Roles and Characteristics of Leaders and Managers in Morrisons

This document provides insights into the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers in Morrisons, a leading supermarket chain in the UK. It explores the importance of leadership styles and strategies in achieving organizational goals. The document also discusses the functions of managers according to Fayol and different theories of leadership. Additionally, it provides an overview of the approaches of operations management and their significance in improving efficiency and productivity.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
P1 Roles, characteristics of a leader and manager.................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2 Various functions of managers according to Fayol...........................................................5
P3 Different theories of leadership.........................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P4 Approaches of operations management............................................................................7
P5 Importance of operations management in obtaining goals of organisation......................8
TASK 4 .........................................................................................................................................10
P6 Factors which can impact operations management affecting decision-making of leaders
and managers........................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Leaders and managers are two different professional, they both work in an organisational
structure performing unique roles and responsibilities. A leader is person or persons who
influence their employees to work with maximum potential in order to achieve objectives of
company. On the other hand, a manager is an individual or individuals who manages the
company and perform different activities like, planning, organizing, directing and controlling.
For this assignment Morrisons is selected to learn about various leadership styles and strategies
which a leader can adopt for smooth functioning of entity attaining predetermined goals. Also,
managers roles and responsibilities are also highlighted using Morrisons as an example.
Morrisons is the fourth largest supermarket chain of UK, headquartered in Bradford,
England. Founder of Morrisons was William Morrison and it was founded in 1899, operating in
many different locations around the globe(Yabuki, 2019). It is supermarket dealing in several
products like food, drinks, clothings, magazines, books, CD's and DVD's. Morrisons has huge
customer plus employee base and listed on LSE (London Stock Exchange) and FTSE (Financial
Times Stock Exchange).
TASK 1
P1 Roles, characteristics of a leader and manager
Leader is a person or persons influencing group of people towards goals and objectives
of company and for obtaining outcomes efficiently and effectively. All leader play some unique
roles having different characteristics according to needs, structure and behaviour of organisation
they are working in. According to Encarta “leaders are the people who guides and direct others
and whom people follow”.
ROLES:
1. Leaders are required at all levels- First and foremost role which a leader of Morrisons
has is to be present at all three levels of company, top, middle and lower performing
different activities for achievement of predetermined goals.
2. Representative of organisation- Leaders represents the company in external environment
(Wensveen, 2018). Another role Morrisons leader plays is presenting ideas of entity on
it behalf, they communicate with external parties as representative of organisation. Be it

any meeting with third party, conferences etc. leaders are the one who speak for the
company.
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Focused approach- A leader is one who provide guidance to employees and other in
organisation so they always has to be very focused for ensuring team work and efficiently
moving towards objectives of company.
2. Communicative ability- All leaders of Morrisons should have good communication skills,
they should be able to convey vision clearly to its subordinates and to people associated
to the organisation(Ichinose and et. al., 2018).
Manager is an individual or a group of people who are responsible for managing the
operations and functions of company for better performance of staff bringing coordination plus
synergy to organisation. According to Encarta “managers are the people who are responsible for
operations of organisation by controlling and directing work plus staff of their business or
departments”. Roles and characteristics of managers are as follows
ROLES:
1. Informational role- All managers of Morrisons has to perform this role of collecting
information for entity from external environment. They receive range of data for
developing understanding about the outside atmosphere of the organisation.
2. Decisional role- Another role manager perform is decisional, they initiates and analysis
new projects for entity for betterment and improvement of operations of company. They
also take decisions related to allocation of resources like man, money and machine.
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Time management- Morrisons manager is required to and should have this ability to
manage time, as its an important aspect when it comes to managing an entity. Its about
prioritizing tasks according to needs and communicating with staff for achievement of
objectives of firm(Malano and van Hofwegen, 2018).
2. Reliable- All managers has to be reliable and trustworthy. Means that employees can trust
on them and they are always present for solving any issues arising amongst staff. Also,
managers should keep their promises.
Comparison of roles and characteristics of leaders and managers
Basis Leaders Managers

Characteristics Leaders are the one whom
people and employees follow.
Managers are the one under
whom employees are working.
Role Leaders represents the firm in
front of third party or in
external environment.
On the other hand, managers
represents the people working
under them.
Trait Leaders are the risk takers,
they take more risk for better
functioning of the
organisation.
Managers are risk avoiders,
they take actions without
involving risk or take very less
risk.
Power Leaders holds more power and
authority over others.
Managers holds authority but
less than leaders and they have
power over just their
department or people working
under them.
TASK 2
P2 Various functions of managers according to Fayol
Henri Fayol has given five functions which managers needs to perform. He was one of
the first authors who defined functions of managers and given in year 1916. These functions are
Planning, Organizing, Directing, Coordinating and Controlling which are explained below:
Planning is for looking ahead and make plans for future events. According to Henri
Fayol, managers are responsible for developing effective plans for future action of organisation.
Planning is the first function of every manager and its the most complex one too, participation of
whole company is required for planning, linking it with other levels of functions. Planning must
be done in accordance with available resources and objectives of firm. Morrisons managers also
has to make plans for better performance and growth of organisation attaining goals in effective
manner (Hrle and et. al., 2019). For example managers developing plans for Christmas holidays,
about the offers and discounts they are gonna introduce in holiday season.
Organizing function is related with how organized an organisation is, what's the
structure it has adopted for its functions. Organizing function is an essential task managers needs

to perform because companies can only work effectively and achieve targets when their
functions are well organized and systematic. Through this function managers develop a sink
between different levels present in organisation structure. For example Morrisons managers will
formulate an effective systematic plan about working of company in Christmas holidays as more
customers will be visiting stores and to have balanced system of operations.
Directing is giving orders or instructions to staff about what is exactly expected out of
them and how they need to perform their assigned jobs. This way employees can also work with
their full potential, being productive and bringing best possible outcomes into organisation. For
example- During Christmas holidays specific instruction about job roles for each member of
team should be conveyed by team managers of Morrisons for bringing productivity.
Coordinating function is referring to sink or harmonizations created in operations of
company for better performance of tasks (NIIKURA, 2019). Therefore, this function of
managers is about developing set of rules and motivating actions for group of employees having
dynamic nature. For example- Morrisons managers can give some special discounts to its
workers for them and their families Christmas shopping. This way they get motivated to work in
holiday season too.
Controlling function is last one where managers will monitor and control all the
activities and plans formulated by them according to their set policies and controlling ways. This
function is performed for verifying that all plans and operations of entity are in place and
working with coordination or not (Hitka and et. al., 2018).
P3 Different theories of leadership
Situational leadership theory
According to researchers every situation and person are different having dynamic
characteristics, therefore for them leaders are required to adjust their ways or leadership styles
according to the situation in order to be a successful leaders. Situational leadership style had four
stages which are elaborated below:
1. Directing phase refers to situation where leaders of Morrisons has to give directions or
instructions to employees. During this phase staff get to know about their jobs, what is
expected out of them and how exactly they have to perform them to fulfil objectives of
company.

2. Coaching stage is where an individual has already acquired some set of skills but need
more training in order to fully develop additional talents. On this phase Morrisons
leaders train employees or or provide training secessions for developing better skills.
3. Supporting phase comes naturally after coaching, on this phase Morrison leaders start
taking opinions of staff members and involve them in decision making.
4. Delegating phase is when leaders can sit back and start giving some authority in hands
of employees. Morrisons leaders jobs here is to monitor and sit back as skilled,
committed staff is now available with them.
System leadership theory
This theory is a result of many researchers, by adopting this leadership style leaders of
Morrisons can maintain conditions in which all members of different levels can work
productively and effectively. This theory provides tools to leaders which enables them to
understand behaviour of individuals working in organisation. It also leads to use of more
efficient systems for fulfilment of goals of Morrisons (Seddon,2019).
Contingent leadership theory
This style of leadership is very unique and special as it states that leaders are effective
just because they are using their abilities there are many other elements which affects leaders
effectiveness and brings success to organisations. This approach says that leaders with different
abilities can perform better in their field of expertise. It has some variables which are as follows:
1. Leaders are the most and essential element of leadership, as performance of employees
are some what dependent on them and approach used by leaders of Morrison.
2. Followers refers to employees, staff or workers who are following the instructions of
leaders. If skilled employees are not present it is not possible for leaders to be effective.
3. Organisation is another very essential variable and plays an effective role in leaders
functions and performance.
4. Environment talked here is external environment, as it is known by everyone that external
atmosphere of company playing a necessary role in leadership styles chosen by leaders of
any particular organisation (Yuchen and Zhong, 2019).

TASK 3
P4 Approaches of operations management
Operations management is an activity companies use to increase it efficiency and
productivity. Operations management tool is used in controlling the production process and
operations of company in best possible manner. Now in modern times operations management
has four theories six sigma, lean manufacturing, business process redesign and reconfigurable
manufacturing system.
Lean Manufacturing
This is a phenomena Morrisons managers can use to reduce waste and maximize their
productivity. Lean manufacturing is a methodology which is developed on the idea of
minimizing waste and simultaneous increase in productivity of company's functions. It is also
known as lean production in market, it is based on five principles:
1. Identify value from customers prospective- Value basically means how much a
consumer is willing to pay for goods or services provided by company (Kapadia, Dong
and Yang, Cisco Technology Inc, 2018). Value is produced by organisations but
delivered by customers, in other words value is related to the needs, desires of buyers
and how much they are willing to spend for their need satisfaction. By identifying value
Morrisons managers can remove those items or services from their stores in which
people are very less interested and are not willing to pay for. By this managers can save
lot of cost and resources of company, investing them in other productive areas.
2. Map the value stream- This principle refers to analysis the path of value creation to
gain knowledge about the flow of resources required in specific goods or services. By
this managers of Morrisons can get an idea about where the waste is taking place and
mitigate it by improving entity's processes. Those thing which doesn't add any value to
Morrisons should be reduced to minimum or eliminated completely(Davis and et. al.,
2018).
3. Create flow- After identifying value and eliminating waste from processes of
manufacturing,now companies try to create flow in its operations for smooth
functioning and gaining maximum benefits from business activities. Morrisons
managers can also use this principle in bring flow and harmonize its functions.

Harmonization can bring effectiveness in business along with more earnings and better
quality of goods or services offered by entity to public.
4. Establish pull system- Lean manufacturing also promote the idea of just-in-time (JIT),
it means companies will only start production at the time when it is demanded by
consumers. This is a pull system which is proven to be more effective and profitable
then push system (Hugos, 2018). In push system manufacturing resource planning
system is used in which forecast about raw material needs is made earlier which is
always inaccurate involving more cost and increasing waste. Managers can use JIT tool
for better cost efficient system which is beneficial for both Morrisons and for its
customers as they get exactly those products which they wished.
5. Kaizen- This is last principle on which lean manufacturing is dependent, which states
that this manufacturing system depends on concept of continuously attempt for
perfection and which is attained by targeting the root cause of quality problems and
reducing waste.
Just-in-time (JIT)
It is an inventory system or a management strategy which is used to align raw material
with demand of goods or services. It helps managers of Morrisons to predict demand sales
accurately and accordingly manage raw materials and other supplies which will help company to
provide what consumers want plus fresh goods and exactly when they need it. JIT manufacturing
is also known as Toyota production system and reason behind it is Toyota adopted this
production style in 1970's.
Just-in- case (JIC)
This is an inventory management style in which managers of Morrisons will reduce the
probability of products getting out of stock. While using this strategy companies keep large stock
of inventories in warehouses and refill them on time to time basis for always being stocked up.
Organisations using this strategy will face problems in predicting demand of goods in market.
Total quality management (TQM)
It is the process of detection and elimination any errors in manufacturing, supply chain
management and bringing productivity and efficiency in operations by providing best quality
goods to consumers. TQM's main aim is to offer best quality goods to people and hold all related
parties involved in production accountable for quality of products. Main focus or concentration

of process of TQM is on improving quality, through continuous or constant changes of internal
practices and functions.
P5 Importance of operations management in obtaining goals of organisation
Operations management tools is very useful for organisations and it also helps them in
attaining predetermined objectives. Therefore, its an essential tool which almost every company
uses. Importance of operations management are as follows:
Product quality is a very sensitive plus important aspect which every company consider.
Low quality products can be serious threat for organisations and its business, as their goodwill
will decreases and people will stop buying goods. Therefore, quality of products is one thing
which can not be sacrificed, for making sure that all quality goods gets delivered to customers
with very low wastage managers use operations management tools. Through which they can
ensure that there is harmonization in operations of company and best quality goods are being
produced with maximum utilization of resources available. Managers role for this function is to
be very attentive and supervise all the activities taking place to see that no compromises are done
in quality of goods produced and offered to public.
Waste reduction is another aspect about which entities are concerned and this is how
effective use of operations management techniques will provide best quality goods with less
waste of resources, saving lot of cost of companies. Operations management methodology is
entirely based on developing quality good, in which less costs are involved which and that
criteria is only fulfilled by use of operations management tools and techniques. Managers holds
great importance here they have to very specific and accurate while making strategies or plans of
production process to reduce waste and to make effective use of present resources. So, effective
use of these techniques will automatically bring synergy in businesses making them more
productive and efficient (Slack and Brandon-Jones, 2018).
Increased revenue are very obvious results of providing quality products to consumers
with less wastage of resources. If companies provide goods with maximum quality in less cost it
will automatically result in better revenue generation as more and more people gets attracted
towards the organisation. The more the buyers the better it is for company, this way it give
power to enterprises of growing bringing new opportunities in hands of businesses. Managers
role is to conduct proper research and then develop goods according to results of those research
and offer better goods to public for satisfying their needs and attain desired organisational goals.

Operations management plays a very important role in this section too as expansion and growth
factor involves huge planning and good implementation of those plans in an effective manner
which is received by several tools of operations management.
These are some important aspects in which operations management helps business to operate
effectively and to be very efficient. Productivity of companies increases, they serve better quality
products to buyers wastes are reduced which influence costs of functioning and ultimately ensure
that enterprise earns profits with utmost utilization of available resources.
TASK 4
P6 Factors which can impact operations management affecting decision-making of leaders and
managers
There are many micro and macro factors which are influencing operations management
along with decision making of managers and leaders of Morrisons. These factors can also be
internal and external to organisation which are so powerful that they are forcing managers and
leaders to make plans or take decisions according to them. These causes are highlighted in the
next section.
Global competition- Increasing competition in external market is one of the most
influencing element. Competition is rising aggressively and to face it Morrisons managers and
leaders sometime has to make plans in accordance with it. This can impact the ideas of manager
to provide quality goods to people as it will involve cost and for survival they have to be cost
effective (Schönsleben, 2018). Because according to the market situation company cannot play
on cost aspect therefore, leaders has to make changes in plans to attain objectives and to maintain
its position in industry. As quality is affected operations management methodology gets hindered
and the idea behind it gets compromised.
Social responsibility issues- In whichever marketplace company operates its necessary
for company to fulfil their social responsibilities. Same is with Morrisons they also have to
perform social responsibilities which is another influencing element in operational management
techniques and decision-making of managers and leaders. Operations management is based on
providing quality goods to public with less wastage of resources and managers make plan
accordingly nut when social responsibilities issues comes in it becomes difficult for leaders to
fulfil all the criteria. This is the time when leaders has to face some issues and make some

amends in their plans to perform social responsibilities. Cost of these activities are added to
overall costs of entity increasing expenses of company which is one more area where operations
management gets affected.
Scarcity of capital, materials etc.- Resources are the main needs of every business
entity, which are required by enterprises to complete its functions effectively and smoothly.
Problem arises when there is scarcity in these resources, here the actual issues start which gives
reasons to managers of Morrisons to modify their plans. These modifications can be of any type
reduction in quality of goods for saving more material and increasing number of products or may
be due to less availability of resources organisation faces difficulties in surviving. In any which
way it will affect operations management objectives and decision of leaders leaving impacts for
longer duration.
PEST Analysis
Political- This factor is related with the government and laws made by them in economy
where Morrisons are having its functions and operations. This factors can have positive and
negative impacts on company if the law are not in favour or they are in favour of the entity.
Economical- These are those elements which are in existence due to the regular changes
taking place in economy. If economy is on its peak and doing great it will automatically
beneficial for Morrison in relation to their work functions.
Social- This refers to the population of the area in which Morrison is doing business.
Different individuals have unique preferences and according to them they buy goods. It will
impact positively to Morrison if all social factors are in favour with them and be very productive.
Technological- Technology is something which is influencing day to day lives of people
and so to all business units. Morrisons should install new technologies in their stores to make this
external factor in their support and attract more and more customers.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that managers and leaders are two unique
individuals, performing various jobs, having several roles and functions. All these task they
perform are very different for both of them and are essential for organisation. Various leadership
styles are used by leaders to motivate employees and to direct them towards goals of company in
order to fulfil them in appropriate manner (La Marca and Woll, 2019). Another concept of
operations management is also discussed in above report which is a ideology of reducing waste

and improving quality of products with maximum utilization of present resources. There are
many important factors which will help company to reach to its objectives and to be effective at
the same time. Some factors are also shown which will hinder the idea behind operations
management and affect decision-making of leaders and managers in several ways.

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