Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Democratic leadership is best characterized by:

1. Maintaining strict control over decisions

2. Encouraging independence through group processes

3. Making unilateral decisions for efficiency

4. Limiting employee participation in planning

The correct answer is: Encouraging independence through group processes

Democratic leadership is best characterized by encouraging independence through group processes. This leadership style emphasizes collaboration, where team members are invited to contribute their ideas and participate in decision-making. Democratic leaders seek input from their team, fostering an environment of trust and empowerment. This not only enhances team morale and engagement but also leverages the diverse perspectives and skills of individual team members, ultimately leading to more informed and effective decisions. In a setting where democratic leadership is embraced, teamwork and open communication are prioritized, allowing for collective problem-solving and creativity. This approach contrasts with more authoritarian styles that focus on control and limiting input from team members, thereby stifling initiative and potentially leading to decreased job satisfaction and commitment.