What defines exploitative authoritative leadership?

Exploitative authoritative leadership is characterized by a top-down approach where compliance and control are prioritized, often at the expense of employee autonomy and morale. In this type of leadership, management tends to enforce rules and ensure compliance primarily through punitive measures rather than through motivation or engagement. This creates an environment where employees are more likely to feel coerced than empowered, relying heavily on the authority of their superiors to dictate actions and responses.

The other options illustrate contrasting leadership styles. Trust and open communication are hallmarks of more participative or transformational leadership approaches, which aim to build strong relationships and encourage collaboration. Decentralized decision-making emphasizes employee empowerment and involvement in the process, reflecting a leadership style that values input and shared responsibility. Regularly seeking employee feedback aligns with participative or democratic leadership, further moving away from the authoritarian style that relies on compliance through punishment. Overall, the defining feature of exploitative authoritative leadership is its reliance on coercion and control, making compliance through punishment the core characteristic of this leadership style.