Differences and Similarities between Leader and Manager in Operation Management

Operation Management

Contents
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................4
TASK 1.................................................................................................................................................4
Differences and similarities between a leader and manager considering their roles and
characteristics....................................................................................................................................4
Similarity between leader and a manager..........................................................................................5
Situational leadership, systems leadership and contingency leadership.............................................6
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................7
Different approaches to operations management...............................................................................7
Role of an operation manager............................................................................................................8
Importance of operations management..............................................................................................9
Key outside factors that can have an effect on the operations management.......................................9
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Operation management is all about the techniques and strategy adopted in order to
carry out business operational activity in an effective and efficient manner. In addition to this
it is refer to as the procedure taking place during the conversion of raw materials into finished
goods and services. This presented report takes into consideration two companies in two
different tasks. In the first task company taken into consideration is Tesco, which is the
British Multinational Groceries company with it’s headquarter in United Kingdom. Whereas
the company taken in task 2 is Mark and Spencer which is one of the largest retail industry
with its headquarter in London. It mainly deals in selling clothing and luxury food products.
This assignment gives the brief about the roles and characteristics about the leader and the
manager. In addition to this how situational, system and contingency theory are applied in
order to develop the organization are also explained in this assignment. Moreover the file
focuses on the approaches of management and its importance. Lastly, this presented repot
focuses on the key factors which affect the business operation management.
TASK 1
Differences and similarities between a leader and manager considering their roles and
characteristics.
Leader is the one who hold the dominant position within its field and has the
capability to exercise control and influence over others in order to get work done from them.
In addition to this leadership can be defined as the art to motivate individuals in order to act
in achieving towards a common goal (Jacobs, F.R., Chase, R.B. and Lummus, R.R., 2014).
So it’s the prime responsibility of HR manager of Tesco company to select the best leader for
the respective team so that each members can help in accomplishing the organizational goals
on specified time period.
Manager is the one on whom the responsibilities of whole organization lies. In
addition to this manager is an expert in his/her field and also serves as a support system for
the workers of an organization (Brown, S. and Bessant, J., 2013) . So it’s the prime
responsibility of the manager of the Tesco company to work within a business and to work
together with the different team in order to achieve company goals.
Difference between leader and a manager
Leader Manager
Leader is the one who set challenging goals
for employees.
Manager organize, plan and set goal on
which the leader and the employees need to
work out.
A leader need not be a manager hence,
leadership is a narrow term.
A manager is more than a leader, hence
management is a wider term.

Similarity between leader and a manager.
Both the leader and the manager influence and organize authority in order to
accomplish goal (Langabeer, J.R. and Helton, J., 2015). The major similarity between the
leader and manger of Tesco Company is that both explain the vision of the company to the
workers. In addition to this both motivate and influence workers to work effectively by
making proper and efficient utilization of resources in order to increase the productivity up to
the certain level. Moreover it can be said that both act as a role model for their subordinates.
Role and characteristics of leader and a manager
Manager and the leader both play their respecting role in Tesco Company and each have their
respective characteristics which are explained below (Hill, A.V., 2012).
Role of leader and manager: Leader and manager plays three important roles so as to
accomplish organizational goal on specified time schedule.
It’s the leader and manager major role to create an inspiring vision and shared values with
their subordinates (Ronen, B., Pliskin, J.S. and Pass, S., 2012).
 In addition to this leader and manager of Tesco company should guide and motivate
their subordinates by demonstrating confidence level and leading them by giving
suitable examples.
 Both the leader and manager of Tesco Company should inspire and energize people it
is also one of the important role of the leader and the manager (Swink, M. and et. al
2017). This can be done by communicating openly and friendly as well as by listing to
their ideas.
Characteristics of leader and manager: Both the leader and a manger of Tesco company
possess some important characteristics which is essential in order to achieve successful
growth in the market. Some of them are mentioned below:
 The very first characteristics of good leader and a manager of Tesco Company is that
they should be flexible as future is uncertain (McCrie, R., 2015). Changes may takes
place due to government new regulation, strikes by the employees, natural disasters
and many more factors.
 Second most important characteristics of the leader and a manager of Tesco Company
is that both should be able to communicate effectively with their subordinates.
 Third important characteristics of an effective leader and a manager of Tesco
Company is the combination of humility and presence (Peng, D.X. and Lai, F., 2012).
They should not act as aloof upon their subordinates instead they should able to talk
and listen up the employees ideas and views at all level of the company.
Functions of a manager according to Fayol
Manager is the person who is accountable for scheming and administrating an
organization or group of personnel who are working together to accomplish organizational