Which option describes the leadership style opposite to autocratic?

• A. Autocratic leadership
• B. Democratic leadership
• C. Laissez-faire leadership
• D. Transformational leadership

Answer: (B)

Democratic leadership is the style that involves others in decision-making, which is the direct opposite of an autocrat who makes decisions alone. In a democratic approach, the leader invites input from team members, discusses options, and often reaches a decision through group discussion or consent. This shared authority fosters buy-in and collaboration, even if it can slow down decisions compared with the quick, unilateral choices typical of autocratic leadership. The other styles described differ in how they handle control and direction: laissez-faire is a very hands-off, high-autonomy approach, which isn’t the same as inviting input in a structured way; transformational leadership centers on inspiring change rather than on how decisions are made.