Comparison of Roles and Characteristics of Leaders and Managers

This report compares the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers in an organization. It also discusses the different theories and models of leadership, the approaches to operational management, and the factors affecting the business environment.

Management and
Operations Unit 4

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager..............3
TASK 2.................................................................................................................................................5
P2 Discuss examples of how role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational perspectives. ..................................................................................................................5
P3 Discuss different theories/ models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency..............................................................................................................6
TASK 3 ................................................................................................................................................7
P4) Analyse Operational management key approaches and role of leaders & managers................7
P5 What is operation management and explain the values of operation management for achieving
business objectives ........................................................................................................................10
TASK 4...............................................................................................................................................12
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers..............................................................................12
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................13
Books & Journal:...........................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
In business sector, leaders as well as mangers play crucial role in achieving objectives of
firm. Management and operations is defined as process which includes planning, organizing,
controlling, manufacturing of products or services (Johnstone, 2016). It is a wider concept which is
required to be understood in proper manner. Main aim of operation management is to assure that
process of converting input to output is done in most efficient way. Sainsbury, a largest
supermarket headquartered in U.K. Firm deals in variety of products such as groceries, consumable
items etc. It is located globally and has number of subsidiaries such as Argos, Habitat, Sainsbury
Bank etc. This report comprises of comparison between roles/ characteristics of leaders & manager,
role of leader and function of manager, theories & models, approaches to operation management,
importance of value of operations management and factors affecting business environment.
TASK 1
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.
In organisational sector, managers & leaders both are essential part of enterprise which
assist in achieving of goals in time period. They are one who manages all the activities as well as
functions of business. In relation with Sainsbury, they too have these both in entity through they are
able to achieve objectives. They are different from each other as they have different roles as well as
responsibilities.
Manager- Manager is one who is accountable for monitoring and managing managerial
activities within enterprise. They make assure that task and assigned roles are fulfilled in proper
manner. Main duty of manager is to increase the effectiveness of operations through implementing
strategies within a firm. Their role is to assign task to every employees on basis of their skills &
knowledge. Responsibilities of every manager are different from depending upon departments &
position (Pisarenko, 2018).
Leaders- They are those who analyse and examine how thongs can be improves and
individual can be motivated to achieve objectives within a period of time. They guides and directs
their followers to make a right decisions. Main purpose of leader is to motivate subordinates for
accomplishing their goals in timely period.
Differentiation between role of manager/ leader-
They both are important and as they help in carrying out resources in most effective way.
They are responsible for achieving missions & vision of enterprise. It is crucial for them to be aware

about roles so that everything is done in correct way. In context with Sainsbury, it is important to for
them understand role these two & comparison has been discussed below-
Leaders Managers
 A leader is one who is responsible for
motivating and managing employees
within a firm (Webb, 2017).
 Another role is to examine the situation
so that right decision is taken. In
relevance of selected organisation,
leaders of a company analysing situation
whether it is critical or not and then the
distance are taken by them.
 Leader’s role is to influence the decision
of followers when new change is being
adapted.
 For example- leaders of Sainsbury use
leadership style to influence decision of
followers.
 Managers are one who assigned and
allocate roles as well as responsibilities
to employees relying on their knowledge
& skills.
 Another role of manager is to examine
progress and process of departments of
enterprise. Sainsbury managers often
properly determine the process of
departments as well as employees on
basis of which roles are assigned.
 Further role is to implement effective
strategies to achieve objectives.
(Kauppila, 2016).
Characteristics of managers/ leaders:
Both these managers & leaders has different types of characteristics which are described
below-
Manager
 Time management- A successful manager is one manages everything with proper time
management so that objectives are achieved effectively.
 Problem solving- A manager is one who solve problem of employees, management &
deliver appropriate solution for the issue. Through problem solving, they are able to bring
the smooth functioning of business (James Relly, 2020).
 Proper communication- A manager is also implement a proper communication within a
management so that issue do not occur between the employees, management etc.
Leader
 Develop vision- Leaders has the ability to develop a new vision & with help of followers
they are able to succeed. Positive- Leaders are positive in nature and find solution of problem by any means.

TASK 2
P2 Discuss examples of how role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational perspectives.
Role of leaders and functions managers are important to examined so that it is easy to make
decisions firm. They use these roles or functions depending upon the level of situation which occur
within a business. In context of chosen entity, they ensure that these roles & functions are being
applied in most appropriate manner. In business, different types of situations arises on basis of
which it is easy to make decisions in most effective way. Therefore, role of leaders are used in
different situation which are discussed as follows-
Conflict situation- It is type of situation in which critical situation occur which are
necessary to be solved by leaders. In this, role of decisions making become difficult due to complex
problems. This conflict situation affects the followers & members motivation at wider area. So,
leader role such as taking right decision is done by leader by carrying out brainstorming (Afsar,
2019).
Leader's role- To deal with this conflict situation, leader’s role such as influencing other
decisions to achieve its objective is carried out by them in most effective way. In relation with
chosen enterprise, they assure that leaders fulfil their role in such a way that positive outcomes are
achieved.
Manager’s function-
In an enterprise managers have wider functions as which are performed by them in most
appropriate manner. In context with selected firm, they assure that these functions are used with
organisational perspectives. So, type of functions are discussed below-
 Planning- It is first function in which manager develop a plan for firm & employees so that
ideas & resources are used in most efficient way. Implementing planning help in using of
appropriate inputs for accomplishing goals (Wei, 2018).
 Organising- Then comes organising function in which manager make ensure that
everything is properly organised in systematic way. They organises documents, employees,
resources, process, procedures in systematic manner.
 Directing- In this function, manager is accountable for providing proper guidance to
subordinates so that all work is done in correct manner without facing any issue. In
relation with chosen entity, they use this function which assist them in properly examining
completing of work within a given time period.

 Controlling- This is another function in which measuring & monitoring the performance as
well as progress level is determined by managers. Moreover, they also assure where
improvement is needed or not. With help of this function, it is easier for manager to get the
work one in effective manner.
Management by objectives
MBO is a strategic framework which is utilised by enterprise to improve progress &
performance level of company by given defined objectives that are mutual agree by personnel &
employer. MBO aims at achieving of goals by properly focusing on roles as well as responsibilities
so that everything is done systematically.
 The first aspect is of mission & vision which are stated so that planning within entity is
done.
 In second stage, once missions/Vision are examined leaders or managers guides or directs
subordinates that how these are required to achieve (Karlsson, 2016).
 Then, progress or Performance of firm is measured, determined & analysed through which
it is easy to use quality standards. It enhances ethical work culture within business.
 At, last evaluation is done of performance of subordinates & which help in analysis of their
own increased skills & knowledge.
From explained paragraph, it depicts that role of leader & functions of manager are different
from each other. Both these are applied in different situational point of view on the basis of results
are achieved. It is crucial to use them in most efficient manner. Also, MBO is beneficial for
enterprise because it helps in maintain work & relationship between both parties.
P3 Discuss different theories/ models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.
Leadership in organisation is used by leaders with aim of achieving mission objectives. In
relation with Sainsbury, leaders of firm are well about their responsibilities & roles which assist
them in using of leadership style. The style of leadership are of various types such as supportive,
achievement oriented, participate and directive. It depends upon a leader to use their styles
independently without consulting to anyone. Also, while using these styles theories & approaches
are examined so that appropriate & relevant style is adapted by leaders which also help in achieving
goals.
The first proposed theory is situational theory in which it is defined as using of leadership
style on relying of several types of situations (Riley, 2017) in this, it is effective one used by leaders

because it directly affects employee productivity as style is used on the basis of situations &
accordingly subordinates are work.
Strength
 Main strength of this theory is that it helps in understanding situations which occur in
business properly on basis of which decisions are taken.
Weakness-
 It is not possible to use this theory on every situation or event as it might lead to negative
results.
Further arises system leadership in which it reflects that enterprise is being viewed as whole
system instead part of sub-system. With help of this theory, morale and motivation of personnel
increases because everyone works with mutual coordination. Sub part of organisation breaks down
the unity of management which impacts upon work at higher scale.
Strength
 With help of this leadership theory, it is easier to increase productivity level of enterprise
with appropriate way.
Weakness
 It is difficult to carry on this theory because every entity is being divided into different
departments work and responsibilities.
At last is contingency theory in which it states that there is no particular fixed way or
process through which employees of firm can be managed. Under this, it is easy to adopt an
effective solution strategy for problems. Leading entity depends upon various types of approaches
which are adopted by leaders (Clarke, 2018).
Strength
 Main strength of contingency theory is that it helps in generation of new ideas and adapting
changes in management effectively.
Weakness
 By applying this theory it is not easy for manager to apply every action depending upon
situation.
Classical theory (scientific management)-
According to this theory it states that workers only focuses on physical & economical needs

rather than social needs & advocates specialization of leadership and decisions making. This theory
is mostly based on belief or assumptions which are not applicable in today's workforce. But it has
been applied in organisational in some ways which has led to increase in sustainable performance
such as in relation with Sainsbury they hire leaders on basis of their specialization.
Strength
 Through applying this theory, productivity and efficiency of worker increases at higher skill.
Weakness
 As this theory increases productivity, it leads to increase of work stress and pressure.
The above discussed theory sates that it is essential for leaders to be aware about their
leadership so that they are used in proper manner. All these three theories are important which are
needed to be considered by leaders. Without use of theories, it is not possible to make decision in
correct way. Furthermore, it is important for leaders to have deep knowledge about these theories
which help them to it is easy to use styles (Rasouli, 2019).
TASK 3
P4) Analyse Operational management key approaches and role of leaders & managers
Operational management is important concept which is adopted by enterprise to manage
activities & functions of firm. In relevance with selected company, they assure that approaches of
operation management are used in most efficient way. With help of OM, it is easy for entity to
manage everything in proper way. Main aim of management & operation is to achieve higher net
profit within an entity. In this, role of leader & manager are crucial as they assist in how these
approaches can be used for business perspectives. So, there are various types of approaches which
are mentioned below-
Approaches Explanation
Just in Time
It is approach in which it focuses on production processes & work is
being completed within a time period. In this method, targets are set on
basis of which planning is done. The operation management of
Sainsbury uses this method though which they are able to complete work
on time. Through this, company is also able to achieve targets prior to
the set planning period. Moreover, machinery and other equipment are
used with proper consideration so that an obstacle does not occur during
process. Just in Time, helps in completing work on time which enhances

the productivity level of business. JIT is considered as necessary part of
operation management.
Advantages- Main benefit of method is that it helps in completion of
work on time (Cote, 2017).
Disadvantages- Drawback of this approach is that proper analysis is
required to maintain which is difficult task.
Six Sigma
In this approach, it is process which reflects the improvement which is
being done by using of several techniques or methods. It is important
method which is being adopted by Sainsbury & which help them to
enhance & increase their level of efficiency which leads to better
productivity. With use of six sigma, it becomes easy to manage and
carry out work in effective way. There are various types of tools which
are used for six sigma like DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, design,
verify), DFSS etc. Through this, it is easy to improve performance level
of business at larger level.
Advantages- Benefit of approach is that it improves efficiency level of
work and management.
Disadvantages- Drawback of this method is that it is time consuming
process (Santoso, 2019).
TQM This is another approach in which it is also known as total quality
management which focuses on long term success motive by achieving
customer satisfaction. It is systematic method which is used by
enterprise so that customer relationship is maintained. By implementing

this approach help in accomplishing of positive feedbacks from
customers & which increases goodwill of firm. Furthermore, it helps in
accomplishing of long-term as well as short-term objectives. This
approach helps in improving of customer experience as well as
relationship in proper way.
Advantages- It develops a positive relation between employer &
customers.
Disadvantages- Quality is focused which is difficult to maintain.
Lean production
It is another approach of operation management in which it is being
considered as most appropriate method of achieving output. This
approach focuses on reducing of waste without compromising without
comprising the quality. Main aim of this method is to keep quality of a
product & service and reduce waste during process. In relation with
Sainsbury, management ensure that efficient resources are used within a
business so that quality is maintained. Lean production approach is
useful and beneficial for enterprise because it help in using of resources
in efficient way (Anthony, 2017).
Advantages- It assists in reduction of waste which leads to using of
resources efficiently.
Disadvantages- Company has to compromise quality at low level.
Role of manager
 Main role of manager is to hire & recruit the skilled candidates so that right person is put to

right place.
 Managing resources in efficient is also an crucial role of manager. Through this, they are
able to take decisions properly.
 To examine and monitor the assigned tasks whether they are on time or not.
 To make assure quality & progress level of work (Mosayebian, 2016).
Role of leader
 Main role of leader is to examine the actual need of members or followers so that mutual
coordination is developed.
 Another one is to assure that employees are at right path & do not get distracted by anyhow.
 Also, they have to motivate & encourage employee to be focused towards their goals.
 Further, to unpin subordinates whenever a problem is faced by them during work.
After analysing above matter, it is seen that role approaches of operation management are
essential which are to be used in proper way. It is important for entity to use these method is such
that productivity & efficient get increased. Further, it is too stated that roles played by manager &
leaders assist management to adopted discussed method properly. Thus, explained matter shows that
operational management approaches are needed to be adopted in such a way that goals are attained
in correct process.
P5 What is operation management and explain the values of operation management for achieving
business objectives
Operation management is the part of management structure within organisation in which the
management team of operation need to perform various task such as controlling, designing,
overseeing and the procedure for production of products or services. It too plan strategies related
with the production. It becomes an important part of organisation as it involves various tasks for
entities (Johnstone, 2016). The main function of operation department is to convert raw material
into finished goods by reducing the by-products and wastages. OM is also being considered as
administrative practice carried out by enterprises. Business objectives are essential which are to be
focused by entity so that resources are used efficiently. For growth and development of company, it
is important to carry out operation management in effective way and in context of selected firm
some of operations are discussed below:
Production: The term production refers to conversion of raw material into finished goods.
In which Sainsbury has the largest supermarket chain that offers their own products at their own

stores to their consumers for this they need to produce the good quality with high efficiency
products by eliminating wastage. Process of production is carried out with proper consideration so
that he production level is larger which operate globally with different techniques.
Marketing: The function that needs to perform under marking team is to carry out
promotional activities in order to promote or aware customers about product or service. For this the
staff members of marketing department of chosen company use various approaches such as social
media, digital marketing, personal selling, direct selling etc. in which the word of mouth need to be
considered most in order to develops promotional plan for marketing. In this, it is necessary to
market product or service which it leads to increasing awareness of brand or product within a
specific sector (Pisarenko, 2018).
Sales: The main purpose of sales team is to make profit as well as to generate more revenue
by selling goods or service for this they involve people in selling prominent activities which leads
them towards well sales of products at their stores in marketplace.
Research and process designs: It is an important function of production department as it is
required in making effective strategies for innovative products at marketplace as well as it assist in
development of organisational structure. In context of chosen firm they need to be flexible with the
changes so that they will able to accept the new technologies and innovation for enhancing the
productivity and operational efficiency of firm.
Logistics & Inventory: Both of these are the integral part of operation management in which
stock is stored and the term logistics refers to transfers of finished goods from one place to another
place. It assist mangers in shipping & delivering process. Logistic & inventory are necessary to be
focused so that through them entity store, transport goods in correct manner. Without these it is not
possible to sell products to consumers.
Significance of these operations management for Sainsbury's:
Cost reduction: The spectacular benefit that is enjoyed by management team of operation
techniques and other tools such as JIT and TQM is cost reduction. Which means the price of
product is reduces in order to gain the competitive advantage as it is essential for the development
and growth of company. Effective strategies are being adopted reduce cost so that efficiency get
increased. So, by using of OM Company is able to enhance the productivity level by reducing cost
at wider scale. Therefore, it is important for entity to focus on their operational management.
Enhanced quality of products and operational efficiency- The operational team of chosen
firm is quite considering quality of product along with reducing the cost of products without
compromising the level of quality that leads towards enhancement of operational efficiency and
profitability. This is also another most important value of operation management (Webb, 2017).
Leaders and managers can improve the efficiencies of operational management through

several ways which are described below-
 Promodoro technique- It is considered as time management technique in which work is
break down into different parts so that it is done within time period & productivity get
increased. So, to achieve positive output leaders/ managers guides subordinates to properly
follow their instructions (Kauppila, 2016).
 Focus attention- This is another way through efficiency of operation management will be
increased in which priority tasks are complete at first option. To do this, personnel requires
proper mind set, keeping away from distractions etc.
 Stand up meetings- It is another way through which stand or walking meetings are carried
out which are creative one as compared to virtual meeting which are held on laptop,
mobiles,video conferencing etc.
Therefore, it is concluded that it is essential to focus on operations of organisation because
they help in achieving of goals. Also , by properly accessing to these significance makes it possible
for entity to make decisions effectively. It is duty of manager to ensure that these processes are
carried out with appropriate market analysis. Focusing on these values of OM assist in carrying out
MBO effectively.
TASK 4
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers.
Business environment is defined as approach which includes external & internal factors
which affects the overall organisational structure at wider level. It is crucial to be aware about these
elements so that decisions are taken in proper manner. These also have direct effect on decision
making process of leaders & managers. In relation with Sainsbury, firm is located globally it has
majorly get impacted by both these external & internal elements. It duty of manager to be assure
that decisions are taken in correct manner. These business environment affects OM and decisions
making process at deeper level. So, factors are described below-
 Corporate social responsibility- It is defined as model which focuses on social &
environmental elements within their business operations. CSR is essential which is focused
by every entity to maintain their goodwill in market. It affects upon operational management
because managers focuses on quality of product to protect environment from getting
harmed. Decision making of Leaders is also affected by CSR they have to change & use
leadership style according to situation of environment (James Relly, 2020). In case of
managers, they have to achieve maximum output while focusing on ethical practices,

principles etc. It leads to time consuming & critical thinking process.
 Culture- Culture are those which includes religions, group of people, shared values, beliefs
etc. It is another business environment factor which affects operation management because
in corporate sector products & services are manufactured by properly focusing on culture of
individual, society community. It affects leaders decision making because decisions are
taken by them after properly examining group behaviour so that values are maintained of
every individual. Whereas it affects managers decisions because they have to use
appropriate practices & maintain ethical values of every individual culture. So, it is
necessary to for them respect everyone culture & then take decision so that problem do not
arise (Afsar, 2019).
Thus, it is analysed that factors of business environment are necessary to focused which
results in carrying out activities, functions, operations effectively. So, this has been analysed that
both managers & leaders need to carry out decision-making process in most efficient way.
CONCLUSION
After a brief analysis of above report, it is examined that management & operation is
broader concept which require high level of expertise. In this competitive era, enterprise focus on

gaining competitive advantage in market. This is achieved by them through improving their level
of management operations. This report includes concept of leader & manager, role, function,
theories such as contingency, situational, system. Then, approaches of operation management,
importance of concept & elements impacting business environment has been briefly discussed. It is
evaluated that it is important for enterprise to improve their efficiency of operation which leads to
achievement of positive output. Moreover, managers & leaders use skills, knowledge to improve
productivity at higher scale.
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