Roles and Characteristics of Leaders and Managers in Operations Management

This article discusses the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers in operations management. It explores the different theories and models of approach, such as situational leadership, system leadership, and contingency theory. The importance and value of operations management in achieving organizational goals are also highlighted. The article focuses on the case of Unilever, a public limited company, and its management and operations strategies.

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1 Roles and characteristics of leaders and managers.................................................................1
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................3
P2 Role of leader and function of manager apply in different situational contexts.....................3
P3 Theories and models of approach...........................................................................................4
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers......................6
P5 Importance and value of operations management..................................................................7
LO 4.................................................................................................................................................8
P6 Factors within business environment that impact upon operational management.................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Operations is the internal working of the organization so that there is an efficient working
and the business will be able to achieve their mission. Management is the administration in an
organization so that businesses in market can function in one direction so that the functioning
can get under control and achieving the objectives is easier. To get a competitive advantage the
organizations have to control the operations which is under the control of management. Leaders
and management play a very important role and different responsibilities in organizations.
Unilever is a public limited company which is having its headquarters in London. The
products which this company is dealing are beauty & personal care, cleaning and food and
refreshments. As of 2019 there are 155,000 employees working in the company and net income
of the company is €9.808 billion.
The report would consist of characteristics and roles of leaders and managers with the
help of theories like situational leadership, system leadership and contingency theories. Strengths
and weaknesses of leaders and manager will be discussed to understand the roles of them in
different situations.
LO 1
P1 Roles and characteristics of leaders and managers
In order to make the functioning of the organization be maintained the manager deals
with decision-making and functioning. Controlling and monitoring the entire organization is in
the hands of the managers but the command on employees is with the leaders. Leaders make sure
that all the employees are following the instructions and check that they are completing their
tasks which has been allotted to them from time to time.
Categories Leaders Managers
Characteristics Characteristics which are required in
a leader are confidence, creativity,
positive attitude, communication,
ability to delegate work, commitment
and honesty. In order to lead and have
a command on employees it is very
The Characteristics of manager are to
have communication, time
management, delegation, experience,
knowledge, reliability, leadership and
organizing. These factors will help the
managers to make the organization
1

important for leaders to have these
characteristics. Positive attitude and
motivated leaders in Unilever help the
organization to achieve their goals
and objectives (Garza-Reyes and
et.al., 2017).
reach their goals and objectives for a
long run in market. Managers of
Unilever have these skills therefore
they are having a good competitive
advantage in market for themselves.
Roles and
responsibilities
Solving the conflicts which are
coming up in Unilever and motivating
the employees if the functioning of
the leaders so that there is a better
functioning and efficiency in
organization. The internal
environment of the company is
maintained by leaders so that there is
a growth in productivity.
Unilever managers play a very
important factor in the organization
and one of the function of managers in
the company is to make right decisions
for Unilever so that the functioning of
the company can be maintained.
Difference between leaders and managers
Differences Leaders Managers
Roles To have a systematic working
process the leaders must have a
strong grip on the employees so that
the work can be completed on time
(Carter and Price, 2017). Leaders
have to make sure that they are
matching the expectations of the
management which is to make the
work get completed on time. Having
experience can make the leaders
match that expectations which is
present in the leaders of Unilever.
Managers set the objectives and
decision-making is also done by them
for the organization. In order to
achieve the goals the managers have
to make sure that everyone is doing
the work. Unilever has responsible
managers which is why the company
is having a competitive advantage in
market.
Control risks A failed step is a path to successful Managers do not want to take risks
2

and take risks path for the future. Unilever's leaders
take a lot of risks so that they can
gain experience and knowledge with
the risks. Failure will motivate the
employees to work harder the next
time they take risks.
because they do not want to spoil the
brand image in market. Managers of
Unilever are very careful while taking
decisions so that they do not have to
face any consequences in the future
(Zurich, Instruction and
Documentation, 2018). For better and
effective functioning of organization
there has to be better managers risk
organizational factors so that there is
a better processing in the company.
Goals and
visions
Leaders have to create a transparency
between themselves and the
employees therefore the visions of
the company must be shared to the
employees of the company. Leaders
have to get the visions into reality in
organization is the function of
leaders.
Managers set goals and visions for the
entire organization so that there is a
systematic functioning within the
organization. This is only possible
after understand and analysing the
internal and external factors before
decision-making so that there are no
chances of errors within the company.
LO 2
P2 Role of leader and function of manager apply in different situational contexts
Roles of leaders and managers in organization are different from one another in each
situation therefore having an experienced background would help them to make decisions
accordingly. Situations which are going to be discussed in the further report are productivity and
hiring employees in Unilever.
Managers must not hire people more than required and they must know the requirement
of organization. Unilever is a well-established organization and the managers in it are also
experienced therefore hiring the right candidate is very important for the company. There is a
process which needs to be followed to hire anyone in the company and the final decision is still
3

in the hands of the manager of Unilever (Zijm and et.al., 2019). To increase productivity of the
organization so that the company will be able to fulfil the needs of the customers from time to
time, is that the managers of Unilever will have to change methods and techniques for the
employees to work in the pressure on them will have to be reduced so that they can work
productivity and efficiently for betterment of organization.
Leaders have no say in hiring of the employees but after the employees are hired in
Unilever, leaders makes sure that they are matching standards and expectations of the company.
Taking out the best of the employees is the work of the leaders by understanding what they have
expertise in so that the company can use that for the better productivity of the company.
Delegation of work is done by the leaders and that has to be done fairly so that there is
motivation in the employees to achieve the objectives. Motivation in employees is got by leaders
and the leaders also have to make sure that there is healthy and safe environment for the
employees which will help the employees to be motivated (Khan, 2018).
P3 Theories and models of approach
Situational Leadership
In situational leadership there are four styles which are included in it which are coaching,
delegating, supporting and directing. Leaders in Unilever are experience which makes them
know the right step which needs to be taken for the future so that there is better functioning. In
all the situations the leaders know what is right for the company. Leaders are in the organization
so that they can train the employees well so that the standards of the organization are maintained,
directing them where and when needed and supporting the employees when there are decisions
which are being taken for them (Shokri and Nabhani, 2019). This behaviour of leaders can make
the employees give their best in Unilever and make the company get a lot of profit in market.
New employees get in new ideas which is what is required by Unilever at this point of time so
that there is a better functioning of the organization. Providing the employees with healthy and
safe environment is the work of the leaders of company which is being well maintained in
Unilever. Advantage of this style of leadership approach is that this theory will get friendly
environment in organization which will help the company's employees to give their
personal best which will make the productivity of business increase and the revenue.
4

 Disadvantage of this style is that there is no clarity in leaders because information is not
shared properly. Limitations will be created in organization which will restrict from
productivity in organization like no new ideas and a sense of dependency which is not
good for Unilever for a long run in market. To get a competitive advantage in Market it is
very important for Unilever to get innovation and new ideas so that they can come up
with better products and satisfy the customers.
 System Leadership
Leaders must understand the productivity of human behaviour so that the functioning and
processing in the organization can take place effectively. Leaders of Unilever have a lot of
experience and all the steps they take in the organization there is new knowledge and experience
which they receive (Ansoff and et.al., 2018). There is a clarity of work which is there in the
organization because of this approach but the leaders are answerable to the managers therefore it
is very important that the leaders take the right measures for the organization to function in.
Leaders have to check on the employees from time to time so that they know that the employees
are matching the standards and expectations of Unilever. Clarity in organization will make the
productivity in the organization increase and the functioning of the company better and the
leaders will also be able to keep a check on the employees. The needs and demands of the
customers will be met if this approach is used by Unilever. Experiences leaders in the company
is making the company have a strong workforce for themselves which is a very good factor for
the company. Advantage of this approach is that the demands and needs of the customers will be met
from time to time because the leaders will be able to motivate the employees.
Management dimensions can be focused on which is going to be very beneficial for the
functioning aspect. Disadvantage of it is that it is very time-consuming and there will be a delay in making
decisions for the organization. This is a very good measure which Unilever could use but
because of time frame the organization will not be able to use this approach.
Contingency Theory
Managers must analysis the internal and external factors of the company so that they can
take appropriate decisions for the company. Managers have to make sure that the decisions they
are taking for the organization are going to be accepted by the employees of the company so that
5

the productivity level of Unilever does not fall. Due to experienced managers in organization, the
management is being able to make appropriate decisions for the company which is making the
company reach their targets easily (Magon and et.al., 2018). Standards of Unilever has been set
from years which the managers have to maintain in future so that they can attract more
customers. Trends are changing because of the customers which the company will have to follow
so that they can have a bigger base of customers in the market. Advantage is that the management of Unilever will be able to make better decisions for
the employees which will be good for the long run of the organization and the employee's
satisfaction in Unilever. Disadvantage is that this approach is very complex in nature and a lot of determine have
to be considered when this approach is being used. This is going to be very time-
consuming and the company will not be able to reach their targets and fulfil the
customers needs and demands.
LO 3
P4 Key approaches to operations management and role of leaders and managers
Operations management is to create the highest level of productivity within an
organization with the help of professional business practitioners. There are number of models
which are being used by Unilever so that the managers and leaders can have an effective
workforce. The following report is going to discuss the models.
Six Sigma
Six sigma can make Unilever have a better customer base for themselves if used in the
right measure. Quality of the products get improved after analysing the external and internal
factors of the company (Wisner, 2016). Leaders and managers have to convey the information in
the entire organization so that the functioning in the organization can get better. Managers will
have to make decisions and the leaders will have to make that decision come into reality so that
there is a growth in market. Managers will be able to over come the troubles which comes in
front of the organization and the leaders will have to make sure that the decisions are being
implemented and followed by the employees so that the productivity is maintained.
Just in Time
6

Just in time will make the managers be able to utilize the resources effectively and
minimize the waste. Supplies will be limited and no extra resources will come in the company so
that will be cost saving for Unilever. Leaders have to make sure that the employees of the
company are following that factor and list of resources will be made by leaders which are going
to be checked by managers so that there is a better functioning for them. This method is helping
Unilever get a competitive advantage and costing saving in a lot of ways and also making less
harm to the environment and surroundings (Terwiesch and et.al., 2019).
Total Quality Management (TQM)
This process helps the organizations to control on time and money which is very
beneficial for Unilever for a long run in market. Managers have to analyse the impacts,
advantages and limitations of this process so that they can have a better functioning for
themselves. Leaders have to implement it in a way that the employees do not revolt to this new
change in the organization and the company will be able to benefit from it. This will make the
productivity of the organization better and the organization will be able to have a competitive
advantage in market.
P5 Importance and value of operations management
Unilever has a strong base of managers and leaders in the company which is making
company have a competitive advantage. For having efficient and effective functioning in
organization it is important to have knowledge, skilled and experienced workforce within
organization (Dierynck and Labro, 2018).
Productivity
The productivity level in organization needs to be high so that the demands and needs of
the customers can be met from time to time. The managers have to make decisions accordingly
so that the employees can be satisfied with the work they are doing in organization. Leaders must
motivate the employees from time to time so that there is a better functioning in the organization
and the employees will be able to meet the targets.
Objectives
There are a set of objectives and aims which are set by the management which the
employees have to achieve from time to time. Leaders break those objectives down for the
employees so that there is not too much pressure and the work can be done on time. This gets a
7

sense of direction in organization. Leaders and managers have to make sure that the targets are
being met and the customers are getting their demands fulfilled (Hill and Hill, 2017).
Cost
Management of Unilever has to make decisions so that they can have a lot of cost saving
which can be invested in a lot better place for later. Reports are prepared by leaders and
managers in the organization so that they can have a clear image of the organization and make
future decisions accordingly. Leaders have to do the best with the resources which are being
supplied to them and the employees must utilize that is ensured by the leaders.
Resources
Resources are very limited therefore using the resources wisely is very essential which
the managers and leaders have to make sure about. Managers and leaders must have the idea
where and when the resources have to be used so that there is no misuse of resources (Cachon,
2016). There have to be equal revenue generation in organization so that they can have a better
use of resources and have better methods in the company as well.
LO 4
P6 Factors within business environment that impact upon operational management
Value
There are set of values which Unilever has for themselves which the managers and the
leaders have to make sure are being followed in the organization. There are four core values of
Unilever which are integrity, respect, pioneering and responsibility which are being followed in
Unilever from time to time. Following the values making the organization have a clear vision for
themselves.
Business Ethics
Communication is present in the organization so that the decisions which are being taken
by managers are known by everyone and the sense of clarity can make the business achieve their
targets (Roth and et.al., 2016). Treating all the employees equal and giving what they deserve by
leaders and managers is very important for Unilever so that productivity of organization is
maintained for a competitive advantage.
Culture
8

Culture of the organization is making employees have a sense of direction for achieving
goals in market. Managers have to make sure that they are having a good workforce and the
leaders are motivated so that the leaders can get the best out of the employees. Culture is being
followed in Unilever which is making the environment of the organization healthy and safe for
the employees to work in and the organization is not having a high turnover of employees.
Corporate Social Responsibilities
The impact on the environment has reduced from Unilever and it has been an influence
on other organizations as well (Chan and et.al., 2017). Managers and leaders have to make sure
that the employees are following the measures which have been taken by Unilever so that that
processing is better in market. Managers make decisions and leader implement those in reality.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that managers and leaders within the
organization play a very important role in business. Roles and responsibilities of managers and
leaders are different from one another and there are a lot of functions and decisions making with
the two have to make for the benefit of the organization. Leaders and managers have to maintain
the standards and employees motivation so that the standards of productivity in organization is
maintained. All the troubles have to be solved by leaders and managers and they can make the
employees meet the demands and needs of the customers.
9

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ansoff, H.I and et.al., 2018. Implanting strategic management. Springer.
Cachon, G., 2016. Operations Management, 1e. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Carter, M.W. and Price, C.C., 2017. Operations research: a practical introduction. Crc Press.
Chan, H.K and et.al., 2017. The role of social media data in operations and production
management. International Journal of Production Research. 55(17). pp.5027-5036.
Dierynck, B. and Labro, E., 2018. Management accounting information properties and
operations management. Foundations and Trends® in Technology, Information and
Operations Management. 12(1). pp.1-114.
Garza-Reyes, J.A and et.al., 2017. Managing Innovation and Operations in the 21st Century.
Productivity Press.
Hill, A. and Hill, T., 2017. Essential operations management. Macmillan International Higher
Education.
Khan, S.R., 2018. Knowledge Creation And Knowledge Management. Journal of Management
Science, Operations & Strategies (e ISSN 2456-9305). 2(1). pp.27-31.
Magon, R.B and et.al., 2018. Sustainability and performance in operations management
research. Journal of cleaner production. 190. pp.104-117.
Roth, A and et.al., 2016. Knowledge creation and dissemination in operations and supply chain
management. Production and Operations Management. 25(9). pp.1473-1488.
Shokri, A. and Nabhani, F., 2019. Quality management vision of future early career operations
managers. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management.
Terwiesch, C and et.al., 2019. A review of empirical operations management over the last two
decades. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management.
Wisner, J.D., 2016. Operations management: A supply chain process approach. Sage
Publications.
Zijm, H and et.al., 2019. Operations, logistics and supply chain management. Cham: Springer.
Zurich, B.L.L., Instruction, X. and Documentation, X., 2018. Service operations and
management. Master of Science in Engineering. p.380.
10