Roles and Characteristics of a Leader and a Manager in Different Situational Contexts

Management and
Operations

Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
LO 1............................................................................................................................................................3
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.......................3
LO 2............................................................................................................................................................4
P2 Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational contexts..................................................................................................................................4
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency......................................................................................................................5
LO 3............................................................................................................................................................6
P4 Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and managers play.6
P5 Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives........8
LO 4............................................................................................................................................................9
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management and
decision-making by leaders and managers...............................................................................................9
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Management can be defined as a set of principles that are related to planning, organizing,
controlling and directing. It is one of the most important aspects that an organization should focus on in
order to enhance its overall performance and attain organizational objectives. On the other hand,
operations can be defined as an area of management that involves designing and controlling of the
production process of goods as well as services (Barnes, 2018). It is important for an organization
because assists the management in effectively managing, controlling of people, goods and services within
the workplace. This report is based on Uber Technologies Inc., a company offering vehicles for hire,
package delivery, food delivery as well as motorized scooter rental. The company is headquartered in
California, United States and was founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp. The report explains the
different roles as well as characteristics of a leader and a manager in different situational contexts. It also
includes different theories and models including situational leadership and contingency. Lastly, the report
also includes an assessment of factors within the business environment that can impact on the operational
management as well as decision-making by leaders and managers.
LO 1
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
An effective leader can be defined as a person who sets out a clear motivation for the employees
and guides them towards achieving goals and objectives. Effective leadership is all about executing the
vision of the company, creating, planning, utilizing resources as well as developing strategies that can
help in enhancing the overall performance as well as profitability. The roles as well as characteristics of a
leader are described below –
Roles of a Leader
Leaders play an important role within an organization by guiding and directing the members of
the team to attain desired goals in an effective manner. A leader is considered to be the representative of
their teams at different seminars and meetings (Role of a Leader, 2020). The leader also makes sure that
the personal goals of the team are in sync with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.
Characteristics of a Leader
An effective leader within an organization is honest with his/her team members and committed
towards achieving goals and objectives (Cook and Billig, 2017). They have strong communication skills
as a result of which team members are able to understand their mission, goals as well as vision. A positive
attitude and creativity are other characteristics of a good leader within an organization.

On the other hand, a manager is a person who supervises the various activities that place across
different departments within an organization. The manager has various responsibilities and thus, they
have an important role in helping the company enhance its performance as well as attain the goals as well
as objectives effectively. The roles as well as characteristics of a manager within an organization are
described below –
Roles of a Manager
The primary role of a manager is to make sure that all organizational activities within the
different departments are running smoothly. Besides this, the managers act as the figurehead and monitors
the performance of all the team members (De Roover, 2017). Managers have the responsibility of
communicating with various internal as well as external contacts, therefore they play the role of a liaison
by networking effectively on behalf of the organization. A manager represents his/her organization and
acts as a spokesperson by transmitting information about the organization to people outside it.
Characteristics of a Manager
Effective managers are able to lead their employees in an effective way, are experienced with the
different challenges that the team members might face. Thus, they develop strategies which allow the
team members to perform at the desired level. The managers within an organization are confident and
reliable with effective time management skills. They are focused towards their jobs and committed
towards achieving the desired outcome.
LO 2
P2 Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational contexts
Both leaders as well as managers within an organization play important roles in helping the
company improve its overall performance as well as profitability. There are different situations that can
arise at the workplace, for example while launching a new product, the team leader ensures that all team
members are aware of their individual roles as well as responsibilities (Dias, J., 2017). Not only this, the
leader is also involved in the various stages of the development of new product like focusing on the
features, estimating its value for the business as well as the preferences as well as needs of the customers.
Whereas, the main functions of a manager during the launch of a new product by the company include
developing a plan and making sure that the team members work according to the same. Besides this, the
manager also collaborates with various sales as well as marketing teams.