What is the difference between a 'directive' and a 'facilitative' leadership approach?

• A. Directive focuses on guiding discussion and consensus-building.
• B. Directive gives explicit instructions; facilitative guides discussion and seeks input.
• C. Directive gives explicit instructions; facilitative guides discussion, seeks input, and builds consensus; both have contexts where appropriate.
• D. Neither approach has use in any context.

Answer: (C)

Directive leadership is when the leader issues explicit instructions and makes decisions with little input from others. Facilitative leadership, on the other hand, focuses on guiding discussion, inviting input from the team, and working toward consensus while the leader supports rather than dictates. The best answer captures both definitions and recognizes that each approach can be appropriate depending on the situation. For example, in emergencies or time-pressured tasks, a directive stance can speed up action and reduce ambiguity. In complex problems where buy-in and diverse perspectives improve judgment, a facilitative approach helps the group develop a shared plan. The other options either misstate what directive involves or omit the consensus-building aspect, or incorrectly claim neither approach has any use.