The leadership style characterized by limited discussion of new ideas and best used in groups who are not well acquainted with each other is the authoritarian (or autocratic) leadership style. Key features of authoritarian leadership include:
- Centralized decision-making with the leader making decisions independently and expecting compliance without question.
- Minimal tolerance for dissent or input from group members, resulting in limited discussion or debate.
- Clear hierarchy and strict control, with the leader issuing direct commands and closely supervising tasks.
- This style works well in situations where the group is inexperienced, unfamiliar with each other, or when quick, decisive action is needed without time for group discussion.
Authoritarian leadership is often effective in groups that are not well acquainted because it provides clear structure and direction, reducing uncertainty and confusion among members who may not yet trust or understand each other. It limits the need for collaborative discussion, which can be inefficient or unproductive in such contexts