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

This report discusses the different roles and characteristics of a leader and manager in the context of management and operations. It also explores various theories and models of leadership and their application in organizational situations. The importance of operations management and its role in achieving business goals is also analyzed.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................2
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1. Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and the manager.....3
M1 Analyse and differentiate between the role of a leader and function of a manager by
applying various theories and concepts......................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2 Role and functions of leader or manager in dealing with organisational situations..............5
P3 Determination of leadership theories and models within organisational context..................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P4 Role of leader and manager with respect to key approaches of operational management...8
P5 Determining operations management value and importance for attainment of business
goals............................................................................................................................................9
P6 Assess factors of operational management impacting decision making processes at
workplace..................................................................................................................................10
M4 Effect of these factors on wider community & business environment...............................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Management is the process of planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling the
operation with in the organisation so that resources of the company is rightly used in an effective
and efficient manner. Operations are the functioning and managing the inner working so that all
the business can be run with the right approach and it will leads to attain the organisational goal.
Aston Martin is the chosen organisation for this report, It is the British independent company
which manufactures the luxury sports cars and grand tourers. It is founded by Lionel Martin in
1947. The company operates their business in different location in UK. This report will cover the
roles and responsibilities of a leader and the manager and also explain the different theories of
leadership. Furthermore, It will analyse the key approaches to operations management and also
explain the importance and value of operations management in business.
MAIN BODY
TASK 1
P1. Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and the manager.
Leader is the one who rallies the people to move in the one direction for attaining the
common objectives(Gray,Higgins and Rhodes, 2018). Manager must give som It works for
making the vision and mission of the company so that each task can be done with the
consideration of achieving the business goal based on vision statement. A leader is the one who
give guidance to their subordinated to perform better in the organisation for attaining the
business goal. There are various leadership styles which can be used by them in order to handle
the situation in a right manner.
Manager is the one who convince the other people for attaining the common goal and
also give them the training with the consideration putting their effectiveness in their business
operations. It is the person who monitor and manage the work so that each task can be done in an
right approach. In context to Aston Martin, the manager is fulfilling their duties and
responsibilities so that operations can be done in an effective manner.
Role of a leader Communicator: It is the medium of passing the information from one person to another
so that everyone can be aware about their duties and responsibilities (Peng, Wang and
Chen, 2019). It is important to have an effective communication within the organisation

so that leader can give the right information to their subordinates in order to maximise
the efficiency of them. Teacher: Leader can be a good instucturer that can train their employees so that they can
work with their full potential in attaining the business goal. Appropriate training of the
employees will help in development of them and they will use that training in their
operational areas. Influencer: A leader is the influence that motivates their subordinates to follows their
steps in accordance to achieving the common objectives. It also help in increasing the
productivity of the employees and they will leads to achieve the high targets of the
business.
Role of Manager: Focuses on development: Manager is the one who identifies the areas of development
and find the suitable technique so in order to meet the competitive advantages in an
organisation(Roe, 2020). short term goals so that employee will keep on in their
development and learning. Encourage strategic thinking:Manager invite the the strategic thinking of the employees
and also favour the innovative ideas in their business so that they can achieve the
business goal in an effective manner. Self awareness: Manager is the one who control numerous employees from different
field and it is important to have the sufficient knowledge so that they can guide and teach
their subordinate in an effective manner.
Characteristics of Manager and the leader:
Basis Manager Leader
Characteristics Effective social skills:
These are the skills which
include the presentation skills,
communication skills and
many more Schedlitzki and
Edwards, 2017). A manager
must have the prominent
personality so that they can
Outstanding public
speaking:
It is the basic skills that must
be inbuilt in the effective
leadership. It is the main
concern of any business to
have the good leader who can
influence other in order to

influence their employees in
achieving the business goal.
Time management:
It is the aspect which can not
redeem after a period of time
so it is important that manger
must be good enough in
completing the task within a
set time frame so that value of
the can be retain. It is the skills
which is significantly impact
the functioning of the business.
Manager must be a time bound
person who do their work with
a set time frame.
complete the task in an
appropriate manner.
Allure personality:
A leader must be charm,
creative and adaptive who can
take the decision in the
dynamic environment and
adopt their business strategies
in an appropriate manner and
run their business in an
effective manner. They are the
one who can make the decision
in order to attain the business
goal. It is help in effective
accomplishment of the
business activities in an
appropriate manner.
M1 Analyse and differentiate between the role of a leader and function of a manager by applying
various theories and concepts.
A leader is one who influence the other to follows their actions so that common goal of
the business can be achieved in an appropriate manner and manager is the one who convince the
workforce in order to work effectively for attaining the goal of the organisation. They use
various theories so that all the function can be run in an systematic manner and establish a
working culture within the organisation.
TASK 2
P2 Role and functions of leader or manager in dealing with organisational situations
It has been observed that in every business situation manager or leader has a crucial role
of making decisions for raising performance level of organisation(Van Wart, 2017). A leader is
the single individual who manage all the workforce within the organisation on other hand, the
manager is the one who manage all the workflow within the organisation and ensure effective

performance by the employees in attaining the business goal. Roles and function of the leader
and the manager is different situation is explained below:
Introduction of new products: It is the stage of product development in which the
company focuses on developing the new product by doing proper study of the market and
analysing the current trends. It will help in getting the product that can meet the trends of the
loyal customers. Aston Martin play also focus on developing the new products and develop the
new strategies of doing the business. Leader and manager have play the important role which is
explained as follows:
Role of leader and the manager: A leader motives their employees for their effective
working and also make some polices and strategies so that they can work in an approached
manner and develop the product that will meet the need and demand of the target customers.
Manager use to implement the various plan so that employees are being aware about the task to
do and there will be no such issue that employees are not able to work in their effective manner.
Manager also analyse the several department and their function and also ensure the proper use of
business polices and strategies for approaching the business in the right manner to achieve the
business goal.
Employment engagement: It is the method of involving the employee in the major
decision making or involving them to make them feel that they are very important for the
business(Trad, 2021). It helps is increasing the efficiency of the employees and also motivates
them in order to achieve the organisational goal. Aston Martin is also focusing on the employee
engagement so that they can contribute in doing the operation in an effective manner.
Role of leader and the manager: A leader must ensure that employees are felling
comfortable in their working so that they can be retain in the business for the longer period of
time. They tries to guide the subordinate so that they can work toward achieving the business
goal of an organisation. Manager must ensure the that employee is being known and train with
the new business strategies so that they can work properly in order to achieve the business goal.

P3 Determination of leadership theories and models within organisational context
As working style of leaders and manager change in dynamic business environment,
leadership approaches are also modified or adopted as per modern standards(Kwilinski and et.
al.,2019) In traditional leadership models , managers used to exorcize autocratic control over
employees at workplace. The decisions made on what performances will be carried out by staff
members of firm are taken by central top authority only having whole power to regulate
company operations. This style did not involve any of staff opinions or ideas which demotivated
them to work better at enterprise.
Therefore, in order to encourage employees work better and participate into good
business decisions modern leadership theories were adopted. Managerial functions consist of
planning, organizing, directing, controlling and coordination of business activities which were
timely achieved by collaborate strategies created by both employees & management leaders. In
context of Aston Martin, democratic leadership theories were adopted discussed below to scale
up business positively:
Situational leadership theory: Decision making processes are conducted by Aston
martin with leader and manager to deal with various situations occurring at marketplace.(Pati
and Das, 2018) This leadership style is adopted to formulate better strategic plans by managers
for achieving future goals & objective of chosen organisation. Managerial decisions in situations
like fall in market demand for product may include launch of new service or good, adoption of
different promotional techniques etc. Here role of leader is to assist employees with adapting to
new dynamic environment, technology or product. This approach is not appropriate for long
term plans or objective as they are short-term oriented helping managers achieve specific
projects only.
Systems approach: This is an employee specific approach that focus mainly on
encouraging individuals working at organisation. Since , human resources are an important asset
to Aston martin, they make sure effective functions are performed(Chasdi, 2017). These
performances depend upon various factors that are salary of employee, incentives, benefits, gift
vouchers, honourable awards etc. Role of leader is to build good relationship with staff members
through motivating them in aligning their personal goals with company vision. Role of manager
here is to create effective procedures, policies or plans for employees and leaders to complete
their work with respect to new products development. This leadership approach is not

appropriate for firms who want to take immediate action as motivating workforce is a time
consuming process.
Contingency theory: There are two factors that determine success of business that are
skill set of individuals working & current situation of chosen firm. This approach determines
how long is business going to successfully continue without any difficulty through team
working, motivation & direction to staff employees. In context of Aston martin, this theory is
categorized into two factors that is dependent and independent variables. Manufacturing of cars
requires various dependent variable such as raw material, mechanical engineers, equipment
suppliers etc. Leaders make sure that company processes are continued well for a longer period.
This form of leadership style is not suitable option for regularly changing situations.
TASK 3
P4 Role of leader and manager with respect to key approaches of operational management
Operations management consist of organizing of business activities inconsideration with
manufacturing or production processes. In context of Aston Martin, Managers make sure that
delivery of their sports car is properly transported at marketplace satisfying customer
requirements or needs. For successful prosecution of luxury cars with good quality various
operational functions are exercised that includes-
Finished product transformation form raw material: This function lay emphasis on
developing sports cars as per consumer needs by systematic manufacturing procedure(Saleh and
Watson, 2017). The finished good with respect to Aston Martin is sports or luxury cars involves
indulgence of different equipments as raw material to produce a speedy good quality car. Role
of manager here is to formulate appropriate strategies for designing process of manufacturing
quality sport cars. Whereas leaders responsibility here is to assign task to engineering staff as
well as check quality of company products on consistent basis.
Logistics or inventory management: This leadership approach is exercised by managers
of firm to maintain stock inventory of organisation. In relevance with Aston Martin, leaders
analyse market trends and maintain inventory as per customer requirements. Managers keep
track of stock by use of inventory management software that help them regulate logistic
processes. Leaders appointed by superior management of chosen firm direct its employee staff
on how to systematically deliver cars when demanded in customer market.

Application of different approaches in operational leadership to improve business
efficiency in meeting up organisational objectives:
TQM analysis: This approach main aim is to maintain quality of product produced at
workplace(Ivanovich, 2020). In context of Aston Martin, Mangers use logistics management
software to analyse procedure followed by manufacturing staff while producing luxury cars in
market. Leaders check quality standard of every sport car based on variables that include speed,
engine, braking system, rear camera, new technology etc.
Lean production and manufacturing: This technique of production lay emphasis on
minimum wastage of company resources utilized during manufacturing process. In relevance
with Aston Martin, managers use different tools to make employees aware about how they
should efficiently utilize scarce resources of firm to produce luxury cards with best
quality(Barnes, 2018). Use of new technology such as automated machines are adopted by
selected organisation to make sure resources allocated are utilized properly & not wasted
resulting in rise of demand, social awareness or increase profit margins etc.
Just-in-time approach: With minimum wastage of company equip-mental sources, time
is also an important factor that is aimed upon in this leadership style. In consideration with
respective company, production or development process of manufactured sport cars is task of
manager or leader to accomplish work in less time. Launch of new product in effective time help
Aston martin bring rise in sales and profitability ratio in market economy.
P5 Determining operations management value and importance for attainment of business goals
Importance of operational management with regards to selected enterprise for achieving
business objectives is discussed below:
Satisfying customer requirement: Above approaches help manager segment market as
per customer preferences(Celik, 2017). In context of Aston Martin, leaders bifurcate customers
into specific sections such as consumer status, income level of buyers, location and their
perception etc. Operational functions help managers take quick review of customers and
accordingly add value to their sport cars leading to increase in market share, increase sales, rise
profitability.
Process of production- Managers of selected firm design production process in such a
manner that it leads to rise in sales & increasing productivity level. A proper design help
employees of firm to work according to set procedures directed by leaders of chosen

organisation. As per requirement of the organization, it has been using various factors in order to
increase the level of efficiency of work. These factors are production namely land, labour, capital
and entrepreneur is used in such a manner which brought ahead a drastic change in the growth
and efficiency of the organization. Being one of the greatest car organisation established in UK,
it gone through the various improvement techniques in order to increase the level of productivity
of every segment.
Minimum wastage of resources & cost- Utilisation of lean production process has helped
Aston Martin reduce wastage of resources during supply or manufacturing of product. The
methods also direct leaders with minimisation of errors during production process. Moreover,
this function has helped managers lead to success of company by reducing expenditures over
revenue generations. Here the organisation has also emphasized over the sustainability of it
through increasing environment friendly products in the market. Also in this regard, it has
established environmental policies which include every segment of the organisation. It has also
committed in regard to lowering the level of carbon emissions from the vehicles produced by the
organisation. It is also adhered with the environmental system line to ISO14001.
Customer Satisfaction- Aston Martin feels the responsibility towards its committed
clients. It stands with its policies by providing maximum level of satisfaction to the customers.
The best quality products are provided in order to maintain its level of integrity in the market.
This approach also increases the level of goodwill of an organisation in the industry as well as
market(Chapman and Ellinger, 2019). By satisfying the needs of customers, Aston Martin has
managed to maintain its market share with a good level of profitability. Customer satisfaction is
the core responsibility of every organisation in order to survive in the market. To attract good
amount of customers its is important to make improvements in the strategies on which company
is processing.
P6 Assess factors of operational management impacting decision making processes at workplace
Dynamic changes taking place in business environment come up with change in
technological, ecological and social aspects. In context of Aston martin, managers perform
adequate analysis of current strategies used for production of cars & accordingly make
judgements. Internal environment of business responsible for decision making are stakeholders,
company culture, employees, boards of directors, organisational resources, reputation of firm etc.

On other hand external people affecting environment of business are suppliers, investors, general
public and society as whole. Macro factors impacting business environment of Aston Martin
hereby are discussed as follows:
Company ethics in business: Proper implementation of business practices or policies to
solve difficult situations arising at workplace is a part of business ethics. In relevance with Aston
Martin, there are lot of issues faced by managers at organisation such as corporate governance,
equality, age discrimination etc. that require improvement in current processes within
business(Dogru and Keskin, 2020).The company follows different principles of ethical
management consisting of employee loyalty, honest communication, respectful attitude towards
others etc.
Corporate social responsibility:This function focuses mainly on integration with
company objectives with society and environmental issues(Ferdows, 2018). The concerns arising
in environment due to hazards generated from big companies as well as pollution require
attention of business towards social responsibility. In order to complete their social goals
towards society Aston martin have created different pollution control policies, interacted with
stakeholders to use less plastic, formulate strategies for launching eco-friendly products etc.
Stakeholders: Stakeholders at organisation include creditors, suppliers, investors,
managers, leaders and customers. In context of Aston martin, stakeholders consist of users,
providers or influencers in chosen firm. These people broadly impact company operations by
providing financial support in fulfilling objectives of selected enterprise. Selected entity take
review from consumers to improve organisational performances with effective supply chain
network. Strengthening of distribution channel also play important role in completing social
goals by providing consistent services with good quality to consumers in market.
M4 Effect of these factors on wider community & business environment
In context of Aston martin, one of leading multinational organisations in automotive
industry has been serving a specific customer base in industry market who prefer to buy luxury
sport cars with unique features(Al-Dulaimi, Wang and Chih-Lin, 2018). There are multiple
principle activities performed by chosen enterprise to raise the financial position on an
international level. The above factors including corporate social responsibility, stakeholders and
business ethics have created a broad effect on Aston market operations by developing a positive

culture at workplace. The company is committed towards doing operations in ethical &
transparent way overseen by corporate manager or leader.
CONCLUSION
The above report concludes various roles & responsibilities of leader as well as manager to
complete work tasks within specific time period. Above organisation has also developed a team
in reference to environmental policies formulation. Report broadly discusses about team
working responsible for development of appropriate policies and their execution in a proper
manner. Operational units in any organisation plays a significant role which in turn provides
effective outcomes. Selected organisation has been adhered to the level of standard which is
required by its customers.

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