Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Which approach is often effective for short-term objectives but can negatively impact employee morale?

1. Servant Leadership

2. Democratic Leadership

3. Autocratic/Authoritarian Leadership

4. Transformational Leadership

The correct answer is: Autocratic/Authoritarian Leadership

The approach that is often effective for short-term objectives but can negatively impact employee morale is Autocratic/Authoritarian Leadership. This leadership style is characterized by a clear command structure where the leader makes decisions unilaterally and expects compliance from team members. While this can lead to quick decision-making and efficiency in achieving immediate goals, it can also create an environment where employees feel disempowered and undervalued. In the short term, this method can yield results because it minimizes the time spent on discussions and facilitates rapid execution of tasks. However, the downside is that it can stifle creativity, input, and engagement from team members, leading to dissatisfaction and resentment over time. Employees may feel a lack of ownership over their work, which can erode their intrinsic motivation and ultimately impact overall morale in the working environment. In contrast, other leadership styles, such as Servant Leadership, Democratic Leadership, and Transformational Leadership, typically promote collaborative participation, empowerment, and shared vision, all of which are conducive to fostering a positive team atmosphere and long-term employee engagement.