Which question would best indicate that a manager is autocratic?

• A. Does the manager show different leadership styles depending on the situation?
• B. Is the manager passive and non-directive?
• C. Does the manager ask for ideas from staff when decisions need to be made?
• D. Does the manager foster dependency?

Answer: (D)

Autocratic leadership centers power in the manager, who makes decisions with little input from others. Fostering dependency is the clearest sign because it keeps staff reliant on the manager for guidance and approval, minimizes their initiative, and maintains centralized control. The other options describe different styles: varying leadership by situation points to a flexible or contingency approach; being passive and non-directive aligns with a laissez-faire style; asking for ideas from staff signals participative or democratic leadership.