Roles and Characteristics of a Leader and a Manager in Management and Operations

Management and Operations

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager....3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P2 Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts..................................................................................................6
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency....................................................................................................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
P4 Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play.......................................................................................................................10
P5 Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives..............................................................................................................................12
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................13
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers...............................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Operation and management is concerned with transformation of raw material and other
procured resources into finished goods and final services in order to attain maximum profitability
and high market coverage. These processes are highly focused on making and redesigning of
business offerings as according to the demands of final customers so as to upkeep their
satisfaction level as well. These aspects are helpful in the business so as to attain high
profitability and sustainability. This report is prepared so as to understand these concepts with
the background of M&S which is a British transnational company which deals in clothing,
packaged food items and stylish home décor products. M&S is headquartered in Westminster,
UK. This report is covering roles and characteristics of manager and leader in organisational
context and within various situations pertaining in the organisation. Further report includes
importance of operation management within business processes and impact of business
environment in decision making process of leader and manager. (Bromiley and Rau, 2016)
TASK 1
P1 Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.
Leader: A leader is a person who is having immense capacity to get work done by other just
by motivating them and providing them appropriate direction. With the help of appropriate
leadership style goals can be achieved in more effective manner. In the context of M&S, leader
of the business is requisite to provide assistance to the entire workforce so as to make them
comfortable to perform in desired manner. Leader works as a guide in company who is having
responsibility to guide personnel with the help of learning programs and various training session.
Manager: A manager is the individual within a business who is working for monitoring and
managing entire activities which are executed by employees. Manager of the company is having
high responsibility to manage business operations in such a manner that it helps in overall goal
achievement. In the context of M&S the manager is having duty to provide direction to its
working force which is aligned with business plans and objectives.
Role of a leaders
 Creative vision: A leader is having essential role of lead the team with help of their
creative vision. They guide their team members in such a manner that they can achieve

their goals within stipulated time frame along with their personal concern which is
associated towards organisational objectives as well. In the context of M&S manager is
responsible to frame impactful plans by which overall objective of the company can be
achieved.
 Coach potential: A leader is required to play role of a coach in which they develop
capabilities of their team member of overcoming from any complex situation in
considerable manner. This is helpful for the business to enhance its overall productivity
in effective manner. For instance leader of M&S is controlling whole the organisation
which is having positive implications on the company.
Characteristics of Leader: -
1. Charismatic: A leader is having foremost attraction and influence from their charisma
due to which they become idol to many people and they start to follow leader. This
characteristic is helpful in delivering vision of the business to each individual working in
the organisation.
2. Effective Communicator: Every leader is having effective communication skills by
which they convey all the major and essential information to their subordinates in most
considerable way. This is having positive implications on the business as this can
eliminate all misunderstandings which could occur due to miscommunication. Effective
communication is helpful for employees of M&S in understanding the message and
thought which is sent by the originator which is leader. (Slack and Brandon-Jones, 2018)
Roles of Manager: -
1. Establishing Policies: One of the major responsibilities of manager is to formulate and
circulate rules, policies and guidelines of business so as to lead employee to work within
provided policies. There are various rules and regulation which has been made by
manager of M&S so as to ensure that all the activities are executed within ethical
practices.
2. Delegating Responsibilities: The other essential role of a manager is to delegate
responsibility within their subordinates so as to divined task and overall activities in most