The document discusses the disadvantages of the participative leadership style, highlighting that the decision-making process can be time-consuming. It presents a scenario in a biotechnology company where top managers face important decisions and suggests various approaches to decision-making. Option b is identified as a key disadvantage, pointing out that the democratic nature of participative leadership can slow down the process.

1. What is a disadvantage associated with the participative style of leadership?
a. It does not give employees the opportunity to express their views.
b. The decision-making process is time-consuming.
c. Employees are usually unmotivated to carry out decisions.
d. The communication is always from top to bottom.
e. There is very limited structure involved.
A biotechnology company is constantly faced with important decisions that are likely to have
severe consequences on the future of the company. The top managers should
a. decentralize decision-making authority.
b. appoint lawyers to make business decisions.
c. train first-line managers to make these decisions.
d. exercise centralized decision-making authority.
e. consult investors when making important daily decisions.
Solution
1) What is a disadvantage associated with the participative style of leadership?
Answer: option B = The decision-making process is time-consuming.
The process is very democratic and enables each person in the team to share their ideas and
hence at times this becomes very time consuming. It is most suited when we are not in a hurry to
make a decision and we don