Roles and Characteristics of a Leader and Manager in Operations Management

This document discusses the roles and characteristics of a leader and manager in operations management. It explores the importance of leadership and management in different situations and provides an overview of different theories and models of leadership. Additionally, it highlights key approaches to operations management and the role of leaders and managers in ensuring effective production and achieving organizational goals.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................1
P1: Define the comparative roles and characteristics of a leader and manager..........................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2: Explain the roles of leader and functions of manager in various situations.........................3
P3 Different Theories & Models of Leadership..........................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role of leader and manager........................7
P5: Define the importance and values of operation management in accomplishment of
business objectives......................................................................................................................8
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
P6 Assess factors in business environment impact on operational management and decision
making.........................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Operations management refers to an area that tends to control, develop and design the
business operations undertaking the effective procedure of manufacturing. It is an administrative
function of management, used to design and controlling of the production process of goods and
services and re-designing the of the business operations in the process. Operations management
ensures the conversion of raw materials into goods and services. Operation management helps in
maintaining the effectiveness of production.
To carry froward this report, Wilko Ltd. is considered which the British high street chain
that deals in household and home-ware products. Moreover, company is founded in 1930 by
James Kemsey Wilkinson and after that Tony Wilkinson join company as a Branch Manager in
1960 as it is situated in Liecester.
In this report different roles and characteristic of leader and manager introduced with
comparison. Further roles and functions of leader and manger in difference situations with
leadership styles are included in the report. Approaches and importance of operational
management and factors that affect it also included in this report.
Task 1
P1: Define the comparative roles and characteristics of a leader and manager.
A leader is a person who leads a group, organisation or entire country. In terms of
business, leader is responsible for all the activities related to the monitor & guide, motivate &
influence employees for the effectiveness of production which helps in the achievement of
organisational goals (Saucedo-Martínez and et. al., 2018). Different roles and characteristic of a
leader and manager can be defined as follows:
Characteristic of a leader:- Special feature and characteristic posses by a leader can be
introduced by following points: Trustworthy:- One of the most important characteristic of a good leader is trustworthy. A
leader should build the trust among employees in terms of character as well as vision.
Lack of trust among employees about the character and vision of a leader, doesn't
motivate them to work with full potential.
 Creative:- Another important characteristic of a leader is creativity. A leader should be
creative and innovative. This characteristic allows a leader to generate new opportunities
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in the organisation and seeking opportunities from external environment for the growth of
the organisation.
Roles of a good leader:- A leader plays crucial role in the growth of the organisation.
Theses roles are defined as follows: Development of the strength of employees :- A leader plays important role in the
development of the strength of employees by assigning task and duties as per the skills
and capacity of employees. It is the responsibility of a good leader to know which
employee is master in which task and then assign duties appropriately. This increases the
strength of employees.
 Guiding and motivating the team:- Another important role performs by a leader is
guiding, motivating & encouraging employees for better performance. A leader is
responsible for guide the employees in their duties and motivating them to work with full
potential.
A manager is a person, responsible for the administrating activities such as- planning,
managing and controlling of the group of people or entire organisation (Reid and Sanders, 2019)
. Following are the characteristic of a effective manager:
 Understanding the values of employees:- Employees are the important part of the
organisation and a good manager should understand the values and importance of
them within the organisation. Understanding and appreciating the values of
employees helps in the smooth functioning of the business.
 Expertise from past experiences:- The important characteristic of a good manger
is the expertise gained by past experiences. A manager shouldn't repeat the
mistakes and try to learn and not repeat the same mistake twice for the successful
operation of business.
Roles of a manger:-A manager plays vital role in the successful administrative of the
organisation. The important roles perform by the manager in the achievement of the business
objectives can be described as follows:
 Decision-making:- A manger is responsible for taking right decisions for the
successful operation and growth of the organisation. Managers doesn't engage
employees in their decision-making process as the authority is in their own hands.
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 Managerial role:- A manager performs the role of managerial function such as-
planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling of work and other
resources of organisation for accomplishment of the organisational goals in
dynamic environment.
Difference between the characteristic of a leader and manger:- Both the leader and
manger plays various roles and responsibilities within the organisation but, there is a difference
between the characteristic and features of both, explained as follows:
Basis of comparison Leader Manager
Meaning A leader is a person who is
responsible for leading the
group and organisation.
While, a manger is a person
who is responsible for
managing and controlling the
group and organisation (Faruk
and et. al., 2018).
Employees involvement A leader allows employees to
participate in the decision-
making process in order to
make healthy work
environment.
While, a manger don't engage
employees in decision-making
process as the authority is in
their own hands.
Responsibility A leader is responsible to
evaluate the plans and
strategies made by manager.
On the other hand, a manger is
responsible to make the plans
and strategies for the
organisation.
Risk A leader is a risk taker. On the other hand, a manager
is a risk avoider.
TASK 2
P2: Explain the roles of leader and functions of manager in various situations.
A leader plays various roles in the organisation like communicating and guiding
employees, encouraging and motivating them for effective and efficient production (Fettermann
and et. al., 2018). Manager performs different functions like making strategies, monitoring and
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controlling of the the organisation for smooth functioning of business. In terms of Wilko Ltd.
few situations are as under:
Situation1
Development of new product:- This situation is arise when the competition from rivalries
is increasing unexpectedly. To beat the rivalries in this situation Wilko Ltd. should constantly
taking initiatives in development of new products and modification in existing products. New
product development involves the entire process of introducing a new product to market. In this
situations the leader and manager of Wilko Ltd. Performs different role and function are as
follows:
Function of manager: In this situation of making new product for giving competition to
rivalries the manager of Wilko Ltd. is responsible for perform all the necessary tasks. The
manager should make the objectives & planning strategies for new product, then ensure that all
the things are going as per plan & in last controlling the operations. Manager also performs the
function of communicating the objectives & giving deadline for accomplishment of objective of
new product development to employees.
Role of leader : In above situation the role of leader of Wilko Ltd should encourage and
motivate employees to work with full potential as to achieve the objective in given time-period.
The leader should also ensure the effectiveness and efficiency in production.
Situation2
Introducing new technology:- This situation is arise when demand of new technology is
increases by customers or by government as to make country technology advanced. Wilko Ltd
should take the required efforts in terms of technological advancement. The role of leader and
function of manager are as follows:
Function of manger: In above situation the manager of Wilko Ltd should make the
strategies how to introduce the new technology and what will be the effects of it on the growth of
the organisation. Manager is responsible for the proper arrangement of required resources and
training & development plans for the successful adoption of new technology.
Role of leader: The leader of Wilko Ltd should influence and motivate employees to take
initiatives in the training and development sessions as to increase the skills and abilities. Leaders
plays important role in the smooth functioning of business.
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P3 Different Theories & Models of Leadership
Here, the role of managers and leaders change as per the requirement of time that tends to
change the working manner. As per this, traditional approach of leadership and management
tends to follow autocratic style because of this, they do not involve employees within the
decision making process (Choi, Wallace and Wang, 2018). Furthermore, they also does not
involve staff members within various managerial functions like organising, planning, directing
and so on which is useful for the effective motivation level of employees undertaking the time
and value of company. Besides this, considering the present time leaders and managers tends to
follow democratic leadership in terms of involving staff members in various managerial
functions.
Source: Leadership Style, 2019.
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Illustration 1: Leadership Styles, 2019

 Situational approach: As per the considering approach, both the managers and leaders of
Wilko Ltd. are capable enough to take their effective decisions as per the situation in
which they prominently experience their value and worth in the company. Undertaking
this approach, regarding the planning and managerial function is required so that
prominent strategies are developed as per the concerning situation (Slack and Brandon-
Jones, 2018). Along with this, the significant strength for the respective approach is
helpful for the leaders and managers in terms of developing decision of new product and
also help in taking critical decisions. In terms of this, it depict prominent weakness
including the considered approach for the long procedure like new product development
and so on. System approach: In terms of Wilko Ltd., its leaders and managers tends to develop
positive situation among employees in terms of feeling quite motivated and also feel
encourage towards their work (Gibson and Parkman, 2018). For this, the concerning
approach is little bit different from the functions of management that leads to involve
suitable functions like planning, motivation, relationship development and many more. In
terms of this, the strength for the concerning approach is feel by the managers of
company in terms of developing fresh product by considering complex situation in terms
of accomplishing prominent goals and objectives. Hence, company need to focus on the
operations effectively meanwhile, the weaknesses are related with the same situation that
need huge period of time.
 Contingency approach: As per this, the concerning approach is used for the success
period of business which is not so related with the competencies and other factors for the
growth and success of company by which they focus on the skills of employees (Dekker
and et. al., 2018). For this, the managerial functions leads to include this approach
considering the effective direction, teamwork, motivation and so on. Moreover, the
prominent strength of this approach is quite effective for the development of new product
and critical management that does not include all the staff members. For this, weakness
include the continuous changes within the situation undertaking the critical management.
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TASK 3
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role of leader and manager
Effective operations management undertake prominent activities that are organised by
company itself in bid to accomplish the significant goals and objectives in an effective way (Lee
and Tang, 2018). For this, there are various ways for the effective operations that are organised
as they are capable to accomplish the desired goals and objective in an effective way. In terms
Wilko Ltd., they tends to develop quality products and also deals in efficiency as the overall
procedure depict various key operations functions and for this, effective description is mentioned
as:
Transformation of raw material into finished goods: As per the, operation functions of
Wilko Ltd tends to deal in groceries and home products and for this they develop effective
contact and healthy relationship with effective suppliers in order to fulfil the needs and
requirements of customers. For this, respective company need to sell raw products and for this,
they purchase it without any packaging and then pack it with the help of its staff members. In
relation with this, key inputs are required regarding the involvement of employees, resources
considering the raw products and so on. For this, role of both leader and manager is that they
tends to develop effective strategies and also motivate their staff members in terms of conducting
their work effectively. Furthermore, the roles and responsibilities of both leaders and managers
tends to make sure the effective production which is organised in order to sell best quality
product. For this, the role of leader is to organise various tasks and also support their employees
in order to perform their job role.
In relation with this, several key operational management approaches are developed considering
their importance which is opted by Wilko Ltd, that are mentioned as underneath: Lean production: By prominently opting this approach, Wilko Ltd is capable to reduce
wastage considering the production procedure that does not influence the products and
services of company. For this, the role of leaders and managers is to develop effective
strategies and process that eliminate the wastage and also develop prominent strategies by
reusing the waste. Total quality management: As per this approach, company is capable in order to
encourage its employees in order to perform effectively by offering fresh and quality
products (Lee, 2018). For this, the role of leaders and mangers is that they can develop
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and execute strategies regarding the training and development of employees by which
they can perform the job respectively.
 Just in time: Considering this approach, Wilko is capable enough to eliminate the waste
which is related to time, work and effective storage. For the prominent role of leader and
manager is that they need to put emphasis on the demand, preferences and requirements
of customers and market (Babich and Hilary, 2020). In terms of Wilko Ltd, both the
leaders and managers leads rto develop effective strategies that tends to eliminate waste
and achieve work on stipulate time.
P5: Define the importance and values of operation management in accomplishment of business
objectives.
Operation management is an important function of management which includes all the
activities related to planing & organising, directing & controlling of manufacturing process. It
plays important role in the achievement of goals and objectives of business (Russell and Taylor,
2019). These are as follows: Customer satisfaction: Operation management plays important role in satisfying the
needs of customers by providing them products with good quality. Operation department
ensures the reliability and durability in product development process as to meet
customer's expectations. Quality management: Operation management plays significant role in maintaining
higher quality in products. Operation department supervise all the tasks related to the
production and manufacturing process, which helps in accomplishment of organisational
goals in a dynamic environment (Hazen and et. al., 2018). The operation manager uses
the total quality management (TQM) approach to maintain effective production of goods
and products. Revenue generation: Operation management ensures the quality of goods in
manufacturing process as to meet the demand of customers. Making products as per the
preferences of customer leads to customer satisfaction. This helps in generating the
revenues for the company. Waste reduction: Operation management plays important role in the eliminating of waste
in the process of production and manufacturing. Operation managers uses the lean
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manufacturing technique for reduction of wastage in the process, which results in
effective and efficient production. Employee motivation: The operation department ensures that employees are aware about
their importance and values in the organisation (Qi and Shen, 2019). This makes the
perception in their minds that they are the part of the organisation. Thus, operation
management helps in motivating employees.
Competitive benefits: effectiveness in the production and manufacturing process of business
enterprises, helps in gaining competitive advantages over its competitors.
TASK 4
P6 Assess factors in business environment impact on operational management and decision
making
Within an organisation, there are various factors that are present in the external business
environment that has huge impact on the operations of business and for this, management tends
to develop effective strategies and plans (Dai and Tayur, 2019). For this, various external
business environmental factors for Wilko Ltd are mentioned as under: Corporate social responsibilities: It is identified that this activity is done by company for
the sake of society and environmental development. For this, it is important for respective
company to organise CSP activities as per their profit ratio and also helpful for the
effective development of society. In terms of Wilko, their managers and leaders are
responsible for the effective decision making which is concerned with CSR. Moreover,
CSR activities are organised by Wilko, which is beneficial for society in terms of
resolving issues and company to increase its image and reputation. Hence, in relation
with respective company they conduct various CSR activities including donations for the
development of rural areas, developing schools and hospitals and many more. Business ethics: It is identified that the effective execution of prominent business
practices and policies is important as the business ethics are updated by the public bodies
and government as per the effective increment in ethical issues which is important for
company for the effective improvement of rules and policies. In regard of Wilko, their
leaders and managers organise effective evaluation and also develop decisions that are
related with prominent policies and rules as per the guidelines of business ethics. Hence,
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it is important for the concerning the managers and leaders of concerning company to
develop effective decision which is related with business ethics to increase the image and
reputation of company to maintain positive working environment.
 Stakeholders: For this, people are quite interested in order to enhance the operations of
company due to their influence and also impact the functions and practices of company.
For this, the leaders and managers take decisions considering the viewpoint of
stakeholders as it helps in developing business. In terms of Wilko, the decisions of their
leaders and managers put huge impact on functioning of company as they need to
undertake their perspective and then develop effective strategies. In regard of this, it is
important for company to consider stakeholders in the decision making process
undertaking the viewpoint by which employees feel worthy in an organisation that helps
in effective success and growth of company.
CONCLUSION
By undertaking the above discussion, it is identified that the requirement of managers and
leaders are significant and essential in company in order to make effective profit which is helpful
in bid to make people more effective and efficient. Moreover, considering the prominent analysis
effective understanding is required in order to make things quite clear undertaking the
operations and management that is helpful in bid to accomplish prominent objectives and goals
and also wish the expected result undertaking the objectives and goals. Besides this, goals are
accomplish considering the prominent growth and success that tends to improve the competition
in market area.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Babich, V. and Hilary, G., 2020. OM Forum—Distributed Ledgers and Operations: What
Operations Management Researchers Should Know About Blockchain
Technology. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management. 22(2). pp.223-240.
Choi, T.M., Wallace, S.W. and Wang, Y., 2018. Big data analytics in operations
management. Production and Operations Management. 27(10). pp.1868-1883.
Dai, T. and Tayur, S.R., 2019. Healthcare operations management: A snapshot of emerging
research. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, Forthcoming.
Dekker, M and et. al., 2018. A next step in disruption management: Combining operations
research and complexity science (No. EI2018-25).
Faruk, M.O and et. al., 2018. Wrong-way driving: a regional transportation systems management
and operations approach to a regional problem. Transportation research
record. 2672(14). pp.106-116.
Fettermann, D.C and et. al., 2018. How does Industry 4.0 contribute to operations
management?. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering. 35(4). pp.255-268.
Gibson, P. and Parkman, R., 2018. Cruise operations management: Hospitality perspectives.
Routledge.
Hazen, B.T and et. al., 2018. Back in business: Operations research in support of big data
analytics for operations and supply chain management. Annals of Operations
Research. 270(1-2). pp.201-211.
Lee, C.K.H., 2018. A review of applications of genetic algorithms in operations
management. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence. 76. pp.1-12.
Lee, H.L. and Tang, C.S., 2018. Socially and environmentally responsible value chain
innovations: New operations management research opportunities. Management
Science. 64(3). pp.983-996.
Qi, W. and Shen, Z.J.M., 2019. A smart‐city scope of operations management. Production and
Operations Management. 28(2). pp.393-406.
Reid, R.D. and Sanders, N.R., 2019. Operations management: an integrated approach. John
Wiley & Sons.
Russell, R.S. and Taylor, B.W., 2019. Operations and supply chain management. John Wiley &
Sons.
Saucedo-Martínez, J.A and et. al., 2018. Industry 4.0 framework for management and
operations: a review. Journal of ambient intelligence and humanized computing. 9(3).
pp.789-801.
Slack, N. and Brandon-Jones, A., 2018. Operations and process management: principles and
practice for strategic impact. Pearson UK.
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