Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam 2025 - Free CHIMA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The leadership style that encourages the free expression of team members' preferences is the Laissez-faire approach. This style is characterized by a hands-off management philosophy, where leaders provide minimal direction and allow team members to take the initiative in their tasks and decision-making processes.

In Laissez-faire leadership, team members have the autonomy to express their ideas, preferences, and solutions without the constraints of a rigid hierarchical structure. This fosters an environment of creativity and free thought, as individuals feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and expertise.

Leaders who adopt this style trust their team members to manage their own workloads and make decisions, which can lead to enhanced job satisfaction and motivation among the team. While this style works well in environments where team members are highly skilled and self-motivated, it may not be effective in every context, such as in situations that require more guidance and direction.