'In a hospital, managers using a democratic style are more likely to be successful than managers using an autocratic style.' Discuss the extent to which you agree with this view.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. Clear understanding of autocratic and democratic styles of management
2. Reference to the business context of managing a hospital
3. Explanation and analysis of the characteristics of democratic style and autocratic style managers
4. Democratic management assumes participation – two-way communication – employees encouraged and given freedom to suggest and question decisions characteristic of democratic management – advantages/disadvantages
5. In a hospital, the care of patients involves teamwork between different professions
6. It requires exchange of information, co-operation and exchange of ideas to diagnose and treat
7. Given this scenario, democratic management might be said to be the most appropriate and potentially most successful
8. However, in a hospital, critical/crisis situations may occur which require instant decision-making, urgent action, which is more suited to autocratic action and behaviour - life and death situations on a ward and in an operating theatre
9. Also, in a hospital there are many different workers and roles – support staff might require and expect styles of management not associated with participative decision-making – hospital porters may respond to management styles other than democratic
10. A candidate may make a judgement/conclusion as to the extent to which they agree with the view that in a hospital, managers using a democratic style are more likely to be successful than managers using an autocratic style.
11. Attempt to make a judgement in respect of the proposition in the question
12. Evaluative comment as evidence/argument for and against the proposition is assessed
13. A judgement is made that the view expressed in the question is perhaps over-simplistic in terms of all the employees in a hospital – in terms of all situations
14. A judgement is made that a democratic style of management may not always lead to successful decisions and results
15. A judgement is made that it is insufficient to consider only autocratic and democratic styles and that consideration should be given to laissez-faire and paternalistic styles
16. Accept any other valid response.