Impact of Ineffective Leadership Skills on Organizational Performance and Productivity in UK Fashion Industry: A Study on Burberry

This report analyses the impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organizational performance and productivity within UK fashion industry, with a focus on Burberry. It covers the challenges faced by Burberry due to ineffective leadership, the concept of ineffective leadership skills, and their impact on the organizational performance and productivity.

Project 1
Quantitative Data
Analysis Report

Abstract
The current research project is based on the issue of ineffective leadership skills due to
which organisational performance and productivity highly affected. In this research, the impact
of ineffective leadership skills are identified by the researcher along with challenges that are
facing by Burberry due to ineffective leaders in the business. Positivism philosophy, deductive
approach, survey, data collection methods and so on were covered in the Research Methodology.
Data analysis helped in analysing and interpreting the gathered data.

Acknowledgement
I would like to thank my teachers and professors who indulged me this opportunity to do
this wonderful project. My family and friends also encouraged me during the entire journey of
my investigation so I am really thankful to them. Their feedback supported me to rectify my
mistakes and perform better job on the current investigation. Also, they have provided me the
resources through which I could be able to finish my work and attained good grades as well.

Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................2
Acknowledgement...........................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................6
Background of the research.........................................................................................................6
Problem statement.......................................................................................................................6
Significance of the research........................................................................................................6
Research Aims and Objectives....................................................................................................7
Rationale of the research.............................................................................................................7
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................8
Concept of ineffective leadership skills in context of fashion industry of UK...........................8
Impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organisational performance and productivity of
Burberry......................................................................................................................................8
Challenges facing by Burberry due to ineffective leadership skills in context of fashion
industry of UK.............................................................................................................................9
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................9
Research Philosophy...................................................................................................................9
Research Approach.....................................................................................................................9
Choice of Methods....................................................................................................................10
Time-horizon.............................................................................................................................10
Data Collection and Analysis....................................................................................................10
Sampling...................................................................................................................................10
Ethical Considerations..............................................................................................................10
Data Analysis and Interpretation...................................................................................................10
Data Presentation and Interpretation.........................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
Books and Journals:..................................................................................................................16
Online:.......................................................................................................................................16
Appendix........................................................................................................................................17

Questionnaire............................................................................................................................17

Research Topic: “Impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organizational performance and
productivity within UK fashion industry”
Introduction
Background of the research
The current research project identifies the impact of ineffective leadership skills on the
organizational performance and productivity.
This study is based on Burberry which is a luxury fashion brand in British
Administration. In 1856, the organization is founded by Thomas Burberry along with it is
headquartered in London, England. Presently, it designs and commercialises ready-made
products, including leather accessories, trench coats as well as footwear.
Problem statement
There are several problems and issues facing by organisation due to the impact of
ineffective leadership in the business. Conflict is one of the major problems that has been
occurred as ineffective leaders are not able to analyse the situation and resolve the issue. Also,
ineffective leaders are not able to bring change in the organisation due to which overall
performance and productivity of the organisation gets affected (Milosevic, Maric and Lončar,
2020). Moreover, employee's demotivation and low morale is also enhanced due to the lack of
effective leadership skills. Along with, employees are also not able to acknowledge their work
and duties as their team leaders are able to guide and direct them. Thus, all such problems have
been facing by the organisation as their leaders are not effective to lead employee's activities.
Significance of the research
An effective leader plays an important role in the business organisation where they can
effectively lead, direct, motivate and influence their team members along with their activities.
Having a good leadership skills demonstrate that leaders clearly share the business goals and
purpose to their employees so that employees can understand their responsibilities and jobs in the
organisation. Effective leaders communicate well with their team members and also listens their
issues in working or with any co-worker (Zamin and Hussin, 2021). They also identify strategies
to overcome such issue so that individual and organisational productivity would not be get
harmed. In addition, an effective leadership skill also helps in gaining trust among employees
where they listen their leader's perspectives while following their orders in the organisation.

Therefore, it is significant to have an effective leadership skill so that organisational performance
and productivity can be enhanced continuously.
Research Aims and Objectives
Research Aim:
To analyse the impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organizational performance
and productivity within UK fashion industry. A study on Burberry.
Research Objectives:
 To understand the basic concept of ineffective leadership skills in context of fashion
industry of UK
 To analyse the impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organisational performance
and productivity of Burberry To identify the challenges facing by Burberry due to ineffective leadership skills in
context of fashion industry of UK
Research Questions:
 What is the basic meaning of ineffective leadership skills in context of UK fashion
industry?
 Elaborate the impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organisational performance
and productivity of Burberry.
 What could be the challenges occurred due to ineffective leadership skills in Burberry in
context of UK fashion industry?
Rationale of the research
The rationale of the present research is supported dual perspectives that are personal and
professional. From personal viewpoint, conducting the current research supports investigator to
enhance their skills and competencies to make better research project. It helps enhancing skills
such as time-management skills, communication skills, analytical skills and so on. While, from
professional viewpoint, this research helps in gaining the information of an effective leader who
can enhance the organisational productivity and performance. It also helps in comprehending
what challenges could face organisation if they are not having effective leaders in the business.

Literature Review
Concept of ineffective leadership skills in context of fashion industry of UK
As per the opinion of Mercader (2020) an ineffective leader is an individual who have the
position of supervision where they may not successfully fulfil their duties or guidance of their
job. In an organisation, a leader who could not spend enough time with a mentor or finish
adequate training before rising to their assigned role. An effective leader may have the
characteristic of having aggression where they become stressed and sense that they are losing
their control on their behaviour which affects their team as well. Some of the instances such as
bullying may cover criticizing other employee's physical appearance or threatening an employee
with termination or scolding a team member in front of everyone. But, if the leader is having an
effective leadership skill may choose to manage and handle conflicts in private along with
support professional conversation in the organisation.
On the other hand, John Mack (2017) views that ineffective leadership increases quitting,
disillusionment and tension in the culture of the workplace. The leaders who have deficiency in
their skills negatively affects the employees' performance as they are not able to motivate
employees in the challenging situation, often shifting blame to others. In fashion industry of UK,
ineffective leaders often do not think of the improvements and growth of their team. These
leaders do not strive at the world differently and to hone their leadership skills. Complacency
also makes team members to lose respect from the team as their team members feel that they are
following in swollen (John, 2017).
Impact of ineffective leadership skills on the organisational performance and productivity of
Burberry
According to the perception of Sanko and et.al. (2020) ineffective leadership skills covers
the trait of competitiveness while leading others or their team members. An ineffective leader
may mistakenly encourage unhealthy competition within the group to boost productivity. They
might view that pushing their individuals to fight for the award or prize may help in making team
better, if something mishappen, then it may result opposite or against the team. Whereas, it can
be said that an effective leaders may support in encouraging healthy competition through
transparency and praise. Thus, ineffective leadership skills negatively influence the performance
and productivity of the organisation as it creates unnecessary competition among team members.

However, in accordance with Lee and et.al. (2019) ineffective leadership leads
demotivation and disengagement among employees as they do not have clear direction of
working. In addition, employees who are lacking recognition and guidance will have overall low
morale. It creates negative workplace culture where there is an increase in the stress level, no
clear instruction leads low morale and many more. All such negative impacts of ineffective
leadership are avoidable in the organisation.
Challenges facing by Burberry due to ineffective leadership skills in context of fashion industry
of UK
According to the viewpoint of Butler (2020) retaining top talent is the biggest challenge
where the organisation facing the issue of ineffective leadership. Ineffective leaders are those
people who demotivate their employee's behaviour by scolding them for their poor results or
threatening them to terminate from the company, but they do not understand the reasons behind
their underperformance, instead they force to increase results. Also, employees want to see their
growth and development in their skills and knowledge but if leaders avoid their deficiency and
do not work for the enhancement in the growth of their team then it become difficult to retain
such employees in the organisation.
While, Pieterse and et.al. (2019) stated that departmental conflicts is also a big challenge
that the company could face in their business due to the lack of effective leaders. When leaders
do not have good leadership skills then they may not be able to handle the conflicts arise
between employees. Ineffective leaders are also not listening the issues and challenges of their
employees leading to increasing conflicts and clashes in the organisation. Hence, such ignorance
of conflicts can lead decrease in the productivity and performance of the organisation.
Research Methodology
Research Philosophy
The researcher has used positivism research philosophy in the present report to gather
quantitative data on the selected topic. It is systematic and practical to be used for the
quantitative research.
Research Approach
Deductive research approach is exploited in the current research in order to test the
validity of assumptions appropriately based on the selected topic.

Choice of Methods
The present research is based on the mono method where investigator collected single
type of data to the study (Li, Shamsuddin and Braga, 2021). Quantitative method is opted for the
present study.
Time-horizon
Through cross-sectional time-horizon, the researcher completed the study within a shorter
period of time as well as longitudinal did not use because it is supports research to be completed
in long period of time.
Data Collection and Analysis
Primary and secondary both types of data are used by the research practitioner so that
accurate information can be gathered that makes study more valid and authentic to the reader.
Journals, articles, internet sources has been used for secondary data, while questionnaire has
been made for collecting data which is first hand. In addition, frequency distribution table helps
in analysing data for the current study.
Sampling
Through probability method, respondents are selected with the help of simple random
basis. The sample size is 20 for this project.
Ethical Considerations
The personal information of participants is protected by Data Protection Act so that such
information would not be misused for any illegitimate purpose. The researcher do not harm the
natural or built environment while performing this research. And, all participants contribute to
the research voluntarily (Vasiliev, Goryachkina and Budnikov, 2020).
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Data Presentation and Interpretation
Table 1:
Q1. Do you understand the concept of ineffective leadership skill
within the organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 10
b) No 7

c) Lack of understanding 3
Interpretation: From this chart, it is seen that out of 20 respondents, 10 respondents have said
that they are aware about the ineffective leadership skills, 7 respondents have said no as they do
not aware about the ineffective leaders and their skills, along with only 3 respondents identified
that they lacks in the understanding of ineffective leadership.
Table 2:
Q2. According to your opinion, how ineffective leadership can affect
the organisational performance and productivity of Burberry?
Frequency
a) Due to the increasing toxic work culture 4
b) Loss of high performing employees 6
c) Increasing competition among employees 5
d) Any other 5

Interpretation: It is seen that mostly participants (6) finds that ineffective leadership can lead
loss of high performers, 4 participants sense that ineffective leaders create toxic work culture, 5
participants have said that ineffective leaders makes unnecessary competition among team and
rest of the 5 participants chooses any other.
Table 3:
Q3. As per your viewpoint, what are the traits of ineffective leaders
that can lower down the employee’s morale and motivation?
Frequency
a) Poor communication 7
b) Avoiding conflicts 2
c) Quick to blame instead of taking responsibility 9
d) Any other 2

Interpretation: 9 participants said that ineffective leaders only blame others, 7 participants found
that ineffective leader increases poor communication, 2 participants found that ineffective
leaders do not resolve conflicts and remaining 2 participants said that there are other traits of
ineffective leaders.
Table 4:
Q4. Do you think ineffective leadership can lead to high employee
turnover or absenteeism rate in Burberry?
Frequency
a) Yes 12
b) No 6
c) May be 2

Interpretation: From this chart, it is clearly shown that majority of the respondents said “yes”
that ineffective leadership leads high absenteeism or turnover rate in the organisation, 6
employees deny the fact and 2 participants are confused on the same.
Table 5:
Q5. From you perception, how leaders can make better
communication with their team members that can improve overall
business productivity and performance?
Frequency
a) By encouraging open communication 1
b) By considering formal communication training 4
c) By clearly communicate the individual tasks and responsibilities 8
d) By resolving conflicts quickly 3
e) Any other 4

Interpretation: It is seen that mostly participants (8) said that if leaders are good enough then
they communicate individual tasks and responsibilities, 4 participants have said that
communication can be enhanced by considering formal communication training, 3 participants
found that resolving conflicts can make better communication, only 1 participant said that open
communication is important while rest of the 4 participants found other ways to enhance the
communication.
Conclusion
It is concluded that ineffective leadership is one of the major challenges that is facing by
organisation and due to such problem their performance and productivity is decreased. It is very
important to have an effective leadership in the organisation so that employees can be motivated,
influenced, guided and controlled towards their job. Thus, an effective leaders can lead the
company to achieve their goals and objectives of business.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Milosevic, I., Maric, S. and Lončar, D., 2020. Defeating the toxic boss: the nature of toxic
leadership and the role of followers. Journal of Leadership & Organizational
Studies, 27(2), pp.117-137.
Zamin, S.A. and Hussin, F., 2021. Effect of Leadership Styles and Work Climate on Job
Performance: A Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment among University
Lecturers in Pakistan. Ilkogretim Online, 20(2).
Mercader, C., 2020. Explanatory model of barriers to integration of digital technologies in higher
education institutions. Education and Information Technologies, 25(6), pp.5133-5147.
Sanko, J. and et.al., 2020. What participants learn, with, from and about each other during inter-
professional education encounters: A qualitative analysis. Nurse Education Today, 88,
p.104386.
Lee, J.J. and et.al., 2019. Does ethical leadership predict follower outcomes above and beyond
the full-range leadership model and authentic leadership?: An organizational
commitment perspective. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 36(3), pp.821-847.
Butler, J., 2020. Learning to lead: a discussion of development programs for academic leadership
capability in Australian Universities. Journal of higher education policy and
management, 42(4), pp.424-437.
Pieterse, A.N. and et.al., 2019. Hierarchical leadership versus self-management in teams: Goal
orientation diversity as moderator of their relative effectiveness. The Leadership
Quarterly, 30(6), p.101343.
Li, B., Shamsuddin, A. and Braga, L.H., 2021. A guide to evaluating survey research
methodology in pediatric urology. Journal of Pediatric Urology, 17(2), pp.263-268.
Vasiliev, A.N., Goryachkina, V.P. and Budnikov, D., 2020. Research methodology for
microwave-convective processing of grain. International Journal of Energy
Optimization and Engineering (IJEOE), 9(2), pp.1-11.
Online:
John, M., 2017. Definition of Ineffective Leadership, 2017. [Online] Available Through:
<https://bizfluent.com/info-8674286-definition-ineffective-leadership.html>

Appendix
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q1. Do you understand the concept of ineffective leadership skill within the organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Lack of understanding
Q2. According to your opinion, how ineffective leadership can affect the organisational
performance and productivity of Burberry?
a) Due to the increasing toxic work culture
b) Loss of high performing employees
c) Increasing competition among employees
d) Any other
Q3. As per your viewpoint, what are the traits of ineffective leaders that can lower down the
employee’s morale and motivation?
a) Poor communication
b) Avoiding conflicts
c) Quick to blame instead of taking responsibility
d) Any other
Q4. Do you think ineffective leadership can lead to high employee turnover or absenteeism
rate in Burberry?
a) Yes
b) No
c) May be
Q5. From you perception, how leaders can make better communication with their team
members that can improve overall business productivity and performance?
a) By encouraging open communication
b) By considering formal communication training
c) By clearly communicate the individual tasks and responsibilities
d) By resolving conflicts quickly

e) Any other