Which Likert style is characterized by increased trust and some communication?

• A. Exploitative Authoritative
• B. Participative
• C. Directive
• D. Benevolent authoritative & consultative

Answer: (D)

In Likert’s framework, management styles sit on a spectrum from low-trust, top-down control to high-trust, collaborative leadership. When trust increases but communication remains only partial, you’re at an intermediate point between strict authority and full participation. The combination described as benevolent authoritative and consultative captures this level: leaders still hold authority and show concern for subordinates, but there is some two-way communication and opportunity for input. That makes it a closer fit to “increased trust and some communication” than the more autocratic options or the fully participative style, which implies high trust and extensive, ongoing dialogue. The other options describe extremes—little trust and minimal communication, or substantial trust and broad participation—so they don’t match as well.