Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What is a potential drawback of a laissez faire leadership style?

1. High levels of group direction

2. Communication is highly controlled

3. Members may feel confused or frustrated

4. All decisions are made by the leader

The correct answer is: Members may feel confused or frustrated

A potential drawback of a laissez-faire leadership style is that members may feel confused or frustrated. This leadership style is characterized by a hands-off approach where the leader delegates most decisions to the group and provides minimal direction or guidance. While this can empower team members and promote creativity, it can also lead to ambiguity regarding roles, expectations, and tasks. Without clear direction, team members may struggle to understand their responsibilities or align their efforts with the group's goals, potentially causing frustration and confusion. This scenario often results when individuals feel uninformed or unsupported, leading to decreased morale and productivity within the group. The other options highlight aspects that are typically not associated with laissez-faire leadership. For instance, high levels of group direction, controlled communication, and centralized decision-making are more indicative of authoritarian or directive leadership styles rather than a laissez-faire approach, which emphasizes autonomy and independence among group members.