Asda Leadership and Management: A Literature Review and Essay

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Literature Review and Essay
Organizations: Leadership and Management

Introduction
The chosen retail company is Asda, which is a retail organization emphasizing in supermarkets.
The company is headquartered in Leeds, West Yorkshire of United Kingdom. It serves for over
18 million customers and the employee count is approximately 145,000. The revenue generated
is 21,666 million British pounds. ASDA also started an online fashion business named as
George, which caters to 800,000 interested consumers within a single week (Asda.com. 2019).
Another extension of the brand has been the Grocery home shopping propaganda, which served
over 98% of the UK homes and residential places. Another chain of the same business carries out
logistics services like fleet transportation and other parcelling processes.
Thus, leadership and management is a critical factor in carrying out all the business operations of
the chosen company. Here the various concepts of the same are discussed together with the
differences they possess. The transformational leadership theory is taken under consideration
based on which the functioning of ASDA is evaluated. Thereafter, a management development
program is incorporated in the study to further augment the success of the business in the target
markets of United Kingdom as well globally.
Discussion
Define and discuss the difference between the concepts of leadership and management
Leadership
The role of leadership is to motivate the employees of an organization like ASDA to perform
effectively towards the goals of the organization and resulting in fulfilling outcomes. The leader
is responsible to create a vision for the company of ASDA such that it can make innovation in
the development of its products, bring about exemplary satisfaction amongst the customers, and
procure overwhelming profit margins. According to Grint et al., (2016), the employees look up
to the leader for inspiration and assigning appropriate tasks that are as per the specialization of
the specific individuals.
The leaders mostly possess characteristics like self-confidence, communication tactics and
managerial skills, creative thinking aptitude and innovative qualities for the long term business
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growth. Other traits that can be found in these personalities are perseverance, risk taking
abilities, composed attitude and strong decision-making power at times of crisis.
There are few individuals who are ingrained with the leadership traits since birth, yet most of the
leaders are made on a gradual basis. As per Herman, (2016), it is the character of the leader,
which influences the team members such that they can follow the footsteps of the leader blindly.
Leadership mainly entails to the positive vibrations, which are transmitted to all the
organizational members, which enhances the environment of the workplace.
Management
Management is a process of uniting all the members of the company of ASDA and accomplishes
the objectives of the company in a coordinated manner such that there is satisfaction among the
employees together with an enhanced revenue generation of the business. Mentioned by
Demirtas, (2015), the tasks, which are assigned to the managers, are mostly planning the
programs, organizing the events, leading the members and controlling the behaviour of the
employees. The manager of an organization like ASDA ensures that the resources like human
abilities, funding, equipment and logistics are effectively used for the profitable growth if the
company and the organization gain a competitive advantage over the other brands in the primary
market. The management team helps the company thrive in the target market and satisfy all the
needs of the customers in an effective manner. The rise in productivity as well as profitability is
the main goals of the management department.
During unforeseen circumstances, the managers follow the rules and regulations of the company
and direct the team accordingly. As per Uhl-Bien and Arena, (2017), the manager also concerns
about the demands of the employees, develops a positive work culture by eliminating the issues
of conflicts, and fosters a communicative bond between the team members as well as of the
authoritative members of the company to the subordinates.
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Differences between leadership and management
Leadership Management
● According to Ghasabeh et al.,
(2015), the leaders have an
influential role in the minds of the
employees and unlike managers;
leaders do not stick to the
monotonous work environment but
strives to make innovations in the
company’s work policies.
● The leaders also take care of the
personal goals of the employees and
not only just focus on the
organizational success, but also the
fulfilment of the associated workers.
● The employees on their own follow
the suggestions of the leaders, as the
latter is more empathetic and
inspirational.
● The leader solely creates a vision,
which suits the purpose of the
organization, ASDA and thereafter
motivates the employees to walk in
that direction.
● There is honesty and integrity in
leadership, which makes the
employees to understand the views
of the leader and support
wholeheartedly.
● The leaders engage the employees
● In management, the four main
functions that are given the most
priority are planning, organizing,
leading and controlling.
● Unlike leaders, the managers do
not envision anything, rather carries
on the duty of delegating the tasks
to the other junior members as per
the directions of ASDA.
● The subordinates are commanded to
follow the orders of the managers.
● The managers execute a vision
provided to them by breaking down
all the stages and consequently
assign the jobs accordingly. As per
Çelik et al., (2015), the roadmaps
the managers thus develop are
distributed to the employees
depending on whom they perform
on a daily basis.
● The managers regulate the resources
that are needed for the effective
development of the products of the
company, ASDA and makes sure
that they are not wasted in any
manner.
● The management team formulates
rules, work procedures, standards
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while making the decisions and
even give them the authority to
select the most appropriate
alternative from all the identified
choices.
● The leadership is entrusted on the
belief factors, unlike managers who
follow a controlling attitude.
● According to Van der Voet et al.,
(2016), the leaders can take
challenges and solve problems in an
unconventional method, unlike
managers.
● Most leaders incorporate convincing
styles to pursue the company
members to develop faith in their
vision and work along without any
doubt.
and other operational protocols,
which the members follow at every
step.
● Managers also provide rewards and
appraisals to the employees so that
their morale is boosted which
further helps in increased
productivity.
● Managers use disciplinary methods
and other management techniques
to instil fear in the minds of the
employees so that they perform
their allocated tasks within the
deadlines.
Analyze one leadership theory
The theories of leadership signify the thinking pattern behind the operations of the leaders and
the traits they develop with years of perseverance and diligence. These psychologies help in
developing clarity regarding the intricacies used by the leaders in their operational structures.
Mentioned by Phillips, (2015), with the help of the theories the leaders can further improve their
skills by identifying the ones lacking in. Some of the theories are trait theory, behavioural theory,
contingency theory, charismatic theory and transformational theory.
In the present study, the transformational theory has been focused upon.
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Transformational theory
The leadership which follows transformational theory has been beneficial for all the departments
of ASDA, such as teams, sections, departments as well the organization altogether. The leaders
of this type are visionary, thoughtful, courageous and inspiring. Stated by Montano et al., (2017),
the factors, which are mostly considered by the leaders of the transformational theory, are
motivation through inspiration, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence and individualized
consideration.
Inspirational motivation there is a vision of the leaders based on which a mission and a
combination of values are formed which are passed on to the company members. The compelling
nature of the vision helps the leaders to clearly define their objectives which develops an
enthusiasm among the team members. The leader on every interaction with the members sets the
ideas so that the employees can also relate those with their personal as well as professional goals.
Here, the tasks defined in the mission are full of challenges and innovation factors which make
the members far more interested than on the monotonous and rigorous tasks they are made to do
regularly. As per Veríssimo and Lacerda, (2015), there is high level of enthusiasm and optimism
used for the better productivity of the employees which results in large scale profitability of the
company of ASDA.
Intellectual stimulation the leaders encourage the team members to practice innovative methods
and creative tactics in their daily operations which would bring about more innovative results
and level up the job satisfaction among the staff. Leaders ask for ideas from the subordinates in a
cordial and friendly manner and do not criticize them publicly for any kind of wrongdoings. This
helps in developing trust among the employees for their leader, thus strengthening the bond and
enhancing the overall work culture. Here the influencers look for the aspects, which are to be
modified and improved so that the results are better, and this is done without any blaming or
embarrassing the subordinates. According to Popli and Rizvi, (2015), the leaders can further
discard any ineffective traditional practice followed by the organization of ASDA and bring
about effective changes, which suit the preferences of the customers, and increases the
profitability of the company.
Idealized influence here the ideal principle taken under consideration is that the philosophies
and principles shared by the leaders to the followers must be followed by the leader himself. The
leaders are considered to be the role models whose actions are copied by the fellow company
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subordinates. The action which portrays the integrity and character of the leaders leads in
winning the trust of the employees, who thus feel motivated to work in the direction which the
leader points. These leaders, on the other hand give the top priority to the choices of the
members before their own profit or the achievement of the organization. To fulfil the needs of
the team members, the leaders can sacrifice all their personal gains and exhibit the courage to
take risks. As mentioned by Holten and Brenner, (2015), performing according to the ethical
conduct is the primary goal of the leaders, which therefore becomes the goal of the team
members. These leaders due to their sheer passion for their work and strong willpower to make
developments for the employees and the organization gains the commitment factor of the
employees who take every step only after the approval of the leader. This is the level of influence
the leaders create in the minds of the team members.
Individualized consideration
In this theory, the leaders consider the needs and demands of the team members on an individual
basis. Thorough encouragement and motivation are provided to the subordinates so that they
produce innovative outcomes in their operations. In return, they get benefited with accolades,
appraisals and more career development opportunities. On getting these rewards, the
commitment level of the staff of ASDA is further boosted resulting more productive outcomes,
which helps in increasing the company’s profit margins. Each of the members are assessed
individually based on their special talents and skill sets, depending they are allocated the tasks.
Stated by Ashikali and Groeneveld, (2015), this makes them feel confident about the job at hand
and thus provides them a sense of belonging in the organization. Moreover, the employees are
further encouraged to give their opinions in the organizational matters and at every step they are
guided with enthusiasm and motivation.
Transformational leadership thus can be stated as a process of integrating policies in the structure
of the organization of ASDA through integrity and fair play. Here the leader stirs the emotions
and sentiments of the staff, develops clarity in the set goals, encourages others and makes them
self-reliant. As the leader here works selflessly, so the followers also start following the footsteps
and gives priority to the benefits of others before their own personal ambitions. As per Lawton
and Páez, (2015), the leadership here believes in dreaming high and thus brings about
unimaginable results.
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Understanding this theory can further help the current generation to become transformative
leaders in organizations, such as, ASDA. For that, the following steps need to be undertaken:
Developing an inspiring vision
In order to make the staff believe and relate with the vision, the leader needs to create a long
term idea that would be beneficial for the retention of the customers, efficient employees and
generate heightened revenue by the company as a whole. The creation of the vision helps in
determining the purpose behind the functioning of the company, ASDA. This vision can be
created by ascertaining the values and principles of the company being worked for and by
determining the capability of the employees as well as the resources available for the attainment
of the goals. Analyzing the sustainability factor of the environment is also a crucial factor for the
leader to undertake so that any of the goals does not add to the pollution level already present in
the environment. According to White et al., (2016), the products that are developed are ensured
to be of higher quality that would make the customers rely on the brand for a long time. The
calculation of the resources should be done in an intelligent manner such that the company does
not face loss of those at the end. Therefore, a strategy has to be formed by the leaders before
convincing the rest of the team and eventually carrying out the plan.
Convincing people to have faith in the vision
For convincing the employees regarding the mission needed for attaining the objectives, the
strategy developed earlier, now comes handy as people can obtain more clarity from the planning
that is going to be implemented. The act of storytelling helps the people to imagine the larger
impact of the strategy on the organizational profits as well as their individual benefits.
Appreciating each of the member’s talents can further help the leader to influence in an easier
way as the staffs feel valued by the company. Making the members relate the vision with their
own profit can increase their productivity as they start to visualize the vision to be their own
creation. Mentioned by Carsten and Uhl-Bien, (2015), encouraging the followers with various
types of motivational tools and techniques further sharpens the leadership style.
Administer the implementation of the vision
For the implementation of the strategy, project management and change, management is highly
essential. The communication skills of the leader enables in better understanding the specialized
roles and responsibilities assigned to each of the employees. Evaluation of smart goals for
individual employee results in well-defined outcome of the company. Therefore, the stamina and
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enthusiasm of the leader is a constant element needed at every stage of the action process.
Sticking to the vision is the fundamental goal of the leader without which the members of ASDA
would automatically lose their sense of purpose.
Building a trust based bond with the team members
The leader’s primary objective is to focus on the needs and criterions of the team members and
after that the secondary aspect, which is attaining the vision which by default leads to the growth
of the company of ASDA. Relationship building is therefore necessary for the leaders to
maintain the bonding within the team and of the subordinates with their seniors. Focusing on
each individual member helps the employees develop trust on the leader. Stated by Frich et al.,
(2015), the leader must set aside separate time for interacting with all the team members on an
individual basis, understand their strengths and shortcomings, thereafter suggest ideas, and
recommend corrective measures.
Analyze a management development program from a chosen organization in the UK retail
sector.
The management development program of ASDA is of technical and safety training, which helps
the leaders to sharpen their skills so that they can enhance their capacity for the future leading
programs of the company of ASDA. It helps it expanding the horizons of the leaders, enlightens
them about the new perspectives and makes them more understanding about the role they imbibe
for the growth of the chosen organization. The company ASDA invests in the developmental
goals of the managers and the leaders so that their efforts can be supported more. According to
Yahaya and Ebrahim, (2016), the capabilities of the leaders are identified in a much better way;
they can further share their knowledge, skills with other organizational leaders and collaborate
with them for locating solutions that are more creative.
The program of management development trains the leaders to boost their skills in leading,
engaging and developing the team. It consists of four stages for highlighting the competencies of
the leaders in developing their strategies and actions in managing the people, engaging the
employees and managing the changes that happens in different circumstances. The people who
can participate in this program are the managers who are currently posted, managers of the
present managers, leaders of a specific division and leaders who are functioning on complicated
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operations of ASDA. The advantages that the leaders can gain from the management
development program of ASDA are given as follows:
Gaining self-awareness
The management development program helps the leaders to identify the potential strengths that
are to be used more for increased productivity as well as the weaknesses that are hindering them
to attain more goals. The learning platforms that can help the leaders are shown in the
management development program. Stated by Storey, (2016), the reflection criteria enables the
leaders to strongly introspect themselves and locate their inner qualities, such as passion and love
for what they want to achieve more in the concerned field. Gaining better insight about oneself is
paramount for the leaders and their leadership skills. Moreover, the emotional intelligence also
gets augmented with this kind of programming based on which the behavioural patterns also get
improved causing communicational skills to be boosted.
Developing new perspectives
The program initiated for the development of the skills of the managers and the leaders, lets them
step outside their comfort zone and experience new perspectives at certain things. They come
across new strategies that can be utilized by them to achieve more productivity of the team
members, leading to enhanced profitability of the organization of ASDA as a whole. The faculty
allocated for the learning process of the leaders help them in seeing this along with the peer
leading teams of other organization. As per Mathew and Gupta, (2015), the exploration of the
leaders enables them in understanding their actual potential and develops new strategies for
solving new problems and crises. The development program seems very challenging o the
leaders and yet much rewarding for them to make developments in their career goals as well as
in personal life. Any kind of frustration that the leaders face is solved in these stages of the
management development process.
Building stronger operational abilities
The leaders must judge themselves regarding their aptitude of managing a business of an
organization, such as ASDA. They are wholly responsible for tasks they do as well as the ones
the team members are supposed to perform. Core operation skills of management are supervising
a project, marketing potential, communication goals, finance management as well as problem
solving abilities. The capabilities the leaders posses are further can be categorized further as
visioning, sense making, relating, inventing and forming credibility.
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In visioning, the leaders assesses about the knack in creating new innovative strategies and the
quality of interest that is present for the implementation of the same. As mentioned by Winston
and Fields, (2015), the individual must understand whether it is the main calling or not. The
linking of the vision to the core principles and values of the company of ASDA is another
performance criterion of the leaders. In sense making, the leader has to identify the market trends
and changes in the choices of the customers that must be acted on by the company’s product
development team. They have the intuition about where to tap in the whole chaos in the industry.
For the goal of relating, the leader has to sharpen the skills of influencing and negotiating the
vision to other organizational members. The formation of relationships of the employees with
their managers and supervisors can level up the potential of the company as the positive
environment creates a mindset, which augments the productivity range. In inventing, the leaders
invent abstract ideas that are brought to real life. The key performance indicators are located
based on which the progress that is taking place are measured. As per Reitz, (2015), the last one,
which is building credibility, is both a process and a result achieved in the development program.
Here the leaders can gain respect from the other employees due to their commitment skills and
performing the tasks with a strong sense of purpose.
Enhancing leadership roles
ASDA’s management development program is responsible for the learning opportunities
provided to the leaders like employee training, choosing employee career goals, mentoring,
rotation of the jobs, enabling promotions, performance management factors and the aspect of
succession planning. According to Hazy and Uhl-Bien, (2015), the skills of leadership are
improved with the help of the program by imbibing passion in the thought patterns, bringing new
role models of leadership for displaying their leadership skills. The qualities of transformational
leadership are taught among the leaders so that they develop a work culture, which helps in
developing more commitment of the employees. Setting concrete goals is a key factor for the
performance boosting of the leaders and executing them in a well-arranged system should taken
under consideration as well.
Updating more of the changes in global trends
Due to increased globalization, all the businesses taking place in the world are interlinked in
some way or the others. Thus, the leaders are duty bound to keep track of the objectives and
strategies of the other business companies so that they can advantage of the same methodologies
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in their own organization, ASDA. Trends analysis helps the leaders to measure the growth of the
organization, identify logistics to show any areas which are underperforming and generating
evidences for undertaking the decision making process. As per Di Fabio, (2017), this helps in
making improvements in the performances of the company, set new trends and strategies as well
as compares them with previously followed ones. The financial conditions need to be taken into
account by the leaders.
Developing responsible attitude
The leaders have key responsibilities in tackling the political, humanitarian and other
environmental conditions affecting the growth of the business organization. Charitable
contributions and development of products by considering the factors of environmental pollution
helps in increasing the brand recognition of the company, such as ASDA. According to Hadadian
and Zarei, (2016), the three factors that are people, planet and profits are important criterions for
setting the objectives by the leaders. The management development program encompasses these
aspects and thus prepares the leaders for more complicated goals.
Accessing new strategies of organizational leaders
The program helps the leaders to create strategies, which are more aligned to the real world
challenges, and thus the action plans formulated are realistic enough for the customers to develop
trust on the brand, making the employees satisfied with their jobs and the organization
maintaining the competitive advantage over the entire industry. Stated by Spisak et al., (2015),
the course subjects and interaction with new classmates helps in accumulating more knowledge
of the outside world and getting insights for overcoming the challenges dealt by these
functioning bodies.
Communicating with peer leaders
The management development program of ASDA brings together the talented and careeristic
leaders on the same platform. The process of benchmarking benefits the leaders and managers to
achieve new targets and gain new skill sets. The empowering attitude of the leaders enables them
to inspire more individuals. As per Masa'deh et al., (2016), the knowledge is exchanged in the
program helps in generating a cordial environment where ideas of inputs are gathered for
generating more outcomes. The members who are quieter are made to speak up and in this way
the weaknesses are work upon together with an empathetic manner. Thus, the morale gets
boosted and so does the credibility factors of the leaders of ASDA.
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