Developing Manager Report: Thomas Cook and TUI Group Analysis

This report delves into the concept of developing managers, analyzing various management styles and leadership characteristics, and examining communication processes and organizational culture within the context of Thomas Cook and TUI Group. The report is structured into four tasks, with the first task comparing management styles and leadership traits. The second task focuses on self-assessment, including a SWOT analysis and a plan for personal development, using the Clayton Crown Hotel as a case study. The third task explores team leadership and managerial decision-making within Frankie & Benny's restaurant. The final task examines the role of managerial and personal skills in career development, culminating in a review of career needs and the creation of a development plan. The report emphasizes the importance of managerial skills in today's competitive business environment.

DEVELOPING MANAGER

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Comparison of different management styles....................................................................1
1.2 Leadership characteristics................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1 An analysis on own management skills performance......................................................6
2.2 SWOT analysis on own....................................................................................................7
2.3 Target to develop own potential.......................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Lead and motivate a team for achieving targeted goal.....................................................8
3.2 Justification on managerial decisions for achievement of agreed goal with
recommendation for improvement.........................................................................................9
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................9
4.1 Way of own managerial and personal skills help in developing career...........................9
4.2 A review on career and personal development needs, current performance and future
needs for producing development plan.................................................................................10
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................1
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION
Managers play an important role in a company, they manage whole working environment
as well as guide others for carrying out operations in a proper manner. Due to intense
competition, every firm seeks to obtain better outcomes and hold a secure position at
marketplace, therefore, it is necessary for managers to develop skills and knowledge on regular
purpose (Ahmad, Nielsen and Synnott, 2013). It will help in giving numerous opportunities to
workers for making their career bright which would further aid organisation in gaining high
talented workforce. This report has been made on concept of developing manager by dividing the
complete assignment into four tasks. In this assistance, first and fourth task is based on Thomas
Cook and TUI Group of UK. Clayton Crown Hotel and Frankie & Benny's restaurant are taken
in second and third part respectively. Different kinds of management style, leadership
characteristics, communication process as well as organisational culture and changes in its are
also discussed.
TASK 1
1.1 Comparison of different management styles
Management style refers to the way of managers go in planning, organising and
prioritizing functions of enterprise in order to accomplish targeted goals on time. It encompasses
with various factors like how managers of a firm plan and organise work as well as make
decision and exercise authority. It varies with objectives of an association and level of
management. Along with this, as per situation, managers can change their style of management
by concerning more on how it affects working organisation as well. In this context, a comparison
of different management styles of Thomas Cook and TUI Group of UK is shown below. Both of
these companies are belong to travel and tourism sector (Allen and et. al., 2012).
Management Styles Description Thomas Cook TUI Group
Authoritative Style of
Management
In this kind of style,
managers and leaders
used to dictate policies
and strategies to
employees directly
This style is
recognised as most
beneficial form of
directive leadership as
it help which
This type of style also
refers as authoritative
decision making where
a person has fully
control on work of
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without consulting
them on the same.
They carry out all
operations as per own
manner so, have fully
control on workers and
forced to work under
supervision of them.
managers in making
quick decision. But
they act as dictator
which lead various
problems and generate
feeling of frustration
among employees by
working under their
supervision. So,
manager of Thomas
Cook doesn't use much
this style for
management.
employees. So,
managers of TUI
Group use this style in
case of choosing the
best solution for an
issue.
Participative Style of
Management
In this type of style,
superiors of a
company used to take
feedback of workers
while making
decisions. Therefore,
consulting with them
aid a firm in boosting
morale of employees
and gain their
contribution in
achievement of
business objectives.
This style helps in
increasing productivity
of employees by
including their
participation in
decision-making
activities. So,
managers of this
company use
participative style for
motivate its workers
and generate feeling of
job satisfaction in
them.
As TUI Group
believes in making
quick decision while it
is a main drawback of
participative style. So,
it doesn't use by
managers of this firm.
Affiliative Style of
Management
It focuses more on
building a strong
relationship among
Focusing on social
aspect and creation of
healthy relationship
This firm consider
employees as
backbone of business
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members of a team.
Therefore, it helps
managers in getting
participation of all
group members in
completing a task and
keeping them unite.
among workers seems
to be a long-term
management strategy
which arises many
problems. It suffers
result much. So, this
management style is
considered as
ineffective for Thomas
Cook.
without whom it
cannot achieve set
goals in given
framework of time. So,
its managers use this
style of management
for building a strong
team of workers and
extract more work
from them (Arends,
2014).
1.2 Leadership characteristics
Leadership is an act of leading people in a company towards goals and objectives of
business. In this process, leaders play a crucial role by setting a clear vision, providing proper
guidelines to team-members as well as motivating them and building their morale to work in
effective manner. They possess different characteristics like good communicator, commitment
and passionate, inspire others, honesty and more.
In context with TUI Group, its leaders have possessed some kinds of characteristics most
that are decision-making capabilities, accountability, delegation and empowerment. Taking
correct decision at right time creates a profound impact on team-members. While when it comes
to accountability then leaders used to concern more on performance of subordinates, if they do
well then leaders used to appraise them. On the other hand, if workers do not work well then
superiors make them realise about mistakes and give direction to improve work. In addition to
this, empowering and encouraging workers that they can do well reflects best quality of leaders
also (Arnold and Boggs, 2015).
As per Thomas Cook, its leaders used to persuade others to follow rules of company by
setting a good inspiration in front of them. When workers feel unable to do a task then it is a
responsibility of leaders to handle situation and deliver them support so that they can easily
complete the same. Showing passionate and high commitment towards success of business, help
leaders in increasing energy level of others also. Along with this, for creating vision to team-
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members and inform them about strategies used to complete a task, leaders are required to have
effective style of communication also as a good communicator reflects strong leadership style
also.
Some leadership style used by managers and leaders of both companies are:-
 Autocratic style: This style of leadership used much by managers of TUI Group as
compared to Thomas Cook. They impose strategies and policies made in business on
employees and motivate them to follow the same by fear of discipline.
 Democratic style: Taking decisions and making laws as per concern of employees is
considered as most effective style of leadership but affects long term procedure of
entire company. This kind of style is used by superiors of Thomas Cook where
management and workers work in collaboration to create a vision (Aulton and Taylor,
2017).
1.3 Communication process in organisation
Communication is referred as most vital aspect in a firm which shows way of conveying
or exchanging messages to others. If a firm has good communication process then it will lead
people to work in coordination and attains business objectives and goals in predetermined time.
While miscommunication will interrupt entire process of workflow. In this manner, some
communication process in Thomas Cook and TUI Group are discussed as beneath:
Formal and informal communication: Formal communication method is used by people
of TUI through pre-defined channels. It creates flow of conversation in adequate, smooth and
time manner which helps in increasing performance level of business. In context with Thomas
Cook, it follows informal communication which helps in building effective relationship among
people associated with business.
Downward, Upward and horizontal communication: These process are highly
recommendable for all type of organisations through which employers can provide information
to customers and stakeholders in clear and precise way. In this manner, upward process flows
communication from bottom to up i.e. subordinates of Thomas Cook can convey message to
seniors who follows participative style. While using downward channel used to give command to
employees about objectives, policies and strategies. This channel is used by leaders of TUI
Group who have authoritative style of leadership (Babbie, 2013).
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Verbal and Oral communication: Employers of Thomas Cook use verbal
communication process to provide information to guests about services of it. In this process, they
use magazines, manual and circulars. On the other hand, superiors of TUI Group apply oral
communication method via face-to-face, electrical device and mechanical devices.
1.4 Organisational culture and changes
Types of Organisational structure and culture: Thomas Cook is following top-down or
vertical integration approach kind of structure. As in this task are assigned by superiors of the
company to managers and than to employers. Thus, it can be said that organisational structure
are influenced by size, complexity and work they are to be performed. Therefore, whatever
structure company is adopting must create a highly motivated environment so that workforce can
perform their job in order to gain maximum benefits.
Thomas Cook is providing a healthy environment to its clients in which they are giving
respect to every single individual who is from different culture. Company is giving freedom to to
every person in celebrating individuality, integrity and openness because of which it is helping
firm in maintaining a mutual understanding between employees (Bianchi and et. al., 2011) .
Culture that is following by Thomas Cook is mentioned below:
Power Culture: This is adopted by companies in order to adopt changes that are going in
the market area. As a result it will enable firm in providing services according to the choices and
preferences of travellers or guests.
Role Culture: As hotel industry is itself a big sector and it includes lot of workers who
perform their task so as to provide appropriate facilities and services. Role culture helps
superiors in assigning roles and responsibilities to its workers for having effective results.
Factors influencing change in culture:
Socio-culture factor: This factor can have a prompt impact on making some kind of
modifications in business operations. So, it is crucial that this element is taken into consideration
while making any kind of strategies and plan of action.
Technology: with the implementation of new technologies for example: change in the
process of technology can influence companies in providing better kind of services and facilities
to its customers.
Demographic: Every area have its own culture and as it is cumulative in terms of total
effect. Thus, whenever modifications is done or incorporated it is important to have proper
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knowledge of people who are living in a particular area (Boud, 2012). Demographic profile
includes age, sex, occupation etc.,
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Economic: In terms of the sector of travel and tourism because people are getting
adequate amount of money so for spending their spare time they are opting to travel in different
places. So, it can be said that with the increase in salary or income and economic level of a
person, Hotel revenues has increased.
TASK 2
2.1 An analysis on own management skills performance
According to the case scenario, I am the assistant manager of Clayton Hotel and various
kinds of skills and knowledge is helping me in attracting a large number of people towards the
organisation. Some of the skills that have been incorporated by me are given below:
Decision making: For taking business in forward direction it is necessary that a person
must be good in decision making so that relevant outcomes can be drawn. Thus, decision making
supports me in enhancing my performance as it enable me in taking appropriate decision in
speculated time period (Busse, Aboneh and Tefera, 2014).
Leadership skills: As it is said that no one is born with different kinds of traits rather
these are acquired with the course of time. So leadership skills that are acquired by me is helping
me in guiding my squad in a better manner because of which all set goals and targets are
achieved in speculated time frame.
Problem Solving: Clayton Hotel in recent times are facing some kinds of issues that are
to be resolved so that company can gain maximum profits. Thus, as an assistance manager I am
using appropriate tools and technologies for solving all the issues that are faced by Hotel. As a
result in comparison to earlier times firm is generating a large amount of funds.
Communication skills: To express view and thoughts it is essential that a person have
good communication skills so that all detailed information can be delivered to its employees.
Therefore, effective communication skills is helping in convincing different stakeholders and
investors. Expressing my thoughts have become more easy as a result it is helping me in
attracting a large number of people (Cadmus and Johansen, 2012).
Own management Skills Very
Rare (1)
Rare
(2)
Sometimes
(3)
Often
(4)
Always (5)
Problem solving skills ✔
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Communication Skills ✔
Leadership skills ✔
Decision-making Skills ✔
Therefore, through this skill auditing process, I have analysed that there are many areas
where I feel to show my capabilities. In case of problem solving, I feel unable to take appropriate
actions on time. Due to this, major conflicts are arise in workplace. Similarly, sometime I fail to
take quick decisions which delay whole process of business activities. Thus, in this regard, I need
to work on my weaknesses by taking some training classes in order to develop skills and increase
my capabilities.
2.2 SWOT analysis on own
SWOT analysis is very important in order to know the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats. As it is assisting me knowing in which field I am good and other
sectors that requires changes. This will help me handling situation according to different
circumstances. So, all the determinants are given below:
Strengths: Through this I have analysed that I am very good in resolving conflicts as I
take perspective of both sides who are involved in conflicts. Thus, it is assisting me in resolving
all the issues that are faced by Hotel and by eliminating these issues company is now generating
a large amount of revenues. Along with this, effective communication and management skill is
also my strong point former is assisting me interacting with different stakeholder and employees
as will whereas management skill is aiding me in conducting entire task in a systematic manner.
Weaknesses: Due of concentration level and less professional skills in some situations I
find difficulty in interacting with interacting with others whom I don't know. As a result it has
reduced my productivity and it is giving a negative impact on my image.
Opportunities: According to the current market scenarios, many opportunities are
available what important is to identify opportunities that can helps an individual in improving
their existing skills and knowledge. As am assistant manager I am looking out for chances so that
I can become managers. Therefore, I am trying every sort of aspects that are available to me for
upgrading my skills and knowledge.
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Threat: As I am in a threat of hiring an eligible employee by company who is more
capable in handling every sort of situations and circumstances. It is increasing my stress level
because of which I am not being able to concentrate on my work.
2.3 Target to develop own potential
Manager plays a crucial role in setting objectives and targets that company can attain in
order to sustain a better position at market area. For improving my skills and knowledge I have
developed my own objectives that are to be performed for becoming a skill full person in terms
of performing my activities.
Deadline: For accomplishing my work right on time I am taking training regarding time
management so that I can complete my work within speculated time frame. For this it is essential
that deadline is made although it creates pressure but develops a a positive image. Thus, I have
set my own deadline and it is enabling me in accomplishing my spending work right on time.
Research: In order to have effective change it is crucial that research is conducted so that
I can have an ideas on which field I am weak and needs some rectifications. Any kind of positive
behaviour motivates me in pushing my limits.
Practising: Having proper knowledge is not enough unless it has been practised as it
gives proper indication whether I am going in a right direction or not. Thus, practice of different
activities must be done on a regular basis.
By taking proper classes and working with experts, as a manager I can develop my
potentials to work in ethical manner. It aids to improve my working abilities and makes me able
to work with people having diverse culture, resolve their conflicts and give them guidance to
complete a task on time.
TASK 3
3.1 Lead and motivate a team for achieving targeted goal
Motivation act as a tool for employees and assist them in performing their task in a better
manner. According to case scenario, Frankie & Benny's restaurant is working so as to provide
better services and facilities to its customers and for this managers of this company are applying
various kinds of theories in order to motivate its employees (Cavanagh, 2012). Some of them are
explained below:
Maslow's Hierarchy Theory:
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