Changes in leadership styles in a transitional economy: A Serbian case study

The aim of this research was to analyze the existing leadership styles in organizations and develop an optimal leadership model in volatile economic conditions in Serbia. The research is included 64 managers from 5 different businesses. Leadership style was measured by a standardized questionnaire as a survey instrument consisting of 24 real situations and their subjective perceptions in the process of leadership. The purpose of this work is to search for the optimum leadership in the system and its surroundings, by using or combining the appropriate leadership skills and styles. The basic premise was that, leadership style can be considered in two independent dimensions; autocratic and/or democratic leadership and commitment to people and/or tasks. The subject of this study was the way managers cope with people in the company taking into account two situational factors; the level of authority, job satisfaction and years spent in managerial positions in specific organizations. Leadership styles were monitored in firms, differentiated by their ownership structure, activities and business functions, where there are different hierarchical structures and where leadership roles are defined differently.   Key words: Leadership, business environment, employees, customer relationship management.