National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

What leadership style encourages staff input and participation?

1. Autocratic leadership

2. Participative leadership

3. Democratic leadership

4. Directional leadership

The correct answer is: Participative leadership

The choice highlighting participative leadership is appropriate because this style actively encourages input and collaboration among staff members. In participative leadership, leaders seek to involve their team in decision-making processes, valuing their opinions and fostering an environment of open communication. This inclusiveness not only empowers staff but also enhances their commitment and engagement, which is vital in long-term care settings where teamwork directly impacts resident care and satisfaction. While democratic leadership shares similarities with participative leadership in terms of valuing staff input, it specifically emphasizes equal voting and collective decision-making. Conversely, autocratic leadership focuses on top-down direction with minimal input from staff, and directional leadership is not widely recognized as a distinct style but more as an approach emphasizing clear guidance from leaders. Thus, the emphasis on encouraging input and participation distinctly identifies participative leadership as the most suitable choice.