Analysis of Management and Leadership at John Lewis Partnership

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MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
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Executive summary
The report is associated with the importance of management and leadership skills which is
important for enhancing the work culture and profitability ratio. This study has discussed
about the motivational and leadership levels of a well-known organization of UK, John
Lewis. The work environment and team effectiveness has been analysed for the chosen firm
by applying different theories and models like Taylor’s scientific management approach,
Contingency theory, Herzberg theory of motivation, Adams Equity Theory, Team
effectiveness model and others. Moreover, recommendations have been provided based on
the analysis of the leadership skills of the managers of the organization. Furthermore, the
study has elaborated the critical roles or managers of the chosen firm which are essential for
understanding the organizational development level and employee satisfaction rate in the
company.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction............................................................................................................................4
2. Identification of key theories and perspectives of leadership and management within a
range of context and diverse environment.................................................................................5
3. Analysis of motivational and team working principle...........................................................7
4. Analysis of effective management and leadership in contribution of organizational
effectiveness...............................................................................................................................9
5. Demonstration of effectiveness of leadership and management behaviours.......................10
6. Evaluation of facilitation of managers and leaders using tools and models........................11
7. Conclusion............................................................................................................................12
8. Recommendation..................................................................................................................13
9. Reference list........................................................................................................................14
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1. Introduction
Management and leadership are two different variables which needs to be linked together in
order to gain organizational effectiveness and operational efficiency in business. Every
organization is required to develop motivation and leadership skills in order to bring new
changes in business. This study has described the leadership and management role of John
Lewis Partnership which is a well-known departmental organization of UK having
headquarter at London UK. It is found that John Lewis Partnership plc is operating 50 shops
of John Lewis, 353 shops of Waitrose and also an ecommerce business
(Johnlewispartnership.co.uk, 2019). In addition to this, roles of managers and leaders are
discussed using theories and models. The main aim of the study is to understand the
significance of management and leadership in the enhancement of organizational culture.
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2. Identification of key theories and perspectives of leadership and management within
a range of context and diverse environment
2.1 Taylor’s scientific management approach is a theory of management which is used for the
analysis of workflow of the organization. As mentioned by Khorasani and Almasifard (2017),
the main objective of the scientific approach is to improve the economic efficiency and
working activities of the organization. This theory has been stated by Frederick Winslow
Taylor so that managers of the organisations can manage the operational function of the
factories effectively. As per the principle of this theory, factories need to be managed by
scientific approach rather than the use of any “rule of thumb”. Increase efficiency in
productivity is the main aim for which rising the payment of workers is the solution as this
would ultimately enhance the production level.
Figure 1: Taylor’s Scientific Management
(Source: Khorasani and Almasifard, 2017)
2.2 In John Lewis partnership, it is found that leaders and managers are in search of new
development. Hence, in regards to this, Taylor’s approach can be used for the organizational
betterment. As the level or organizational conflict is high in the organization, hence using the
principle of the theory can provide guidance. Managers can develop their scientific
management skills to secure the efficiency level in the organization. For example, retail
sector of John Lewis, workers are found to use traditional method textile manufacturing.
Hence, using scientific approach, new technology innovation can be done, such as using of
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Computer Aided Designs and automated inspection of garments which is beneficial for
enhancing production level as well as payment of labours.
2.3 Contingency theory is a theory of leadership developed by Fred Fiedler which stated that
leaders are the one having responsibility of handling every group situation with their unique
leadership style and approach. As commented by Otley (2016), leaders need to develop the
contingency of adapting leadership styles based upon the external and internal situations.
This theory helps in recognising the exact style of the leadership that needs to be applied in a
definite situation.
Figure 2: Contingency model
(Source: Otley, 2016)
2.4 John Lewis Partnership is found to apply contingency theory at the organization which
shows that relationship of their employees and managers depends on the trust, respect and
faith. Moreover, based on the research of John Lewis contingency model, it is found that
employees are allowed to ask anything to their managers in terms of viewpoint without
getting any punishment (unum.co.uk, 2019). Hence, it can be said relation oriented leaders
are more in the organization. On the other hand, number of task oriented leaders is less that is
focused on developing the skills of employees. Therefore, analysis indicates there is level of
LPC (Leased Preferred Co-worker) is high in the organization.
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3. Analysis of motivational and team working principle
3.1 Herzberg theory of motivation states that there are few job factors which results in the job
satisfactions and there are other factors which prevents from job dissatisfaction. As opined by
Alshmemri et al. (2017), job factors such as hygiene factors are required for bringing
motivation to workplace, such as payment, company policies, physical working environment,
job security and others. On the other hand, motivational factors which prevent dissatisfactions
from job are recognition, responsibility, promotional opportunities and others.
Figure 3: Herzberg theory of motivation
(Source: Alshmemri et al. 2017)
3.2 Adams Equity Theory is based upon the principle of equal input and equal output among
the individual working in organization (Pepper et al. 2015). In other words, it means that
employee are supposed to get de-motivated in the job role if their inputs such as work load
becomes more than the output factors like compensation, leaves and bonus. This theory
stands to the fact that both these input and output factors needs to be equal in workplace.
3.3 Team effectiveness model is the one which ensures that teamwork needs to be performed
with equal devotion and motivation followed by every team members. As defined by Zoogah
et al. (2015), team effectiveness model proposed by Katzenbach and Douglas indicates that
three components that are personal growth, collective work product and performance result
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should be the major deliverables of a team in the organization. Moreover, for reaching these
goals, teams should have high commitment, high technical skills and mutual accountability.
Figure 4: Team effectiveness model
(Source: Zoogah et al. 2015)
3.4 In the chosen organisation, John Lewis, it is found that company is putting effort to
enhance both factors in order to sustain the motivation level of employees. The research
indicates that employees love to work in the organization as the bonus schemes and salary are
up to the mark. Hence, it can be said that these hygiene factors are highly taken care by the
organization effectively. On the official website of John Lewis, it is found that health and
safety of employees are seriously considered (Johnlewispartnership.co.uk, 2019). However,
the motivation factors are not so well in John Lewis as there are lots of employees competing,
hence, decision of providing promotions become tough for the managers.
Many a times, it is found that in John Lewis, the pressure of workers becomes high at festive
seasons such as Christmas Eve and New Year occasions, when job dissatisfaction level gets
increase among employees. Hence, applying equity model, managers can bring back the
motivation level. On the contrary, application of team effectiveness model is largely required
in workplace of this organization as there are group tasks such as providing customer service
where working in group is required highly for managing the customers at a time.
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4. Analysis of effective management and leadership in contribution of organizational
effectiveness
4.1 Adapting value based leadership is important for motivating employees so that they are
connected with organizational goals. Snyder et al. (2017) has revealed about the significance
of values and ethics which are helpful for the managers so that they can connect the personal
values of employees with the organization and its mission. On the other hand, ethical
leadership skills enable the organization to gain financial and strategic success in
organization (Hoch et al. 2018). For example, if leaders are determined to maintain principles
like respect, justice, honest judgement and morality towards their employees. It would
enhance the self satisfaction level of employees.
4.2 Recently, the research on the workplace of John Lewis reveals that Ethical Trading
Initiatives are taken by the managers and leaders in order to improve the lifestyle of the
labours working in the John Lewis factories of UK and other countries as well. This initiative
indicates that employees are happy to work with this organization as managers are focused on
improving the working conditions by reducing unsafe and dangerous work hazards
(ethicaltrade.org, 2019). On the other hand, a democratic culture is developed in the
organization and regular staff meeting is hold at company to discuss the business ideas with
the staffs. Moreover, weekly magazines are published where managers encourage staffs to
comment on the improvement of policies and rules according to their wish (unum.co.uk,
2019). Hence, this illustrate that leaders are largely using ethical and value based leadership
techniques to improve work environment at John Lewis Partnership.
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5. Demonstration of effectiveness of leadership and management behaviours
5.1 Mission statement of John Lewis:
 To enhance the happiness of every employees by providing satisfying employment
 To take care of the employee benefits so that they work for long time with the
company
Vision statement of John Lewis:
 To develop inspiration and innovation so that competitive advantage of the company
get strong
 To gain trust, loyalty and faith from customers, employees and communities
5.2 In the chosen company, it is found that inspirable leaders are present. Moreover,
Chairman Mayfield and M.D Andy Street are the one for taking care of the objectives and
beliefs of the company. Leaders and managers are strongly determined for adopting a culture
of democratic leadership style. In this case, employees are handed with a share of profits
and are also allowed to view the management and policies of the company (unum.co.uk,
2019). On the other hand, Chairman, Mr. Charlie Mayfield conveys that employee happiness
is highly valued at the workplace. Similarly, every employee here is encouraged to think for
themselves and clear guidelines are given to them to gain trust in order to get them on to their
jobs.
5.3 Based on the vision statement of the company, it can be said that John Lewis is using
Autocratic leadership style as the vision statement is unique from other competing companies
such as Asda, Tesco and others. Moreover, it can be said that managers and leaders can
provide equal job opportunities to every employees so that they do not think that leaders are
impartial in nature. This would help the company to fulfil the vision statement more
effectively.
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6. Evaluation of facilitation of managers and leaders using tools and models
6.1 Using Equity model, leaders and managers can understand the value of implementing
fairness in organisation. Moreover, using this theory they can understand the value of
providing promotions to the workers. On the other hand, the managers and leaders can take
help from Lewin’s change management model as it would help in analysing the change,
freeze and unfreeze components of the workplace.
6.2 ADKAR model is the one that ensures to understand if the change has occurred
efficiently or not. As per Dana et al. (2016), ADKAR model focused on gaining positive
supports and believe from the employees in context of the organizational change. Applying
this theory, leaders can understand if the change is required or not for organizational benefits.
6.3 In John Lewis, there is a need of increasing the motivating factors and smart work culture
such as equal payment and use of cloud technology should be introduced. Hence, in this
perspective, ADKAR model can be used to ensure the feasibility of this change. For example,
conducting meetings and discussions among employees and managers can help in gaining
views about the change.
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7. Conclusion
From the entire study, it has been found that both management and leaderships are inter-
related with each other and this enable to develop positive changes and organizational
development. It has been found that having support and motivation from employees can help
in developing a culture and ethical based workplace. In case of John Lewis Partnership, it has
been found that managers are trying to figure out the needs of the employees in order to
increase the productivity level in business. Hence, it can be conclude by saying that leaders
should adopt autocratic leadership and develop their ethical values more so that job
satisfaction level are increased.
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