Roles and Characteristics of a Leader and a Manager in Operations Management

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Part 1................................................................................................................................................1
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................1
Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.........1
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................4
Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in the
different situational context....................................................................................................4
Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, system
leadership and contingency....................................................................................................6
Part 2................................................................................................................................................8
Task 3...............................................................................................................................................8
Explain the key approaches to operation management and role of leaders and managers play.
................................................................................................................................................8
Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives.
................................................................................................................................................9
Task 4.............................................................................................................................................11
Assess the factors within the business environment which impact upon operational
management and decision making........................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................13
References:.....................................................................................................................................14
Books and Journals...............................................................................................................14

Introduction
Operations management is a significant branch of a business which is related with the
administration of the business practices intended to achieve maximum efficiency within the
organisation. It is primarily concerned with planning, organising, controlling and directing the
activities within the organisation in terms of production, manufacturing or provision of services.
The prime objective of the operation management is to convert the materials and labours into
finished goods and services as efficiently and effectively as possible to maximise the profit and
minimise the wastage (Martins and et. al., 2020). Managers in an operation department make an
effort to balance revenue and costs in order to achieve highest possible operating profit for the
business firms. Sainsbury Plc is the oldest and second largest retail chain of supermarkets,
founded in the year 1869, headquartered at London, England, United Kingdom. The parent
company J Sainsbury Plc is divided into three divisions such as Sainsbury bank, Sainsbury Agro
and Sainsbury Supermarket limited, catering to the needs of people in United Kingdom and
Republic of Ireland. The further conducted report outlines difference between the role of a leader
and function of manager along with role of leader and function of manager into different
situational context in Sainsbury Plc. Furthermore, the report also underlines the relationship
between leadership and management in a contemporary business environment and an
appreciation of the role of leaders and managers that play in the Sainsbury Plc.
Part 1
Task 1
Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
Leaders and managers are the key people working in the organisation as they are
responsible in directing and guiding the workforce of an organisation to work in collective
manners in align with the mission and vision, towards the common goals.
Definition of Leader and Manager
Leader is the person who has the capability to see how things can be improved who directs the
workforce towards the common goal and better vision. Leaders are responsible for making the
vision into reality through keeping the needs of their team first (Dubbs, 2018). Leaders are
known for inspiring other working under them and meanwhile directing the way they behave and
act, ensuring their efforts leads to a positive and desired outcome. Leaders working in Sainsbury
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Plc are personable enough to make other follow their orders and gain their confidence and trust
through empathy and positive relationship with them.
On the other hand, managers are those person who are in charge of something or manage things
with the intention to ensure that everything go well and as per planned. A manager in the context
of a Sainsbury Plc is the individual who is responsible for being a part of a company; that is they
manage and supervise the activities of a business or people working in the organisation. Manager
in the Sainsbury are the head of department and top executives who are primarily responsible for
making significant decisions within organisation (Dewan and Milne, 2020).
Comparison between different roles and characteristics of leader and manger
 Roles Leader Manager
Managerial functions Leaders are primarily
concerned with influencing
and directing the workforce
working in Sainsbury Plc
towards the attainment of
common goals and set targets.
Thus performs only one
function.
Whereas, Managers at
Sainsbury Plc performs all the
five functions planning,
organising, staffing, directing
and controlling. Mangers are
responsible for managing the
entire organisation whereas
leaders manage only a group
of members.
Creation of vision and goals Leaders in Sainsbury plc
inspire the workforce towards
the creation of vision into
reality by analysing their
potential and motivate them to
work collectively towards the
common objectives (Yan and
Pedraza‐Martinez, 2019).
On the other hand, managers
are responsible for creating
small goals for the employees
to achieve them within a
stipulated period of time.
Managers focus on setting
goals, measuring performance
and achieving objectives as
per the vision and mission of
company.
 Characteristic Leader Manager
Risk taking Leaders are recognised for Managers working in
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