The document contrasts autocratic and democratic school management styles, highlighting that autocratic management fosters distrust and centralizes decision-making, while democratic management promotes trust and collaborative planning among staff. It also mentions laissez-faire management, which allows teachers greater freedom and responsibility but requires competent staff to be effective. Overall, each management style significantly impacts the environment and functioning of a school.

1. Difference between Autocratic &
Democratic School Management
Autocratic
• An environment of
mutual distrust exists.
• Planning is done by
the manager/head
only.
Democratic
• An environment of
mutual trust exists.
• Cooperative planning
is done by the entire
staff.

2. • “I” feelings
predominate.
• Manager or Head tells
the teachers what to
do.
• The Head sometimes
embarrasses
teachers before
children.
• “We” feelings prevail.
• Manager/Head
discusses problems
with teachers and
accepts suggestions.
• The Head respects
teachers’ personality.

3. • Manager/Head/Princi-
-pal takes credit for all
success.
• Faculty meetings are
only planned by the
Head.
• The Head gives credit
of success to co-
workers.
• Faculty meetings are
only planned by the
entire staff.

4. • Text books are
selected by the
manager.
• Students are teacher
-dominated.
• Teachers plan activity
without discussing
with pupils.
• Teachers participate
in selection of books.
• Students are teacher-
guided.
• Teachers plan many
activities according to
students’ interest.

5. Laissaze Faire Management
• Teachers spring awe
and fear.
• Teachers are
sympathetic.

6. • Laissez-faire management take a back
seat role in the school providing guidance
to the staff when needed.
means…
let the staff do what they want to do

7. Features of Laisseze Faire
• Allows teachers to make their own decisions.
• Head is still responsible for the decisions that
are made.
• This style allows greater freedom and
responsibility for teachers.
• However, Head needs competent teachers
otherwise nothing will get done.