Benefits-Drawbacks

What Is Debt Financing ?

Debt financing is just opposite of equity financing.(in which capital is raised by selling equity instruments to the investors). It is a process of raising fund by selling debt instruments such as bond, credit cards, debentures etc. It is a borrowing of money and should be paid back with interest. In this post we are going to discuss some major pros and cons of debt financing.

Advantages Of Debt Financing

The main advantages of debt financing can be pointed out as follows:

1. Ownership And Control

One of the main advantages of debt financing is that it does not dilute ownership and control like in equity financing. Ownership, management control remains with the company because lenders have no right to manage the company.

2. Decreased Tax Obligation

Debt is considered as expenses in business. So, interest on loan is tax deductible. So, it minimizes the tax obligation.

3. No Share Of Profit

Another benefit of debt financing is that company can enjoy entire profit because lenders cannot claim on the profit of the firm.

4. Improves Credit Rating

If a firm pays loan and interest on time, it improves the credit rating of the business, It increases the reputation and image of the company.

5. Flexibility

It is more flexible than equity funding. There are several debt instruments such as loan, debenture, bills, credit card etc. Companies can choose best debt financing option as per the nature of the business.

Disadvantages Of Debt Financing

The main drawbacks or disadvantages of debt financing are as follows:

1. Impact On Cash Flow

As we know that certain amount of loan and interest should be paid in each month until the last installment, it may negatively impact cash flow. It may hamper daily operational activities because of lack of adequate working capital.

2. Complex Process

It is difficult to raise capital with debt financing. It requires strong credit history to attract lenders. So, it is not suitable for small and new business firms.

3. Need Of Collateral

Another disadvantage of debt financing is that company may need to provide collateral (fixed assets such as land, building, machinery) etc. to secure loan. If the company fails to repay the loan lenders can acquire the assets.

4. Strict Discipline

It requires strict discipline to repay the loan. If a firm fails to repay the loan on time it negativels affects the credit rating and image of the firm.

Also Read

Advantages and disadvantages of equity financing

5. Not Suitable

Debt financing is not suitable for the business having inconsistent cash flow because it make difficult to pay the loan and interest regularly.

Pros And Cons Of Debt Financing In Short

Pros

- Firms retain ownership and control

- It increases the credit rating of the firm 

- Firm can enjoy 100% profit

- It decreases the tax liability

- Liability is over after paying the loan

Cons

- It is risky and complicated than equity financing

- It may impact cash flow of the firm

- Firms may have to pay high rate of interest

- It is not suitable for small business

- It requires collateral to get loan

What Is Equity Financing ?

Equity financing (also called equity funding) is a process of raising capital by selling equity instruments like ordinary shares, preference shares etc. Companies issue share to investors to raise money for business. It is effective tool that helps to meet short-term or long-term obligation of the firm.

Advantages Of Equity Financing

The main advantages of equity funding can be pointed out as follows:

1. Less Risky

Equity financing is less risky method of financing than debt because firms do not require to repay loan and interest on the raised capital.

2. No Additional Burden

Another benefit of equity financing is that it does not suffer the company with financial burden like monthly repayment of loan and interest.

3. Opportunity To Grow

As we know that firms do not have to repay loan, so firms can invest more money to expand business. Therefore, it provides the opportunity to grow.

4. Raising More Fund

Equity financing can raise more capital than borrowing. So, it is more favorable option than debt financing.

5. Attract Investors

It can increase credibility and image of the company if the raised fund is invested properly. It helps to attract more investors and partners in the future.

Disadvantages Of Equity Financing

The main disadvantages of equity financing can be highlighted as follows:

1. Sharing Profit

One of the major drawbacks of equity finance is that company founders cannot enjoy 100 % profit because it should be share with the shareholders.

2. Costly Method

Equity financing is costlier than borrowing because of higher risk and no tax shield.

3. Sharing Ownership And Control

Another disadvantage of equity financing is that company should share ownership with the shareholders. So, it limits the power and control of founders.

Also Read

Advantages and disadvantages of debt financing

4. Possibility Of Conflict

Because of shared ownership, control and power there exists a possibility of conflict between investors and owners of the company.

Pros And Cons Of Equity Financing In Short

Pros

- It is less riskier than debt financing

- It avoids the financial burden of the firm

- It provides expansion and growth opportunity

- It can raise more capital than borrowing

- It lowers the credit problems

Cons

- It splits the ownership and profit

- It is complex and costly method of raising capital

- It may create conflict between shareholders and owners

- It lacks tax shield

- It is time consuming process

 What Is Decentralization ?

Decentralization is a type of organization set up in which authority and power is delegated to the middle and lower level management. It is just opposite of centralization where decision making authority is reserved in the top management. In this structure departmental heads, branch managers, section officers etc. can make routine decisions without consulting higher level managers. It is suitable for large sized and complex types of organizations because single management or authority cannot manage entire organizational activities.

Benefits Or Advantages Of Decentralization

Some of the notable advantages of decentralization can be expressed as follows:

1. Decreases The Workload Of Top Authorities

One of the main advantages of decentralization  is that it reduces the work burden of  top management because some of the managerial responsibilities, authority and power are delegated to the lower level authorities. So, it helps to minimize the load of top authorities.

2. Quick And Better Decision Making

In this type of organizational setup, decision making authority is delegated to the departmental heads who are closer to the level of operation. It helps to make quick and wise decisions. Prompt and better decision making helps to cope with the situation and solve the problems wisely and quickly. 

3. Facilitates Specialization

Highly qualified, skilled, experienced and specialist personnel are appointed as middle and lower level managers to manage and control different branches, departments and units. So, decentralization brings specialization in the organization.

4. Suitable For

This organizational setup is appropriate for the following types of organizations:

* Having large volume of production

* Organizations with several functional units and departments

* Organizations having large number of staffs

* Large sized organizations with adequate resources

5. Increased Motivation And Satisfaction

It gives freedom to the middle and lower level managers and subordinates to make decisions. It helps to enhance skills, efficiency and potential of the subordinates. It provides the opportunity for growth and development. Therefore, decentralization increases motivation, morale and job satisfaction.

6. Increased Productivity

Because of specialization, increased motivation and high employee morale, it helps to improve employee performance and operational efficiency. Better performance and high efficiency leads to increase in the productivity of the organization.

7. Better Supervision And Control

In decentralization, subordinates and supervised and controlled by the concern managers or departmental heads. Lower level managers have full authority to monitor and control their immediate subordinates. Therefore, it is possible to maintain better discipline and control in the decentralized organization.

Drawbacks Or Disadvantages Of Decentralization

Some of the major disadvantages of decentralization can be expressed as follows:

1. Complex And Expensive

This structure is more complex than centralization because of different branches, departments and different levels of management. It requires more capital and operational costs to manage decentralized organizations because of more operational activities, more employees and complex design. So, it is complex and expensive organizational setup.

      Also Read: 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Centralization

Difference Between Centralization And Decentralization

2. Not Suitable

Decentralization is not appropriate for following types of organizations:

* Small organizations having limited volume of production

* Organization having less numbers of employees

* Organizations with less functional units

* Not suitable for specialized services

As we know that decision making power is delegated to the middle and lower level authorities in decentralization. If lower level managers are not capable of making wise decision, it may increase the risk of mismanagement and organization may have to bear huge loss.

4. Lack Of Coordination

Another disadvantage of decentralization is poor coordination. It is very difficult to maintain proper coordination between different functional areas and different levels of management because of its complexity. Due to the lack of coordination, there is a chance of conflict, misunderstanding and duplication of effort.

5. Communication Problem

Because of the coordination problem, it is difficult to establish better communication among departments, managers and subordinates in the organization. Lack of communication may create confusion in the workplace. Poor communication may hamper the efficiency and productivity of the firm.

Pros And Cons Of Decentralization In Short

Pros:

- It minimizes the burden of the top executives because responsibilities and roles are dispersed

- It promotes specialization, growth and diversification

- It is appropriate of large organizations with more resources and various operations

- It improves employee motivation and morale

- It facilitates prompt decision making

- It ensures the maintenance of better supervision, discipline and control

Cons:

- It is complex and costly structure

- It is not suitable for small firms with limited activities and resources

- It lacks proper coordination

- There is a possibility of conflict, misunderstanding and communication problem in the organization

- It lacks uniformity

 What Is Centralization ?

Centralization is a traditional type of organization set up in which power and authority such as decision making, planning, policy making, supervision, direction, resource allocation etc. are exercised by the higher level management. It is commonly practiced by small organizations having fewer resources, finance and employees. Managerial activities are handled by superiors and other members (lower level managers and subordinates) are responsible for operating activities.     

Benefits Or Advantages Of Centralization

Some of the notable advantages or centralization are as follows:

1. Simple Structure

This organizational structure is easy to set up and understand. Roles and responsibilities of each member is clearly defined and the subordinates are accountable for only one boss which helps to eliminate confusion, misunderstanding and duplication of work.

2. Cost Efficient

Centralized organizations requires less expenses, less resources and fewer number of employees because of single authority. Therefore, centralization is more cost effective than decentralization.

3. Suitable For

Centralization is suitable for the following conditions:

* It suits for small firms having less operational activities and fewer number of employees.

* It is suitable for those companies which cannot invest more capital and resources

* When subordinates are incompetent and require close supervision, direction and supervision.

4. Quick Decisions

Another advantage of centralization is that it allows quick decision making because of single authority and reservation of power in the top management. Managers can make decisions without consulting other members in the organization. Quick decisions are very useful in the time of crisis and emergencies.

5. Secrecy

Top level managers do not share official matters with subordinates in centralized organizations. So, internal and private matters can be kept confidential. Therefore, centralization ensures proper secrecy and privacy.

6. Better Quality Of Work

Because of clear chain of command, standardized system and better supervision in the workplace, employees' performance and efficiency will be improved. Improved performance leads to improve in the quality of work and productivity of the firm. 

7. Proper Control

As we know that centralization is exercised by small firms having less activities and fewer number of employees. So, it is easier for the management to maintain better control and discipline in the organization. 

Drawbacks Or Disadvantages Of Centralization

Disadvantages or constraints of centralization can be described as follows:

1. Over Burden To The Managers

In centralized organization structure, power and responsibilities are given to top level managers. So, managers have to handle entire organizational activities which may lead to overburden and they cannot give sufficient time for other important functions such as policy making, business expansion etc.

2. Not Suitable

Centralization is not appropriate for large organizations having various activities and more employees. It is also not suitable if the subordinates are skilled, educated and experienced because they do not need more guidance and instructions.

      Also Read: 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Decentralization

Difference Between Centralization And Decentralization

3. Lack Of Specialization

Because of the sole authority and concentration of power in the center, it discourages specialization in the organization. Lack of specialization may lead to decrease in the performance and productivity of the firm.

Due to the lack of specialization, there is no scope of growth and development opportunity for the employees. It may decrease the motivation and morale of subordinates. Decreased morale may lead to decrease in job satisfaction and increase the rate of employee turnover.

5. Possibility Of Dictatorship 

Because of the bureaucratic management and concentration of power, there is a high chance of misuse of power and dictatorship in centralized organizations.

6. Lower Productivity

Due to the lack of specialization and strict control, employees may be dissatisfied. Employee dissatisfaction negatively affect their performance which leads to decrease in the productivity and profitability.

Pros And Cons Of Centralization In Short

Pros:

- It is simple and cost effective organizational structure

- It is suitable for small firms which cannot afford more investment

- It allows prompt decisions at the time of emergency

- It ensure strict secrecy and privacy 

- It ensures better quality of work because of proper supervision, monitoring and control

- There is a clear chain of command 

Cons:

- It increases the workload of the superiors

- It lacks specialization and division of work in the workstation

- Managers may misuse their power

- Employees' morale may be decreases due to the dissatisfaction

- There is no scope for growth and career development

- It is not suitable for large scaled organizations

What Is Democratic Leadership Style ?

A management system where subordinates are encouraged to take part in the decision making process is called democratic leadership style. Leaders allow the employees to give their views, ideas, suggestions and opinions while making decisions. This leadership brings specialization and promotes sense of team spirit in the workplace.

Benefits Or Advantages Of Democratic Leadership

The main advantages of democratic leadership style can be pointed out as follows:

1. Ensures Sound Decision

Ideas, suggestions and opinions of the members are considered as valuable inputs in decision making process. In democratic leadership, employees provide their suggestions and views to the leader which help to make better decision. Sound decisions help to solve complex problems.

2. Better Communication

Another advantage of democratic leadership is that it promotes open communication system in the organization. Because of two way communication, subordinates can share their feelings and thoughts freely with the leader and other members. It helps to build trust and sense of harmony in the organization.

3. Proper Utilization Of Human Resource

Employees can explore their capabilities because of the participative management. Management uses their skills and abilities properly to bring better results. Therefore, democratic leadership style ensures better utilization of employees' talents and skills which helps to improve their efficiency.

4. Increased Employee Motivation And Morale

Employees' contribution is respected in this management system. Their skills and abilities are highly appreciated. Subordinates feel valued when they are encouraged to take part in decision making process. Therefore, democratic leadership helps to increase motivation of the employees which lead to increase in morale and job satisfaction.

5. Higher productivity And Profitability

Democratic leadership style promotes specialization in the workstation. It helps to utilize available resources more effectively which increases the efficiency in the workplace. Increased efficiency leads to increase in the productivity and profitability of the firm.

This management system can be exercised in any business. It is suitable for both small and big organizations. It is more suitable where employees are competent and skillful.

7. Better Working Environment

Because of two way communication, sense of cooperation, motivation and participation, it creates better working environment in the organization. Good environment helps to increase performance that improves the quality of output.

Drawbacks Or Disadvantages Of Democratic Leadership

The main disadvantages of democratic leadership can be pointed out as follows:

1. Slow Decisions

One of the main drawbacks of democratic leadership is lengthy decision making process. Opinions and suggestions of all members should be considered while making decisions which is not suitable at the time of emergencies and crisis when quick response is required.

        Also Read: 

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Laissez Faire Leadership

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Autocratic Leadership

Difference Between Autocratic And Democratic Leadership

2. Not Applicable

It is suitable when employees are highly qualified, competent and self-motivated. It is not applicable if subordinates are incompetent and less experienced.

3. Lacks Secrecy

In democratic leadership, official matters are shared with the subordinates. So, confidential and internal organizational matters can be leaked by some employees. So, it lacks secrecy and privacy.

4. Difficult To Control

In this system, employees are treated like friends, in this situation it will be difficult for the managers to control them. It becomes complicated to maintain proper discipline in the organization.

Pros And Cons Of Democratic Leadership In Short

Pros:

- It facilitates participative decision making in the organization

- Open communication helps to make better superior subordinate relationship

- Because of specialization productivity and profitability can be improved

- It improves employee motivation which helps to decrease staff turnover

- This system can be applied in almost all types of firms

- It is useful for career development

- Subordinates' skills and talents are properly utilized

Cons:

- It is not suitable if subordinates are incompetent or unskilled

- long decision making process is not suitable at the time of crises

- It is difficult to maintain secrecy

- Leaders face difficulties to maintain better discipline

- It may lack responsibility and accountability