Organisational Theory and Practice: Analysis of Sainsbury's Leadership Style, Structure, Culture, and Motivation Strategies

This report analyzes Sainsbury's leadership style, structure, culture, and motivation strategies using theoretical models such as Maslow's need hierarchy model and Kurt Lewin's change model. It also examines the effects of power, influence, and conflict resolution on managing change and provides recommendations to increase organizational performance.

Organisational Theory
and Practices

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................4
TASK A ..........................................................................................................................................4
Analyse and comment on the effectiveness of the managerial / leadership style of the CEO
using suitable theoretical models............................................................................................4
TASK B...........................................................................................................................................5
Assess the current structure and culture of the organisation and comment on whether the CEO
has any role and impact in creating and enforcing them to achieve high performance.........5
TASK C...........................................................................................................................................7
Explain the Entrepreneurial Strategy and Corporate Governance policies followed by the CEO
of that organisation to enhance the organisational effectiveness and performance...............7
TASK D...........................................................................................................................................8
Examine the effects of power, influence and conflict resolution at the chosen company by the
CEO in managing change.......................................................................................................8
TASK E ...........................................................................................................................................9
Explain the various types of motivation strategies used at your chosen company and their
influence on employees’ performance....................................................................................9
TASK F..........................................................................................................................................10
Use appropriate corporate examples and literature to justify your research........................10
TASK G.........................................................................................................................................11
Suggestions or recommendations to increase the organisational performance....................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
Books and Journals ..............................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Organisational practices refer to operations which particular organisation uses to treat
their employees. It also includes structure which is followed by organisation and their decision
making and problem solving methods. Organisational practices help in making functions in
effective manner so that they can achieve targets. Resources can be allocated in better manner so
that organisation can utilize them efficiently (Biscotti, D’Amico and Monge, 2018). It assists in
building strong relationship between organisation and their working environment and culture.
This report is based on Sainsbury’s which is a supermarket chain. It was founded in 1869 by
John James Sainsbury. It is headquartered in London, UK. They serve various products like
convenience shop, hypermarket and forecourt shops. This report will include effective leadership
styles and their theories. The current structure is assessed in this report along with the culture of
organisation and impact on creating the high performance in an organisation. This report also
includes various strategies and corporate governance policies so that organisation can enhance
performance and effectiveness. Effect of influence, power and conflict resolution which CEO is
following is also examined in this report. Motivation strategies along with appropriate examples
and recommendations are mentioned in this report.
MAIN BODY
TASK A
Analyse and comment on the effectiveness of the managerial / leadership style of the CEO using
suitable theoretical models
Every organisation hires managers who can manage their employees in effective manner
so that they can perform in required direction. Leadership styles matters a lot in influencing the
behaviour of employees (Clarke and Campbell, 2018). There are various leadership style which
managers can follow in order to meet the goals of an organisation which is as follows:
Transactional Theory: This leadership theory is used to manage the day to day activities
so that mangers can enhance the productivity of employees. For some of the operations, mangers
of Sainsbury’s use this theory by setting the goals for operations and guide all the employees
according to the goals. They also appreciate employees on their success by using rewards and

recognitions. Managers also give punishments to their employees so that they can improve
themselves for achievement of objectives.
Autocratic management style: In this management style, top level managers take all the
necessary and crucial decisions without involving the employees. This style of leadership saves
lot of time and efforts but lower the morale of employees.
Democratic management style: This management style allows managers to consult and
involve their employees in decision making process (Collien, 2018). This highly motivate
employees and boost their morale because of the participation in management. With the help of
this style managers can improve the performance of their employees.
Transformational leadership style: Most of the large organisations follow this type of
leadership style. Mangers formulate plans, procedures and visions regarding the operations
which are carried by employees to achieve goals. Sainsbury is also follow this style because it is
very effective in terms of improving performances. Managers guide their employees like what to
do and how to do so that employees can effectively fulfil the requirements.
This is analysed the CEO of Sainsbury’s follow transformational leadership style and
democratic management style because they both helps in maintaining good relationships and
fulfil all the needs which are required by organisation. Participation of employees in
management make employees more responsible so that they work with higher efficiency.
Transformational style eliminates all difficulties and conflicts from Sainsbury’s and promote
team work. It helps in identification of top performers so that mangers can give them rewards
according to their performances. These leadership styles helps in managing the human behaviour
along with the managerial changes.
TASK B
Assess the current structure and culture of the organisation and comment on whether the CEO
has any role and impact in creating and enforcing them to achieve high performance.
Structure and culture of organisation plays important role in achieving growth and success
of an organisation (Holbeche, 2018). Sainsbury’s is a large supermarket and involves various
departments and sections like finance, human resource management, physical stores, online
stores, sales and marketing. To manage all the operations in effective manner, CEO of
Sainsbury’s follow hierarchical structure which includes series of many levels. These levels

assist in proper planning and decision makings and eliminates confusions and disturbances from
the operations. Hofstede cultural dimension model is used by Sainsbury which is as follows:
Power distance index: This reflects the amount of power and inequality tolerated by an
organisation. Hierarchical distribution, unequal treatment isclassified as high power distance
index and decentralisation, participative style and equal power distribution classified as low
power distance index which is followed by CEO of Sainsbury’s.
Individualism vs collectivism: Weak interpersonal connections comes under
individualism and employees follow their personal targets rather then group targets. On the other
hand, collectivism is followed by Sainsbury which includes group targets and promotes team
work.
Masculinity vs femininity: This indicates the different role and differentiate society on
the basis of tough and tender (Maurya and Agarwal, 2018). Expectations from men and women
are different like men are expected to behave strong and generate wealth. Whereas, women are
expected to nurture the quality of life.
Uncertainty avoidance index: It decides the level of tolerance in context to uncertainty.
Higher uncertainty avoidance index suggests low tolerance for risk taking and uncertainty along
with the minimized rules and regulations. Sainsbury’s follow maximized rules and regulations
with lower uncertainty for risk taking.
Long term orientation vs short term orientation: Long term growth and success is
classified under long term orientation which emphasize on perseverance and persistence. Quick
results which are related to short term success comes under short term orientation. CEO of
Sainsbury follow both of these because they plan strategies which help them achievement of long
term and short term goals.
Indulgence vs restraints: Indulgence refers to the higher gratification and allows
employees to enjoy their life and have fun along with the operations (Sawan, Jeon and Chen,
2018). Restraints suggests that employees should follow all the rules, regulations and social
norms. CEO of Sainsbury’s satisfy the demands and needs of their employees and allow the to
enjoy their life according to the situations.

TASK C
Explain the Entrepreneurial Strategy and Corporate Governance policies followed by the CEO of
that organisation to enhance the organisational effectiveness and performance.
To enhance the performance and productivity of an organisation managers need to formulate
strategies which can effectively improve the performance of employees (Nguyen, and Malik,
2020). Various corporate governance policies are used by CEO of Sainsbury’s so that they can
achieve goals with improved performances. This helps in creating innovative ideas so that tasks
and procedures are carried out without any difficulties. Sainsbury’s use performance
management model which help managers in evaluating the performances of employees working
in an organisation which is mentioned below:
Plan: This is the first stage where goals and visions are created in order to achieve goals
and managers further discuss those goals with their employees. Managers of Sainsbury
understand the behaviour of their employees and maintain coordination in order to explain the
plans.
Coach: At this stage all the managers of an organisation guide their employees that how
to accomplish goals (Prasanna and Haavisto, 2018). Managers of Sainsbury prepare notes about
the tasks and track performances of their employees during this phase.
Evaluate: After guiding employees, managers evaluate the performance of employees
with the help of different resources such as performance notes, customer feedbacks and
accolades. Managers of Sainsbury’s interact with their employees and help them in identifying
their strengths and weaknesses. This helps employees in improving their performances so that
they can achieve goals.
Reward: This is the last stage which includes rewards and recognitions to employees for
their success. Sainsbury always appreciate their employees as it helps in motivating them.
It is evaluated corporate governance policies help CEO of Sainsbury to develop the skills
which are required to perform in better manner. This can improve their performance which is
very essential to meet the future goals. It provides roadmap so that employees can follow them
for the growth and development (Salt, 2018). These policies are ethical code of conduct which is
followed by Sainsbury’s so that they can become successful supermarket chain. Routine audits,
training and development programs, risk management, integrated business management and
documented policy management comes under corporate governance policies. It mainly focus on

the 4 p’s which are performance, people, process and purpose which is very essential to achieve
targets.
TASK D
Examine the effects of power, influence and conflict resolution at the chosen company by the
CEO in managing change.
Organisations consist of diversified persons which comes from different background and
possess different mindset. This may result in conflicts and arguments which can hamper the
profitability of an organisation (Alzoubi and Ahmed, 2019). CEO of Sainsbury try to manage
human behaviour in effective manner by understanding their behaviour. They use Kurt Lewin's
change model which help them in managing changes and resolving conflicts in better manner.
The model is as follows:
Unfreezing: This is the first step where managers identify the behaviour of their
employees so that they can proceed for the further changes with the use of their powers.
Organisations involve various functions and activities which needs to be change in order to attain
goals (Etse, McMurray and Muenjohn, 2021). CEO of Sainsbury's spread awareness regarding
the operations which are negative create great impact on the growth of an organisation. They
unfreeze the situations and educate employees about the need for particular change.
Changing: After the unfreezing of situation managers proceed to carry out changes
which are necessary for the organisation. Transitioning and moving of activities takes place with
the help of coordination and support of all the employees. Managers of Sainsbury's try to change
the mindset and way of thinking of employees so that goals can be achieved. Proper planning is
done for the commencement of the operations and make employees familiar with the changes.
Changes are implemented on this stage and overcome the problems which were faced on the
prior stages.
Refreezing: This is the final stage where changes are refreeze so that employees carry
out operations according to that changes. Changes can be done in organisational goals, processes,
structure and offerings (Loudoun and et.al., 2020). This is very important step which ensures
employees will follow the particular changes in effective manner. Managers of Sainsbury's
refreeze changes in order to eliminate disturbances and conflicts from the organisation which
results in higher revenue generation.

Organisations use their power in order to influence employees and reduce conflicts in an
organisation. Sainsbury's manages changes in effective manner so that they accomplish tasks in
proper manner. It is very essential to alter the operations to meet the current needs which help in
growth and development. It is evaluated that managers should keep track on the performances of
employees so that they can improve them and overcome problems which are affecting the growth
of individual as well as organisation's.
TASK E
Explain the various types of motivation strategies used at your chosen company and their
influence on employees’ performance.
Motivation plays important role in influencing the employees to achieve targets in
effective manner. It clarify the goals which need to be achieved and improve the performance of
employees (ElKelish and Rickards, 2018). Sainsbury's execute management practices in
effective manner so that it can reduce difficulties of employees. To motivate employees they
need various strategies like rewarding them and influencing them so that they perform in desired
manner. Maslow's need hierarchy model is used to justify the strategies which are used by
Sainsbury's. The model is as follows:
Physiological need: These are basic and biological needs which includes food, water,
shelter, air and clothes. These are necessity of life which is required by each and every
employee. Sainsbury's fulfil this need by offering basic salaries to their employees so that they
can survive in better manner.
Safety needs: Second need of this hierarchy is safety need which is required by
employees in order to feel safe and secure. Sainsbury's provide various benefits for safety so that
employees can control and predict their life. They provide financial security, health insurance
against any injury at workplace and legal job offer letter.
Love and belongingness needs: It refers to the relationships which human beings
maintain at the workplace. Managers of Sainsbury's focus on good interpersonal relationships
which motivate employees to work hard (Baum and et.al., 2020). It fulfil the satisfaction level of
employees by connectedness, trust, friendships and affiliation among each other.
Esteem needs: At this stage employees require the feeling of respect from society, self
worth and accomplishment. This motivates employees which results in achievement of goals in

best possible manner. Sainsbury's respect their employee and boost their morale by providing
them status and dignity in order to satisfy their esteem needs.
Self actualization need: This is the last level of hierarchy which involves self fulfilment,
personal growth, realization of their potential and peak experiences (Lewis and et.al., 2020).
Managers of Sainsbury's allows their employees for further growth because this need is difficult
to fulfil as it is different for each and every person.
It is evaluated that motivated employees contribute their efforts in positive manner so that
they can achieve goals. Sainsbury's should motivate their employees on regular basis by
providing them rewards and appraisals which satisfy the needs of employees. Various
motivational strategies like training and development, appraisals, rewards, positive work
environment and growth motivate employees.
TASK F
Use appropriate corporate examples and literature to justify your research
Organisations need to maintain their culture, working environment , principles and
beliefs so that operations can be smoothly carried out. Corporate culture of any organisation
influenced by collaboration, hierarchy, process, competition, innovation and social engagement
(Moneva and et.al., 2020). Sainsbury's is very large organisation which is divided into various
departments and categories. There are various cultures like clan culture, adhocracy, holacracy
and hierarchical which are followed by organisations according to their business environment.
Sainsbury's follow hierarchical culture because it consist of various levels. Organisational culture
is a pattern which is follow to overcome problems and conflicts in an organisation which results
in higher growth and development. Managers of Sainsbury's create particular guidelines and
policies which is mandatory to follow by each and every employee. Operations are carried out by
making teams in Sainsbury so that it creates better coordination and communication in
organisation. Managers keep track on the performance of their employees and take corrective
measures so that they can improve the mistakes. Proper reviews and feedbacks are received by
managers so that they understand the current situation of the performance. Corporate policies and
strategies help in proper functioning which assist in profit generation. Managers of Sainsbury's
motivate employees and appreciate them on their success so that they can perform I effective
manner.

TASK G
Suggestions or recommendations to increase the organisational performance.
It is very important to track the performance of employees so that they can efficiently
utilise resources and use their potentials in effective manner. Growth and success of
organisations are dependent on their employees because they are responsible to perform
operations. There are various recommendations in context to Sainsbury's so that they can
improve organisational performance which are mentioned below:
 Organisation should provide benefits in terms of monetary and non monetary so that
employees are motivated and work harder for achievement of goals (Borg and et.al,
2019). Sainsbury's offer rewards and appraisals to their employees on their achievement
which improves their performance. Performance evaluation should be carried out on
regular basis because it directly effect the performance of an organisation.
 They should engage employees more towards operations by strengthen their
commitments towards operations. Sainsbury's should focus on building strong
relationships with their employees so that they involve themselves more in an
organisation which results in increased organisational performance. Proper coordination
should be maintain between each and every department so that operations are carried out
effectively.
 Sainsbury's should provide various training and development programs to their
employees because trained employees can achieve goals in effective manner. Sessions
and seminars should be arranged so that requirements of each and departments can be
fulfilled. Proper workforce planning should be maintained by managers for training
which improve the performance of organisation.
 Technology should be used by managers of Sainsbury's so that they can improve the
overall performance of an organisation (Coe, Wiley and Bekker, 2019). Technological
advancements lower down the errors and mistakes which hamper the operations. Use of
manual efforts are reduced which results in reduction of mental stress and pressure of
employees. Up graded tools and techniques help Sainsbury's in achievement of goals and
improvement of organisational goals.

CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that organisational practices and theories plays
important role in effective operations. Every department of organisation needs particular
practices which can help them in achieving targets. Theories can provide innovative ideas which
can satisfy the needs of employees and motivate them to work harder. These practices and
theories provide guideline and roadmap for operations to be done in desired manner. This report
includes various leadership styles which can increase the effectiveness of organisation. Culture
of organisation is discussed its impact on the organisational performance is also evaluated. This
report also include various corporate governance policies in order to achieve organisational
performance. Managing changes are very important in order to reduce conflicts in an
organisation is mentioned in this report. Motivation model is used to motivate employees so that
they work in required manner. Corporate examples are used to justify the research along with
recommendations so that organisation can improve performance.

REFERENCES
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