Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Which leadership style is characterized by a lack of direction and insufficient goal orientation?

1. Laissez-Faire

2. Authoritative

3. Transactional

4. Transformational

The correct answer is: Laissez-Faire

The leadership style characterized by a lack of direction and insufficient goal orientation is indeed the Laissez-Faire style. This approach is marked by minimal guidance or oversight from the leader, resulting in team members having significant freedom to make their own decisions. While this can empower individuals and foster creativity, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency if team members are uncertain about their objectives or lack the motivation to pursue goals independently. In contrast, the other leadership styles involve more structure and goal orientation. Authoritative leaders provide clear direction and inspire their teams toward shared goals. Transactional leadership focuses on clear exchanges between leader and followers, with specific goals and tasks to accomplish. Transformational leaders strive to inspire and motivate their followers by engaging them in a vision and encouraging personal and professional growth. Each of these styles emphasizes direction and goal setting, which is absent in the Laissez-Faire approach.