Leadership Styles and Organizational Success

This assignment delves into the relationship between leadership styles and organizational performance. It requires students to analyze different leadership theories (like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs), examine research on leadership practices and styles (including intrinsic/extrinsic motivation and PBIS coaching), and discuss the influence of leadership on factors like outsourcing capabilities, project management, and overall success. The analysis draws upon academic literature and real-world examples, such as the case study of Marks & Spencer.

LEADING BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
TASK ..............................................................................................................................................2
Q.1 Discussing how Marks and Spencer’s can motivate its staff members during times of
change.........................................................................................................................................2
Q.2 Evaluating leadership style and what leadership style is the most appropriate at this time.4
Q.3 Analysing how new management structure will contribute to the success of firm.............6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
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Illustration Index
Illustration 1: Maslow's theory........................................................................................................5
2

INTRODUCTION
Operations management can be defined as administration of business activities which
produces the higher level of efficiency in the organization. It converts materials and labour into
goods and services effectively which aid to increase profit of corporation in the market.
Furthermore, leading business operations are necessary for management of enterprise to meet out
the goals and objectives in the present sector (Lun and et.al., 2016). Mark and Spencer (M&S) is
retail corporation which sell quality grocery products to different types of consumers in United
Kingdom. The present report describes about the motivation theories as well as concepts of firm
to inspire its employees at the workplace. Marks and Spencer sales of its clothing arm fell by
8.9% in the first quarter and its food sales in the quarter were down by 0.9%. The overall drop
down in sales volume has been noticed in eight years. Further, to deal with this issue business is
focusing on cheaper prices on leggings etc (Sales at UK’s Marks & Spencer drop the most in 8
years, 2016). Furthermore, it defines the leadership style for management of M&S. In addition
to this, it also analyses how organisational new management structure will aid to achieve the
success of corporation.
TASK
Q.1 Discussing how Marks and Spencer’s can motivate its staff members during times of change
According to Ferris and et.al (2013), there are many ways to motivate the staff members
during the time of change at the workplace. For this, management of M&S can use motivational
theories and models for providing better motivation regarding work. This approach can aid the
organization to overcome from its issues and aids to increase sales in retail sector (Ferris and
et.al., 2013). As per Kusurkar and et.al (2012), management of corporation can use Maslow
motivation theory to inspire the employees regarding work at the workplace. The main behind
the using this theory is the cover up of all kind of needs and requirements of employees in the
M&S. In addition to this process, it aids the organization to manage its operations effectively
(Kusurkar and et.al., 2012). Heinrichs, Oser and Lovat (2013), Generally, Maslow theory is
categorized in many parts like psychological, safety, esteem, belonging and self actualization.
These factor can aid the management of M&S to motivate the staff members by covering them
effectively (Heinrichs, Oser and Lovat, 2013).
According to Reiss (2012), By using this model, corporation can complete psychological
needs of employees like house, better salary, incentives and bonus. This step aid the corporation
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to complete the basis needs and desire which are necessary for survival of employees. In addition
to this, management of M&S can complete the safety level needs of staff members. In this
process, they provide medical insurance, accidental policies as well as job security for
employees. This process can aid them to reduce fear regarding health issues, job losing and
others at the workplace. It can support the staff members to motivate the employees internally.
Furthermore, it can increase respect in mind of employees regarding management of M&S. It
can aid the organization to increase loyalty and trust at the workplace (Reiss, 2012). Miner
(2015), corporation can complete social level needs of staff members. For this, management of
M&S conduct different kind of activities like team activities for knowing staff member each
other at the workplace. This process aids the organisation to increase motivation level of
employees in a appropriate manner. It is necessary for corporation because it aids staff members
not to feel alone, depressed as well isolation. Then after, management of M&S can cover esteem
level needs of workers. For this, organisation can complete different kind of desire of them. In
addition to this, enterprise can give appreciation letters, promotions as well as other things which
contribute effectively for employees internally effectively. This activity can aid the M&S to
realise importance of staff members at the workplace (Miner, 2015). As per Ahluwalia (2013),
after the achievement of this level, management of corporation can cover the self actualization
needs and requirements of employees to motivate then in a appropriate manner. For this, M&S
can provide autonomy to staff members, assigning challenging work, inviting in a decision
making process. This process aids the corporation to increase inspiration level of staff members
at the workplace (Ahluwalia, 2013).
On the other side, hierarchy of Maslow process is not effective because it is very slower
process. Along with this, it does not give very fast results to management of M&S which can
create complexities to reach its desired goals and objective in a appropriate manner. Many
assumption of Maslow theory wrong (Quesada-Pallarès and Gegenfurtner, 2015). For example, if
salary of individual in the organisation is less then he will not join any kind of training programs.
Other than this, it gives more priorities to complete lower level needs which creates issues to
motivate employees in M&S. According to Ferris, and et.al (2013), it does not give more
emphasize on training and development needs of employees which produces complexities to
reduce corporate issues (Ferris, and et.al., 2013).
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(Source: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, 2016)
As per Kusurkar and et.al (2012), management of M&S can use Cognitive motivation
theory to motivate the employees in a systematic manner. The main reason behind use of this
theory is meeting out all internal and external level of staff members (Kusurkar and et.al., 2012).
Heinrichs, Oser and Lovat, (2013), In addition to this, it play important role for
management of M&S to achieve very fast results as compare to Maslow motivation theory. In
this process, corporation can give priorities of desires and needs of employees as per its
suitability at the workplace (Heinrichs, Oser and Lovat, 2013).
According to Reiss (2012), cognitive motivation theory is divided in external and internal
level which aids the management of M&S to inspire the staff members in a appropriate manner.
For completing external level needs, corporation can provide effective salary, higher bonus,
incentives as well as better increment which support the staff members to motivate regarding
work. This activity aids the M&S to inspire the employees in respect of job at the workplace
(Reiss, 2012). As per Miner (2015), management of corporation can also complete the internal
needs of employees. For this, M&S can provide appreciation letter, training and development,
promotions and rewards to the employees. These kind of efforts support the organisation to
5
Illustration 1: Maslow's theory

motivate the staff members regarding job internally. In addition to this, it can aid the
management of M&S to reduce their various kind of issues in systematic manner. So these
motivation theories and concept can guide the corporation to manage business operations
effectively by providing better level of motivation to employees at the workplace (Miner, 2015).
According to Ahluwalia (2013), management of M&S can consider other model equity
theory, ERG as well as reinforcement motivation theory which contribute effectively to inspire
the staff members regarding work effectively (Ahluwalia, 2013).
Apart from this, in order to manage the entire process of change Kotter four step four
model is quite effective which Marks and Spencer can easily employ for its future growth. First
step is linked with creating a sense of urgency where it is required to understand the overall need
for change within Marks and Spencer. It considers developing the catalyst for change, examining
market realities etc. In the second step forming powerful coalition which involves assembling
group with enough power in order to lead the change effort (Frankel and PGCMS, 2016). Third
step is linked with creasting a vision to help directing the change effort and the last one is
communicating the vision where individuals associated with Marks and Spencer can easily
communicate vision with other members for overall growth of company. During the process of
change staff uncertainty is present where all the employees may be uncertain and they are not
able to know what is the real impact of change on them. Therefore, in such condition use of
motivational tool is must for business.
Q.2 Evaluating leadership style and what leadership style is the most appropriate at this time
According to Quesada-Pallarès and Gegenfurtner (2015), there are many leadership and
skills which aids the organization to overcome these issues in the market. M&S can use different
kind of leadership styles democratic, autocratic, laissez faire as well as transformation which can
aid to manage its operations at the work place (Quesada-Pallarès and Gegenfurtner, 2015). As
per Luna (2015), leadership skills and qualities can also support the management of corporation
to reduce these issues effectively (Luna, 2015).
As per present condition, corporation should use transformation leadership style to
achieve its goals and objectives in retail sector of United Kingdom. Clarke (2013), there is many
reasons to adopt the transformational leadership style at the work place of M&S. In this
approach, managers of firm also work with employees to manage operations which contribute
effectively to motivate them effectively. In addition to this, it also aids the staff members to
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guide the employees regarding project which guide to reduce any kind of project related issues
effectively. Furthermore, it also aids the M&S to improve efficiency and performance of
corporation in the retail sector (Clarke, 2013).
According to Neumann and Neumann (2013), transformation leadership style aids the
organisation to manage its business operations at the workplace. In addition to this, it provides
opportunity to staff members to involve in the decision making process. It aids the managers of
M&S to take better decision by analysing each factor in the meeting (Neumann and Neumann,
2013). As per (Du and et.al (2013), it reduces chances of risk and project failure due to effective
teamwork and better efficiency level in the project work. Along with this, high level of
communication can also guide the M&S to coordinate work effectively. So it aids the
organisation to achieve better success according present market condition by achieving goals and
objectives in the market. This way, organisation can manage its work in a appropriate work (Du
and et.al., 2013).
As per Prive (2012), management of corporation can use Autocratic leadership style at
the workplace because M&S is facing with lower sales as well as market share issues in the
retail sector of United Kingdom. So Steave rose (CEO of firm) along with other team members
can take effective decision as per present condition of market. In addition to this, these managers
have effective market experience regarding this sector which can aid them to take suitable
actions in the market. They can aid the M&S to achieve its appropriate outcomes by gaining
goals and objectives effectively in the market (Prive, 2012). According to Jones (2015), it can aid
the corporation to manage its marketing operations and other activities in a systematic manner
(Jones, 2015).
McCamish and et.al (2015), to overcome with these issue, leadership skills and qualities
are also necessary in the M&S. There are many leadership skills like communication, risk
taking, delegation, motivation skills, vision and goal setting which can aid the organisation to
manage its business activities and reduce its complexities (McCamish and et.al., 2015). As per
Frankel and PGCMS, (2016), better interaction of skill leaders can aid the M&S to share their
ideas front of superiors and juniors which aid to understand project work effectively. In addition
to this, it also aids the leaders to direct or guide the other team members regarding project work
effectively. Other wise, leaders can not achieve organisational goals and solve complex issues
easily at the workplace of M&S (Frankel and PGCMS, 2016). According to Trivellas and
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Drimoussis (2013), better delegation skills is also essential to face present corporate issues
effectively because it aids the leaders to give more dedication to organisational work. Along with
this, it also aids them to understand traits of other team members easily which provide huge help
to allocate work in a systematic manner (Trivellas and Drimoussis, 2013).
As per Luna (2015), risk taking skills are also necessary in good leaders because it aids
the corporation to grab opportunity which can provide effective advantages. Along with this, it
can support the M&S to reduce organisational issues lower market share and sales effectively by
taking advantages of chance in the market. Furthermore, it can also better understand the risk
aspect and its solutions for corporation (Luna, 2015).
Clarke (2013), motivating team members is effective which leaders should posses
because it aids the organisation to motivate their staff by providing appropriate guidance to them.
These activities of team leader can aid M&S to increase efficiency and performance in the
market. In addition to this, it can aid the corporation to lead the team effectively at the workplace
(Clarke, 2013).
According to Neumann and Neumann (2013), there are many leadership qualities which
can aid the team leader to reduce organisational issues and other operations in a systematic
manner. Strategic planning is one of effective quality of team leader which can aid the M&S to
make appropriate plans and strategies to reduce organisational issues in the market. It can
support the firm to get desire objectives in the retail sector (Neumann and Neumann, 2013). As
per Du and et.al (2013), taking additional responsibility is effective quality of leader which
support the organisation to reduce workload. In addition to this, it aids the management of M&S
to divide job among team members effectively. These efforts of team can aid the organisation to
handle its business and operations issues in a appropriate manner (Du and et.al., 2013).
McCamish, C. and et.al., 2015 (2015), positive attitude is also necessary for staff
members which also support the to work adverse condition in M&S. In addition to this, it aids
the team leader to develop effective business strategies for reducing organisational issues like
reduced market share and sales in retail sector of United Kingdom. So these kind of efforts can
guide management of M&S to handle business operations in a appropriate manner (McCamish
and et.al., 2015).
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Q.3 Analysing how new management structure will contribute to the success of firm
Organizational structure can be defined as the reporting relationships among the staff
members at the workplace. Further, corporation select organizational structure on the basis of
many factors, like its size, geographic dispersion as well as number of different products and
services they sell. There are many kind of management structure like divisional, functional as
well as matrix structure which can aid the organisation to manage its retail operations in a
appropriate manner. Some of them are described below in the points (Trivellas and Drimoussis,
2013).
Functional structure: It is an organizational structure in which reporting relationships
are designed on base of functional area. it is one of effective organisational structure which can
aid the firm to manage its retail activities in the grocery sector of United Kingdom. In this
process, management of corporation divide its roles and responsibilities as per its functions at the
work place (Fan, Wong and Zhang, 2013). For example, organisation can categorise its functions
in sales, purchase, quality, finance, marketing, research and development and human resource.
This process aids the organisation to understand each work effectively. In addition to this, it
supports the corporation to design better workflow to manage its business activities in a
appropriate manner. Furthermore, there are many advantages of functional structure in the
corporation. Individual can manage its work effectively because he has effective knowledge and
information regarding his area. This activity can aid the corporation to increase efficiency and
performance in the market (Csaszar, 2012). Functional structure also aids the employees of
corporation to increase knowledge level in their areas by sharing information to each other at the
workplace. On the other side, functional organisational structure creates complexities due to lack
of understanding regarding among employees at the workplace. In addition to this, As
organisation grow larger then it create complexities to manage its business operations
effectively. It produces complexities to make better goals and objectives for large corporations in
the market.
Divisional Structure: This structure are used in many common organisations in which
corporate divisions are held on the basis on the business size and geographical basis. In this
process, organisational functions area divided semi autonomous units which are called divisions.
This process aids the corporations to manage day to day business activities in different areas.
Unit head report to central authority which aids the management to manage its operations in a
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appropriate manner (Martin and et.al., 2012). Generally, multi national firms are uses divisional
structure which can support to handle its global operations. For example, General Motors is
international corporation which utilizes Divisional structure to manage its national and
international business activities in a appropriate manner.
Matrix organisational structure: It is also one of effective organisational in which
reporting relationships are made as a grid or matrix, rather than conventional hierarchy. Along
with this, staff members have dual reporting relationships to both functional manager as well as
product manager in the organisation (Plugge, Bouwman and Molina-Castillo, 2013). For
example, Many large enterprises such as Caterpillar Tractor, Texas Instruments as well as
Hughes Aircraft established Matrix organisational structure by managing proper relationships
between functional and project lines. In addition to this, there are many advantages of using
Matrix organisational structure at the workplace. Corporation can take advantages of divisional
and function corporate structure. Furthermore, it can aid the firm to improve efficiency and
performance effectively in the present sector. Resources of corporation can be utilized
effectively which can aid to complete the project before deadline. Both project and products are
coordinated effectively across functional division in the corporation. Along with this, flow of
information is dispatched both functional and product department at the workplace (Erhemjamts,
Li and Venkateswaran, 2013). Further, staff members are contact in many other employees
which contribute effectively to share knowledge of corporation. This process provides huge
flexibility to managers to take better decision for corporate growth.
Flat structure: In this type of organizational structure staff members are given power and
it is expected that they will take large number of responsibilities with the motive to take various
decisions on daily basis. Main advantage of employing this structure is that it saves cost where
organization has to incur small expenses on salaries (Martin and et.al., 2012). It is easily
adaptable where all the individuals associated with the business are adaptable to change and it
involves innovation along with creativity also. Therefore, considering the overall advantage of
flat structure it has been found that this structure is also effective and by undertaking the same
business can easily focus on its desired goals and objectives.
According to present condition, management of corporation can should Divisional
organisational structure to manage its retail activities across various areas. As per Lin (2014),
there are many cause and benefits to use this structure at the workplace of Mark and Spencer.
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This structure can aid to manage different kind of retail operations of different outlets which
spread in different geographical areas. Furthermore, operations of Mark and Spencer is expanded
in other countries in the world. So divisional structure can aid the corporation to manage its
international retail operations effectively (Lin, 2014). According to Trivellas and Drimoussis
(2013), each division can focus on business strategies and products which can to increase its
sales in appropriate manner. In addition to this, it can aid the Mark and Spencer to take business
decisions as per geographical divisions (Trivellas and Drimoussis, 2013). Fan, Wong and Zhang
(2013), The main advantages of using divisional structure is that each division can emphasize on
its issues and problems which can give better flexibility to reduce them effectively. Furthermore,
specific division can make its goals and objectives which aid to complete them in a appropriate.
These kind of efforts can aid the Mark and Spencer to increase its sales and market share in retail
sector (Fan, Wong and Zhang, 2013).
CONCLUSION
From the report, it is found that motivation and cognitive management theory aids the
management of Mark and Spencer to motivate the staff members regarding work. Further,
transformational leadership style and skills aids the corporation to reduce its lower market share
and sales issues in retail sector of United Kingdom. In addition to this, It can be concluded that
divisional organisational structure play important role for management of Mark and Spencer to
manage business operations in a systematic manner.
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