An Exploration of how Autocratic and Democratic Management Influence Productivity amongst Lower Level Staff Groups: A Tesco Based Investigation
Citation
(2015) An Exploration of how Autocratic and
Democratic Management Influence
Productivity amongst Lower Level
Staff Groups: A Tesco Based
Investigation, no. 131.
Abstract
Aim & Objectives
Due to constant change in business management techniques, it proves difficult to
specify what management technique is best for crating a practical and valuable
workforce. It has previously been proven that management style influences
employee productivity. This study has been set up to specify what management
technique, if any, shows a positive correlation with employee productivity.
Autocratic and Democratic management will be the dominant subjects focused on
throughout this study. Motivation and Job Satisfaction will also be significantly
apparent throughout. The four main objectives of this dissertation are:
• establish how employee productivity is effected by an Autocratic manager
• establish how employee productivity is effected by a Democratic manager
• identify if both management styles can demonstrate a relationship between
Management style, Motivation and Job Satisfaction
• identify which management style, if any, relates to the highest level of staff
productivity
Methodological Design
Mixed Methods have been used to complete this study. Questionnaires with open
ended questions were the main data collection method. Questionnaires were
completed by managers and a number of their employees. The managers were
grouped into autocratic and democratic units alongside their employees.
Findings
Post data collection, the data was analysed through the use of thematic analysis.
Several themes became apparent throughout the analysis stage the following sub
chapters have been created:
• Autocratic Management
• Democratic Management
• Motivation
• Job Satisfaction
The data showed mixed responses regarding these themes. Hypothesis testing was
also put to use. The two hypotheses that were tested are:
Hypothesis 1- Autocratic management has a positive affect on staff productivity
Or
Hypothesis 2- Democratic management has a positive affect on staff productivity
The assumption was made that if one was correct then the other would be wrong,
however this proved difficult after analysing the data.
Conclusions
Concluding this study proved difficult as the managers perceptions of employee
productivity differed from the employees' perceptions of their own productivity.
There are however, things that Tesco can consider to increase employee productivity
within their stores.
Key Words: Autocratic Management, Democratic Management,
Employee Productivity, Motivation, Job Satisfaction