the implementation of projects, of policies and practices by a
business organization. It has not analyzed whether this can be good or bad. This gap in the
review of literature is something that is going to be covered or assessed by the present research

10IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
that is being undertaken, with an attempt now being made in this study to see which style works
best for a business organization.
3. Chapter 3 – Research Methods
3.1. Research Philosophy
Research philosophy is a term which is used to describe the conceptual or theoretical
basis of a research project and it falls in three important categories. These are the positivist
research philosophy, the research philosophy of realism as well as the research philosophy of
interpretivism. The positivist research philosophy tends to be the most widely used as it allows
for factual information to be understood and analyzed in significant detail. Interpretivism is often
brought into play when engaging in the analysis of managerial functions, duties and operations.
Realism is a research perspective that entails a combination of the elements that are common to
positivism as well as to interpretivism (Silverman 2016). For the current investigation, the
positivist research philosophy has been adopted.
3.2. Research Design
Research design is the scientific or theoretical framework along the lines of which an
investigation is conducted. Research design outlines the structure and the form that an
investigation will take and the trajectory that it is going to follow for the fulfillment of its aims
and objectives. Research design is of three important types namely, the exploratory research
design, the explanatory research design and the descriptive or analytical research design. The
first research design allows for the quick and easy exploration of theories and concepts
pertaining to the subject matter of the investigation, the explanatory research design allows for
the subject matter to be understood by taking into consideration the nature of the relationship

11IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT
between the variables of the study while the descriptive or analytical research design allows for
information to be absorbed, interpreted and analyzed in a detailed manner. For this study the
descriptive or analytical research design has been adopted and the other two research designs
have been rejected (Glesne 2016).
3.3. Data Collection and Analysis
The data for this research has been collected using primary and qualitative research
methods, whereby an attempt has been made to see how a business organization in Oman
implements a project management scheme like the passage of medical insurance coverage of
employees using a democratic style of leadership and the tool of game theory is taken as a unit of
analysis. The methods that have been used include structured interviews, FGD’s or focus group
discussions and participant observation behavior. In addition to primary research, secondary
research has also been undertaken by referring to books, journal articles and chapters in edited
volumes on the subject of organizational leadership and game theory. The results of the research
have been analyzed in a thematic manner.
3.4. Sample Size
The sample size for this research is limited to 50 people out of which 15 are managers
and 35 are employees working for a travel agency in Oman.
3.5. Sampling Technique
The probability or convenient sampling technique was made use of, in order to create the
respondent population for the purpose of investigation.