Exploring the Reasons for Autocratic Leadership in Bangladesh's Underdeveloped Humanitarian NGOs

This qualitative study explores the reasons behind the prevalence of autocratic leadership in underdeveloped humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangladesh. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 15 NGO leaders and staff from small-scale organizations, the research identifies key factors such as resource constraints, political pressures, founder-centric structures, and cultural norms that favor centralized decision-making. Findings reveal that autocratic styles enable rapid responses in crisis-prone environments but hinder long-term sustainability and employee empowerment. The study contributes to understanding leadership dynamics in developing contexts and suggests pathways for more inclusive practices.