DECA Sports and Entertainment Marketing Practice Exam

Which leadership style is characterized by minimal guidance to team members?

1. Authoritative leader

2. Laissez-faire leader

3. Transactional leader

4. Servant leader

The correct answer is: Laissez-faire leader

The leadership style characterized by minimal guidance to team members is the laissez-faire leader. This approach allows team members to operate with a high degree of independence, fostering an environment where individuals can make their own decisions and take initiative. The laissez-faire leader trusts their team’s expertise and capability, stepping back to let members work autonomously. This style can be particularly effective in creative environments or among teams of skilled professionals who require little oversight and thrive on innovation and self-direction. In contrast, authoritative leaders provide clear direction and actively engage in guiding their teams, while transactional leaders focus on structured tasks, rewards, and performance metrics. Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their team and promote collaboration and empowerment, but typically maintain a more hands-on approach than one would see in a laissez-faire environment. Therefore, the distinctive feature of minimal guidance aligns clearly with the laissez-faire leadership style.