Job centered vs employee centered leadership, difference, pros and cons

When it comes to effective leadership, there are two main focuses: job centered vs employee centered leadership. Each has its own set of pros and cons, which this blog will outline. It’s important for leaders to understand the difference so they can make the best decision for their team. Which style is right for your company?

A recent study by ManpowerGroup shows that employee-centered leadership practices create a work environment where employees feel valued and are more productive. Job-centered leadership, on the other hand, can actually have the opposite effect. In this article, we’ll take a look at the difference between job-centered and employee-centered leadership, and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.

What is job centered leadership, what is employee centered leadership and what are the main differences between them?

What is job centered leadership?

Job-centered leadership is focused on getting results through others. The leader sets standards and goals, assigns tasks,and oversees work in order to ensure that the work gets done efficiently. This type of leadership is often criticized for being authoritarian and rigid. However, it does have some clear benefits: jobs get done quickly and efficiently, which leads to organizational success.

What is employee centered leadership?

Employee-centered leadership takes a more collaborative approach. The leader works with employees to identify their strengths and weaknesses, then creates an environment where they can flourish. While this approach can lead to slower progress due to taking time to find the best way forward collaboratively, it does have many benefits: employees feel valued and appreciated, which leads to better retention rates and motivation levels. In the end, it is up to the leader to decide which style will work best for their company – but it is important that they are aware of both options!

Main differences between job centered and employee centered leadership

Job-centered leadership is focused on task completion and meeting deadlines. This type of leadership is often seen in military and government settings, where there is a clear chain of command and a clear hierarchy. In contrast, employee-centered leadership is focused on developing relationships and building morale. This type of leadership is often seen in corporate settings, where employees are encouraged to work together as a team. Employee-centered leaders typically place more emphasis on communication and collaboration, and they may be more likely to give employees autonomy and trust them to make decisions.

Both types of leadership have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best leaders are often those who are able to adapt their style to fit the needs of their team.

Pros of job centered leadership over employee centered leadership

There are a few key reasons why job-centered leadership is often preferred over employee-centered leadership:

1. Job-centered leaders are more task-oriented and goal-driven. They tend to focus on completing tasks and achieving goals, rather than on developing their team or fostering employee growth. This can result in greater efficiency and productivity in the short-term.
2. Job-centered leaders typically have a clear vision for the organization and they communicate this vision to their team members. This can help to keep employees focused and motivated, as they know what the organization is striving to achieve.
3. Job-centered leaders are typically more decisive than employee-centered leaders. They are more likely to make quick decisions without extensive consultation, which can be beneficial in fast-paced or rapidly changing environments.

While there are some advantages to job-centered leadership, it is important to note that this style of leadership is not without its drawbacks. One downside is that job-centered leaders can be perceived as autocratic or dictatorial. Another potential drawback is that this type of leader may not always take the time to develop their team or foster employee growth, which can lead to morale issues in the long run.

Pros of employee centered leadership over job centered leadership

When it comes to leadership styles, there are two main camps: those who prioritize the needs of the job, and those who prioritize the needs of the employees. Job-centered leaders tend to be more task-oriented, focused on maximizing efficiency and productivity. Employee-centered leaders, on the other hand, place a greater emphasis on developing their team and fostering a positive work environment. There are pros and cons to both approaches, but employee-centered leadership has been shown to produce better long-term results. Studies have found that teams led by employee-centered leaders are more engaged, more innovative, and less likely to experience turnover. In addition, employee-centered leadership tends to promote a greater sense of trust and respect between leader and followers.

When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to be motivated and perform at their best. While job-centered leadership can be effective in the short term, employee-centered leadership is more likely to lead to lasting success.

Cons of employee centered leadership over job centered leadership

Employee-centered leadership has its fair share of drawbacks:

1. One con is that this type of leadership can lead to a lack of direction. When the focus is on employees and their needs, it can be easy to lose sight of the company’s overall goals. This can result in a workforce that lacks motivation and direction.
2. Employee-centered leadership can create an environment of nepotism and favoritism. If management is constantly accommodating employees’ requests and giving them preferential treatment, it can foster resentment among other employees who feel they are not being treated fairly.
3. Employee-centered leadership can be costly. Company resources may be diverted to provide perks and benefits for employees, rather than being used to invest in the business itself. While employee-centered leadership has its advantages, it’s important to be aware of the potential negatives before implementing this type of management style.

Cons of job centered leadership over employee centered leadership

There are several key differences between job-centered leadership and employee-centered leadership:

1. One of the most notable is that job-centered leaders tend to focus more on task completion, while employee-centered leaders prioritize developing their team members. This can lead to tension between the two leadership styles, as employees may feel that they are not being given the opportunity to grow and develop their skills.
2. Job-centered leaders may be more likely to micromanage their team members, which can stifle creativity and innovation.
3. Job-centered leadership may be less effective in team-building and creating a positive work environment. When employees don’t feel valued or supported, they may be more likely to leave the organization. As a result, it’s important for leaders to carefully consider which leadership style is best suited for their team’s needs.

Situations when job centered leadership is better than employee centered leadership

Job-centered leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on task completion and results. In this type of leadership, the leader sets clear expectations and provides clear directions. employees are held accountable for meeting goals and objectives. This type of leadership is often most effective in fast-paced or high-pressure environments where there is little room for error. Employee-centered leadership, on the other hand, focuses on developing and supporting employees. In this type of leadership, the leader takes a more hands-off approach and allows employees to take initiative. This type of leadership is often most effective in less stressful environments where employees are given the opportunity to grow and develop their skills.

Situations when employee centered leadership is better than job centered leadership

Employee-centered leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on the needs of employees and supporting them in their work. In contrast, job-centered leadership focuses on task completion and achieving results. There are situations when employee-centered leadership is better than job-centered leadership.

1. One situation is when employees are highly skilled and experienced. In this case, employees may need less direction from their leader and be able to work independently to complete tasks.
2. When employees are working on complex or creative tasks that require a high degree of collaboration. In this case, employees will need more support from their leader in order to be successful.
3. Employee-centered leadership may also be more effective in situations where there is a high degree of turnover or change, as this style of leadership can help to build morale and loyalty among employees.

Job centered vs employee centered leadership summary

In conclusion, employee centered leadership and job centered leadership are two different ways of leading employees. While both have their own set of pros and cons, in general employee centered leadership is better than job centered leadership for you or your organization. However, there may be some situations where job centered leadership is better than employee centered leadership. If you have any questions or want more information, please leave a comment below.