What management style enables lower-level decision-making and empowers staff to propose new ideas?

The management style that enables lower-level decision-making and empowers staff to propose new ideas is decentralization. This approach distributes authority and responsibility across various levels of the organization, allowing employees at all tiers to contribute to decision-making processes.

In a decentralized system, employees are encouraged to take initiative and bring forward innovative ideas that can benefit the organization, leading to increased motivation and engagement among staff. This empowerment not only fosters a sense of ownership but also can enhance creativity, as those who are closer to the operational aspects of the business often have valuable insights and perspectives.

In contrast, centralization consolidates decision-making authority at higher management levels, often limiting input from lower-level employees. Collaborative management, while involving teamwork and input from various members, does not inherently imply that lower-level employees have the autonomy to make decisions. Autocratic management strictly controls decision-making within a single leader or a small group, significantly restricting employee input and initiative. Thus, decentralization stands out as the style that most effectively promotes decision-making at all organizational levels and encourages staff to innovate.