Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which type of leader relies on organizational policies and rules to influence their subordinates?

1. Democratic leaders

2. Bureaucratic leaders

3. Authoritative leaders

4. Participative leaders

The correct answer is: Bureaucratic leaders

Bureaucratic leaders are distinguished by their reliance on established organizational policies, rules, and procedures to manage and guide their subordinates. This leadership style emphasizes a structured environment where regulations dictate operations, ensuring that employees adhere to defined protocols and standards. The use of these policies fosters consistency, minimizes ambiguity, and creates a predictable work environment, which can be particularly effective in large organizations or in situations where compliance and safety are critical. By favoring rules over personal discretion, bureaucratic leaders ensure that every team member knows what is expected of them, reducing the potential for misunderstandings and enhancing accountability. This approach may not encourage creativity or outside-the-box thinking but is valuable where systematic processes are essential for success.