Analysis of Leadership Theories and Skills at PepsiCo Foods Mexico

This report examines leadership theories and skills, particularly within the context of PepsiCo Foods Mexico (PFM). It begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of leadership and management in achieving organizational goals. The report then delves into trait theory and transformational leadership theory, discussing their principles and applications. It further analyzes various leadership skills, including thinking, communication, listening, and presentation skills, essential for effective leadership. The study also explores leadership competencies and different leadership styles such as autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire. The report uses a case study of PFM, focusing on the Consumer Strategic Insights (CSI) director's efforts to implement a flexible leadership style, motivating employees, and fostering a positive work environment. The analysis includes references to relevant research and theories to support the findings and recommendations.

PRINCIPLES
AND
PRACTICES
CASEWORK

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TRAIT THEORY OF LEADERSHIP.............................................................................................1
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY ....................................................................2
LEADERSHIP SKILLS..................................................................................................................3
COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK OF LEADERSHIP....................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
Leadership plays a crucial role in the success of business organization as it
develop different skills within employees which leads to their development. This role is
played by leader who set specific goals for the workers in order to achieve their
individual as well as organizational goals and objectives. Management on the contrary
side is different role which is played by the head of department or top executives. Their
main role is to achieve the mission and vision of the venture by using different
resources efficiently and effectively (Mimouni and Metcalfe, 2011). This present study
emphasizes on different leadership theory like trait and contingency so that organization
can implement the same in order to get flexible style within the enterprise. Moreover, it
is essential for leaders as well to follow different types of leadership skills as it will
increase motivational level, flexibility and trustworthy between employees in firm. This
present study is based on studying the leadership and management within the venture
so that individuals are directed towards the set goals and objectives.
This present document emphasize on PepsiCo Foods Mexico (PFM) where the
Consumer Strategic Insights (CSI) director Jorge Rubio wants to change its part and
focusing on developing flexible style of leadership within the venture. Further, changes
from marketing research department to consumer strategic insights bring significant
transition in the leadership style and management of the organisation. The focus shifts
from production oriented working to the increment of customer satisfaction. Rubio major
focus is on choosing different leadership styles which will act as a motivational booster
for employees and with this there will be flexibility and clarity within the business
venture. Director will also focus on undertaking different leadership theories as it will
help venture in taking fast decisions within department.
TRAIT THEORY OF LEADERSHIP
According to Owen (2012), trait theory of leadership believes that people are
either born or made and they possess certain traits which makes them different as they
are capable of performing different leadership role within the business venture. This
theory also emphasizes on analyzing mental, physical and social characteristics in order
to gain understanding relating to the traits which are present within the individuals
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(Owen, 2012). On the contrary side, Straf and Citro (2013), argued that individuals have
different perception in performing their duties and their knowledge/skills makes them
different from the other individuals who are working within the venture. Further, leaders
need to have strong personality with positive ego and self confidence. Leader further
need to act as a inspirational which gives employees strength and boost their morale so
that they will start working with best of the efficiency to achieve their individual or
organizational goals and objectives (Straf and Citro, 2013).
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY
From the view point of Kurucz, Wheeler and Colbert (2013), transformational
theory was proposed in the year 1970 in order to identify the process so that effective
relationship can be build between employees who are working within the venture. This
leadership theory also help enterprise to develop flexibility in working style, trustworthy
relationship among subordinates, etc. so that goals and objectives can be easily
achieved (Kurucz, Wheeler and Colbert, 2013). Further, transformational leadership
also boosts employees morale and individual is able to work with best of the dedication
in order to achieve the stated mission and vision for the venture. However, Manion
(2011), argued that it is important for modern leaders to consider different factors and
also include the followers for making effective decisions for the venture. Apart from it,
employees are always been the base for organization success and they should involve
employees in making decision for business enterprise (Manion, 2011).
This theory majorly focus in getting active participation of employees so that new
ideas can be taken for making better and effective decisions. Moreover, cited firm also
has skilled and mutli-talented staff who have specific knowledge and have better
concepts in solving problems which organization is facing. With their valuable
suggestion organization will also be able to make effective policies and decisions for the
venture. With this, employees will be motivated as well so that they will be able to
achieve their goals and objectives (Ovaska, Cinotti and Toninelli, 2012). The main aim
of implementing this theory is that leaders are able to make modification in their
followers by making necessary changes in the nature and personalities. These theories
are also considered as highly flexible and therefore business venture need to choose
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the best targets as well as opportunities which they can attain. Hence, Northouse
(2016), stated that transformational leader consist of different quality, traits, attitude,
behaviour which help him to motivate the workers in achieving their individual and
organizational goals and objectives. This theory therefore focuses on developing
effective relationship between the superior-subordinate and also with the leaders
(Northouse, 2016).
Jorge Rubio wants that their employees should work with best of their dedication
and in comfort zone so that they will be relaxed and have homely environment. The
interview with the director took place at the brain spa in order to conduct session for
customer qualitative studies (Roe, 2014). By seeing the office, no once can say that it
belongs to PFM. No one comes in office uniform or either wearing formal. Apart from it,
there exist different chairs, pillows futons, etc. Director only wants that employee gives
best of the result to the venture and they will take care of their motivational level.
Moreover, being a global organization they have various employees who are giving their
productive services across the globe.
Alsagoff and et. al., (2012), stated that leadership theory plays an important role
in developing motivational level for employees so that the manpower can contribute
their best in order to improve organization efficiency and productivity. This leadership
theory also emphasizes on developing effective bond with the employees so that their
morale gets high and they contribute with best of their dedication. Further, leader also
focus on retaining employees as turnover will act as a burden and flexibility in working
will help them to meet their personal and professional life efficiently and effectively
(Alsagoff and et. al., 2012).
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
From the view point of Gonzales and Lambert (2014), Leadership skills is the
ability to lead efficiently within venture as it is based on number of key skills. These
skills are implied on individuals in order to motivate and enthuse them. These skills
need to be consider by leaders in order to make the marketing department more flexible
and simple. Some skills which leader has to develop is thinking skills. It is necessary for
leader to evaluate different situations and plan strategies so that organization goals and
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objectives can be achieved (Gonzales and Lambert, 2014). Communication skills also
plays a crucial role as many times the information so passed is misinterpreted by the
employees and due to this confusion and conflicts rise in the enterprise. With better
communication skills, proper and clear information is passed which will make
information more effective and with that employees will be able to accomplish their task
in more effective manner (Leadership Management: Principles, Models and Theories,
2013).
Farok and Garcia (2015), stated that leaders within the venture also need to
enhance their listening and presentation skills as it will help them to coordinate
effectively with their workforce in order to attain specific objectives. Therefore, by
developing all these skills, cited firm will be able to develop new leaders which will
emphasize on increasing the revenue and productivity. These skills will develop worker
and help him/her to become a leader. In relation to the scenario, Mr. Jorge Rubio need
to adopt various skills and competencies so that he can bring flexibility within the
marketing research department (Farok and Garcia, 2015). Apart from this, effective
leadership competencies also need to be taken into consideration like managing self,
people, projects, programs and leading organization etc. This will help venture to
achieve organization goals and objectives. Further, with the implementation of the
same, firm will be able to get a competitive edge over the rival ventures who are
performing within the same industry (Leadership Competencies. 2008).
According to Owen (2012) technical skills also play an important role in the
success of business venture. These skills consist of knowledge and capabilities in order
to perform specialized tasks. Further, the administration department often needs to
have technical skills so that they will be able to communicate effectively with their
employees efficiently and effectively. Further, being a global firm technical skills has its
own importance and employees should have necessary knowledge of different software
and tools.
The case study shows that cited firm planning to change their structure and for
this change, leadership skills are required in order to make necessary changes.
PepsiCo has large number of employees and management is focusing on building team
in each and every department so that work is divided between team members
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accordingly. Further, apart from technical skills, presentation and communication skill
will also have its importance in order to make their operations much more stable and
effective.
Chhokar, Brodbeck and House (2013), stated that Leader has to become
capable so that he can manage themselves effectively. Apart from this, they need to be
polite, honest and ethical in order to carry operations efficiently and effectively. Leaders
further need to develop interpersonal and communication skills as with that he will be
able to solve organizational problems and conflicts precisely. Day and et.al., (2014),
stated that managing people and organization is important for leader in order to improve
coordination and also to increase the organization profits and turnover (Day and et.al.,
2014).
Apart from this, if leaders within the PFM not able to follow precise leadership
skills then the organization performance will collapse and their competitors will get
ahead of them. Moreover, employees will further get demotivated and they will not able
to function with best of their efficiency and capability. Daft (2014), said that employees
are organization real assets and top executives along with HR department need to take
crucial steps in order to satisfy their needs/wants and also give them full satisfaction. If
firm will take care of their employees then it is obvious thing that employees will
definitely take care of the customers. Moreover, employees motivational level plays a
crucial role and organization has to take efficient steps to retain them ( Daft, 2014).
Further, if any issues persist then it is responsibility of leader to take effective decision
and also to solve the matter as soon as possible. Further, different types of leadership
styles can be followed within the venture and these are:
 Autocratic:
Owen (2012), stated that autocratic leadership style is complex and old tradition
type as in this, leaders and managers takes the decision without any input of
individuals. They usually take the decision of their own and direct employees to follow
the same. In this, no employee challenge the decision of autocratic leader. In this type
of leadership employees gets demotivated as they have to follow the decisions which is
so made by the leaders (Owen, 2012).
 Democratic:
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In this type of style, leaders usually gives preference to the inputs given by the
team members. This style is much more popular and organization focuses on
implementing the same. Manion (2011), stated that employees are also involved at the
time of effective decision making as they are multi skilled and have effective knowledge
of situations which stepsister within the venture. With this, they get motivated and are
able to give their best in order to achieve their individual as well as organizational goals
and objectives (Manion, 2011).
 Laiseez Faire:
In this style, leaders give complete freedom to their employees for the task which
is assigned to them. With complete autonomy, they are able to work with best of their
efforts because they are highly skilled and have in depth knowledge of the concepts.
Leaders do they take feedback and suggest them to make certain changes so that the
task is accomplished properly. Northouse (2016), argued that with no leadership and
supervision from leaders, work can lead towards poor production and increases cost for
the venture.
LEADERSHIP SKILL NEEDED TO CHANGE
From the above study of different types of leadership styles and their impact on
the selected organization certain inferences are made. According this, it can be stated
that organization adopt pragmatic approach and inculcate changes in accordance to the
changing situations. In that regard, adopting democratic style of leadership will prove to
be lucrative for the organization.
Such as changing scenario demands the employee engagement in the decision
making process and provide effective solutions and ideas. Hence, inculcating this
leadership skill at all the levels of organization such as team leaders, service managers
and junior and middle level managers enable to derive desired goals and targets.
Along with this there are cons of using this style of leadership such as at the time
of emergency and crucial decision making there is the need of expert advise when it will
not prove to be useful.
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COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK OF LEADERSHIP
Roe (2014), articulated that competency framework can help PFM to focus on
three different level of management. These are discussed down under: Team leaders- Team leader plays an important role as they manage the
operations efficiently and focuses on achieving the desired goals and objectives. Service managers- These employees bring day to day operational management
and take feedback from their workforce so that organization strategic mission and
vision gets achieved on time (Roe, 2014).
 Junior and middle level managers- These managers undertake diverse
activities for strategic work practices so that work gets completed on specific
time.
By taking help of this model, PFM will get lot of benefit and their strategic aims
and objectives will be fulfilled. This is also treated as an important strategy in order to
drive cultural change within cited venture and hence it helps PepsiCo in improving their
performance (Daft, 2014).
CONCLUSION
From the above report it is clearly evident that leadership and management plays
a crucial role in the success of business venture. Further, this report also showcase that
effective leadership style will act as a moral booster for employees and with that they
will be able to achieve their goals and objectives. Different leadership style has also
been discussed which will give reader a clear idea that PFM implements democratic
leadership style. This document showcases effective leadership style as it will act as
motivational tool for employees and with that workers will be able to achieve their
individual and organization mission and vision.
A leader needs a certain set of skills which proves to be lucrative in
accomplishing the desired objectives and goals. Such as technical skills enables a
leader to have the in-depth understanding of all the components associated with the
working and hence it is able to supervise for goals and targets effectively. Further,
conceptual skills enables a leader to take decisions in slew of tasks more effectively.
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REFERENCES
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the world: The GLOBE book of in-depth studies of 25 societies. Routledge.
Daft, R., 2014. The leadership experience. Cengage Learning.
Day, D. V. and et.al., 2014. Advances in leader and leadership development: A review
of 25years of research and theory. The Leadership Quarterly. 25(1). pp. 63-82.
Farok, G. M. G. and Garcia, J. A., 2015. DEVELOPING GROUP LEADERSHIP AND
COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR MONITORING EVM IN PROJECT
MANAGEMENT. Journal of Mechanical Engineering. 45(1). pp. 53-60.
Gonzales, S. and Lambert, L., 2014. Teacher leadership in professional development
schools: Emerging conceptions, identities, and practices. Journal of School
Leadership. 11(1). pp.6-24.
Kurucz, E., Wheeler, D. and Colbert, A. B., 2013. Reconstructing Value: Leadership
Skills for a Sustainable World. University of Toronto Press.
Manion, J., 2011. From Management to Leadership: Strategies for Transforming Health.
John Wiley & Sons.
Mimouni, F. and Metcalfe, B., 2011. Leadership Development in the Middle East.
Edward Elgar Publishing.
Northouse, P. G., 2016. Leadership theory and practice. 7th edn. London: Sage.
Ovaska, E., Cinotti, T. S. and Toninelli, A., 2012. The design principles and practices of
interoperable smart spaces. Advanced Design Approaches to Emerging Software
Systems: Principles, Methodology and Tools. pp.18-47.
Owen, H., 2012. New Thinking on Leadership: A Global Perspective. Kogan Page
Publishers.
Roe, K., 2014. Leadership: Practice and Perspectives. Gosport: Oxford University.
Straf, M. L. and Citro, C. F. eds., 2013. Principles and practices for a federal statistical
agency. National Academies Press.
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Leadership Competencies. 2008. [Online]. Available through:
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