What is the primary characteristic of laissez-faire leadership?

The primary characteristic of laissez-faire leadership is the provision of minimal or no guidance by the leader. In this leadership style, leaders allow group members to make decisions and set their own direction, which fosters independence and autonomy among team members. This approach works well in situations where team members are highly skilled, motivated, and capable of self-management, as it enables them to leverage their expertise without excessive oversight.

In contrast, options that suggest directive input, high task orientation, or frequent decision-making involvement represent more hands-on leadership styles, which are not aligned with the laissez-faire approach. Instead, laissez-faire leadership positions the leader in a largely passive role, encouraging an environment where team members are responsible for their own contributions and outcomes.