Which leadership style encourages employee involvement in decision-making?

Democratic leadership is characterized by its emphasis on including team members in the decision-making process. This style fosters collaboration and values the input and perspectives of all employees, which can enhance engagement and morale within the team. When leaders adopt a democratic approach, they often encourage discussions, seek feedback, and allow team members to vote on important decisions. This inclusivity not only leads to more thoughtful outcomes but also helps build a sense of ownership among employees, making them feel valued and invested in the direction of the organization.

In contrast, autocratic leadership centers authority in the leader and typically does not involve team input. Delegating involves assigning authority to others while maintaining some level of control, which may limit employee input depending on the parameters set by the leader. Free-rein leadership, while granting employees a high degree of autonomy, doesn't necessarily emphasize the collaborative decision-making aspect that democratic leadership does.