When authoritarian regimes crumbled across Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, many political scientists predicted that they would soon be out of style. Instead, autocracy is growing and spreading — including in the United States, where it threatens to undo decades of progress toward democratic governance. Jackson School professor and expert in authoritarian rule Jennifer Gandhi is working to understand why.
She finds that, while a minority of managers use an autocratic leadership style as a tactical choice to tackle crisis situations, it often reflects a deeper culture of hierarchy and compliance within an organization. Rather than fostering creativity and engagement, these leaders make unilateral decisions, avoid employee input, and communicate in a top-down manner. Their rigid rules and lack of flexibility create a stressful and disengaged work environment.
In addition, authoritarian leaders rely on a host of tactics to seize and hold power. For example, they politicize independent institutions to bolster their authority and control. They also seek to limit the electoral participation of marginalized groups such as women, people of color, and gays and lesbians. And they inflame politically-useful violence to justify broader restrictions on civil liberties and coercive security measures.
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of authoritarian leadership, and take steps to promote a more adaptive one. Managers who want to move away from an autocratic leadership style can practice self-awareness, invite team input, and implement small measurable changes. With the right coaching and support, they can retain their authority while fostering collaboration and innovation.
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