The coercive manager gives a lot of directives and expects an immediate compliance from the employees. The coercive leader tells the subordinates what to do, when to do it and how it should be done, and he or she does not tolerate employees to fail to complete the tasks assigned.
Advantage
The coercive approach is effective when a company is going through a crisis situation. In a situation when the company needs to get back on track, the coercive approach can help to raise productivity. Companies lose productivity due many factors like when employees often fail to complete their tasks within the due date. In such situation the coercive style can be a big help.
Some employees may allow themselves to come late at work or to leave earlier or spend much time than needed at the lunch break. A coercive manager does not stand for such behavior. And she or he is not afraid of using his authority to get an employee under the rules by threatening the employee of dock in pay, or demotion, or even permanent removal from office.
And by pushing everyone to improve their performance, the company or organisation has a great chance to raise its productivity. The coercive leader’s main focus is the result. And it has to be as he or she expects or better.
Disadvantage
The coercive method may be efficient to raise the company productivity, but using it for a long run may lead to the failure of a company or organisation. This is due to the stress and pressure it provokes within the workplace. Workers may feel like the leader is abusing the authority, or they are not given freedom in their workplace. And most people do not respond well to such a relationship which may lead to a retaliation of the employees or even resignation of valuable employees. And that gives a bad reputation to a company.
Coercive leadership may be effective if it is moderate and used in a short time period. But if it persists, it can be the root cause of a company failure.
Related articles:
Authoritative Leadership Style,
Affiliative Leadership Style,
Democratic Leadership Style,
Pacesetting Leadership Style,
Coaching Leadership Style.