Which leadership style is characterized by involving employees in decisions and sharing authority?

• A. Autocratic leader
• B. Paternalistic leader
• C. Democratic leader
• D. Laissez-faire

Answer: (C)

The main idea is leadership that invites input from the team and distributes decision-making power. Democratic leadership involves employees in decisions and shares authority, fostering collaboration and buy-in. This fits the description because decisions aren’t made by the leader alone; people contribute ideas and have a say in outcomes. Autocratic leadership centralizes decision-making with little input from others, so it doesn’t involve sharing authority. Paternalistic leadership may guide and care for employees but still keeps final decisions with the leader. Laissez-faire is very hands-off, giving employees freedom with minimal direction, not the active sharing of authority described. So the style that best matches involving employees in decisions and sharing authority is democratic leadership.