A Study of Kurt Lewin’s Styles of Leadership by Business Games Method

• Published in: Mir Èkonomiki i Upravleniâ Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 110 - 120
• Main Authors: Komarov, V. F., Aloyan, G. N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Novosibirsk State University Press 01.06.2017
• Subjects: business game; classification of management styles; delegation of authority; human relations; leadership; management; management efficiency; management style; simulation experiment; simulation model; types of a manager’s power; делегирование полномочий; деловая игра; имитационная модель; имитационный эксперимент; классификация стилей руководства; лидерство; менеджмент; стиль руководства; типы власти менеджера; человеческие отношения в коллективе; эффективность управления
• DOI: 10.25205/2542-0429-2017-17-2-110-120
• ISSN: 2542-0429

One of the key problems in the theory and practice of management since the mid-twentieth century is the problem of correlation between «management efficiency» and «leadership styles». Any manager wishing to improve the effectiveness of their work should seek to choose an effective leadership style. The article presents the results of the study and description of a business game that allows a practicing manager to make a choice or to design their own effective leadership style. In the study of leadership styles using the method of gaming simulation was implemented a work plan that includes the following steps: (1) classifying leadership styles; (2) development of the «Management styles» business game; (3) a series of game simulation experiments using the «Management styles» business game; (4) analysis of the results of the game simulation. The classification was founded on the assertion that the style of leadership is the ability of a manager to influence individuals and groups of people to encourage them to work towards the goals of the company. The extent to which a manager delegates his authority, types of authority used by him, and his concern, above all, about human relations or about the execution of tasks - all reflect the style of leadership that characterizes the manager. In this section of the study nine management concepts were reviewed, with Kurt Lewin’s concept of leadership styles being outlined as a main one. The longevity of this classic typology is attributed to its simplicity and clarity. There are three major styles of leadership: (a) authoritarian style (the power of one person), (b) democratic style (the power of a group), (с) liberal style (the power of everyone). Business game is conducted in a group of 20-30 experts, includes three stages (introduction, simulation, problem), aims to discuss leadership styles in an active form and use it as a basis to determine the conditions of their practical application. Players perform certain activities fulfilling their respective roles (autocrat, democrat, liberal). In the framework of the problem story players formulate expert judgments about the specifics and conditions of use of a particular style of leadership. The article presents the results of eight game experiments.