Which leadership approach often leads to low employee morale?

Micromanagement is characterized by an excessive focus on controlling every aspect of an employee's work, often to the point where it undermines their autonomy and professional growth. This leadership style can lead to low employee morale because it fosters an environment of distrust and stifles creativity. When employees feel that their every move is being scrutinized and that they lack the freedom to make decisions, it can result in feelings of frustration and disengagement.

In contrast, other leadership approaches encourage empowerment and support. For instance, delegative leadership allows employees to take on responsibility and ownership of their tasks, fostering a sense of trust and morale. Transformational leadership inspires and motivates employees by creating a vision for the future and engaging them in the process, while servant leadership focuses on serving the needs of employees, which enhances their sense of value and belonging within the organization. Thus, micromanagement uniquely tends to diminish employee morale through its restrictive and controlling nature.