Which leadership style is characterized by treating employees as family members and the manager caring for each team member?

The paternalistic leadership style is marked by a manager's approach of treating employees like family members and demonstrating a personal care for each individual team member. This style fosters a supportive environment where the leader prioritizes the well-being and development of employees, akin to a parent nurturing a child. The leader provides guidance and authority while also showing affection and concern, which can cultivate a strong sense of loyalty and commitment among team members.

In contrast, other leadership styles do not emphasize this familial or nurturing aspect. The autocratic leadership style focuses on centralized decision-making and strict control, where the leader maintains significant authority and often discourages input from team members. The transactional leadership style is primarily centered on a clear structure of rewards and punishments to drive performance, lacking the personal connection found in paternalism. Meanwhile, the transformational leadership style inspires and motivates employees toward a shared vision and change but does not necessarily incorporate the same level of personal care and familial treatment that characterizes paternalistic leadership.

Therefore, the essence of the paternalistic leadership style lies in its focus on nurturing and caring relationships within the workplace, aligning closely with the description provided in the question.