What characterizes the consultative management style?

The consultative management style is characterized by some degree of teamwork and freedom on minor issues, which reflects a balance between management input and employee involvement. In this style, managers seek the opinions of employees before making decisions, particularly regarding minor issues, while retaining the ultimate decision-making power. This fosters a collaborative environment where employees feel valued and are encouraged to contribute their thoughts, leading to more informed and potentially better outcomes.

In this approach, the degree of involvement from employees can vary, but it is particularly effective for minor decisions where employee insights can enhance the decision-making process without ceding complete control to staff. This style encourages communication and allows managers to maintain oversight and guidance while still benefiting from the diverse perspectives of their team.

In contrast, options that suggest high trust in employees or complete delegation of authority typically reflect either a more participative or delegative management style rather than consultative, where the primary authority remains with the manager. While consultative management involves engaging with employees, it does not grant them significant control over major decisions, as it is characterized by the manager's role in directing the overall decision-making process.