Autocracy

A team subfactor with high Direction, and low Communication

Relates to teams that are both Directed and Applied

'Autocracy' is descriptive of teams showing high Direction and low Communication (that is, Application). Autocracy, then, occurs in teams where many members are focused on matters of efficiency, control and personal responsibility, but where little concern is shown for the development of personal relationships or a relaxed, informal working environment.

It is clear that in such a team we can expect a more formal approach. The interest of the more dominant members in developing and expanding their own areas of control means that a hierarchical structure often develops, with the more assertive team members taking authority over their less demonstrative colleagues. Because such a team is authority-driven, we use the term 'Autocratic' to describe it.

Autocratic teams work best in high-pressure situations (because the dominant members are better able to deal with such circumstances), or where rapid decision making is needed (because decision-making is undertaken by a single individual, rather than by committee). Such a team structure tends to be motivating for members in the upper levels of the hierarchy, but often creates a feeling of pressure for the less dynamic individuals who operate at the team's lower levels.