Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Practice Test

What type of leader encourages delegation and relies on expert power to influence subordinates?

1. Democratic leader

2. Autocratic leader

3. Skillful manager

4. Laissez-faire manager

The correct answer is: Democratic leader

The type of leader that encourages delegation and relies on expert power to influence subordinates is a democratic leader. Democratic leaders actively involve their team members in the decision-making process, fostering an environment where ideas are shared, and everyone's input is valued. This leadership style promotes collaboration and empowerment, which naturally leads to delegation, as leaders trust their team to take on responsibilities and make decisions. By using expert power, which refers to the influence a leader has due to their knowledge and skills in a specific area, democratic leaders can guide their teams effectively. They leverage their expertise not just to direct, but to inspire confidence in their team members, encouraging them to act independently and make informed choices. In contrast, other leadership styles such as autocratic leaders tend to centralize power and make decisions unilaterally, which does not support delegation or rely on team involvement. Skillful managers generally emphasize operational effectiveness but may not prioritize the same level of team participation as democratic leaders. Laissez-faire managers, while they may allow independence, often do so without providing much guidance or expertise, which could lead to a lack of structure rather than a collaborative environment. Thus, democratic leadership stands out as the model that embodies delegation and the use of expert power effectively.