Nelson is the manager of a marketing department in a medium sized company. Nelson has six employees reporting to him. In deciding the goals for the department for next quarter, he schedules a meeting for employee input and direction. Nelson uses a$($n$)\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_$ style of decision making in the marketing department.

a$.$ laissez$-$faire

b$.$ autocratic

c$.$ supportive

d$.$ democratic