What is Likert’s Four Systems of Management?

Likert’s four systems of management are categorized as follows:

Exploitative Authoritative System

Higher-level leadership is charged with the majority of the responsibilities in the organization. They make decisions and communicate them downward to subordinates. Subordinates are not involved in decision making. It is characterized by a lack of employee empowerment, trust, or confidence. Leaders use threats and fear to motivate performance. Management is highly task-oriented.

Benevolent Authoritative System

Authority and decision-making rest with higher-level management. The motivation for subordinate performance is based on rewards. This necessarily entails a higher level of trust and confidence in the subordinate. Communication flows both directions, but it is generally tailored to the leaders expectations.

Consultative System

The leader seeks input from subordinates before making a decision. This demonstrates an increased level of trust and confidence in the subordinate. Subordinates are motivated by their participation in the process in addition to rewards for performance. Information flows well both directions.

Participative System

Subordinates actively participate in the decision-making process. The subordinate is motivated by her participation in the decision-making process and through rewards tied to results.

Variables for Assessing Management Style

Likert identified seven variables in identifying and assessing these management styles:

• Motivational Forces
• Leadership Processes
• Decision-making Processes
• Communication Processes
• Interaction-Influence Processes
• Control Processes
• Goal Setting Processes

He also identified key individuals in every organization called linking pins who participate in multiple groups and bring them together.