Notes

Two management theories which align well with my democratic leadership style are Adminstatrive Principles, a classical management theory and contingency thinking a modern management theory.

1. Adminstrative Principles - Henri Fayol

Two management theories which align well with my democratic leadership style are administrative principles, which is a classical management theory, and contingency thinking, a modern management theory.

Firstly, I've found that Henri Fayol's five rules of management, encapsulated in administrative principles, align well with my democratic leadership style. Foresight, the first rule, is about completing a plan of action, much like what I usually do when beginning a new task. Next, the organisational aspect corresponds to the democratic process, allowing each team member to contribute based on their strengths and preferences. In the command principle, I lead discussion while ensuring roles are collectively decided. Coordination involves integrating various voices and ideas together and creating one big plan to complete the task. Lastly, control is exercised through me ensuring everything is going smoothly and to plan. As an example, I've applied these principles in group projects, creating an inclusive environment that combines structured planning with joint decision making. Ultimately, these administrative principles not only guide me academically but also secure the democratic values that define my leadership style.

Adding on, contingency thinking, a modern management theory is one which I feel applies to my leadership style.

Adding on, Contingency Thinking, a modern management theory, is also applicable to my leadership style. Contingency Thinking involves finding practices that fit the demands of unique situations. It requires matching managerial responses with problems and opportunities, particularly those posed by individual and environmental differences. This approach uses all functions of management, adapting planning, organizing, leading, and controlling to different environmental conditions and performance situations. For instance, during a collaborative project, unexpected challenges emerged due to conflicting schedules among team members. Embracing Contingency Thinking, I flexibly adjusted the project plan, reorganized roles to accommodate individual constraints, and led the team in a manner that considered the unique circumstances. This adaptability allowed us to navigate the challenges effectively and maintain the democratic spirit within the team, highlighting the practical application of Contingency Thinking in my leadership approach.