Assessing Leadership Theories & Strategies in a Leading Organisation

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership theories and strategies within a leading business organization, focusing on Starbucks. It explores fundamental leadership questions, key aspects of leadership, and various leadership styles such as pacesetting and coaching. The report assesses the contribution of leaders, personnel, and stakeholders in executing the organization's mission and vision. It delves into change leadership, organizational potential, and the importance of understanding leadership strategies in different business contexts. The report also includes a management report evaluating servant leadership, Kevin Johnson's leadership style, and recommendations for improvement. Desklib provides access to similar past papers and solved assignments for students.

Leading Business
Organisation

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
REFLECTION ................................................................................................................................3
1. Systematic understanding of leadership theories...................................................................3
2 Capacity to assess the Contribution in Executing Mission and Vision of Organization
Leaders........................................................................................................................................5
3. Capacity to apply leadership strategies to maximize organizational potential.....................6
4. Capacity to assess motivational theories within organizational environment for leaders...7
5. Potential leadership style.......................................................................................................9
2. MANAGEMENT REPORT......................................................................................................10
a. Introduction of the report......................................................................................................10
B. Overview of servant leadership style and related challenges to practice.............................10
C. Critical evaluation of Kevin Johnson’s leadership style.....................................................13
d. About Johnson’s strong personal brand as ab effective global leader..................................15
e. Recommendations.................................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
Leadership is the process through which an individual guide, motivate and control people
and group of individuals. It is the way of a person working in the organization to control and
influence the behaviour of employees and achieve organizational goal. In every business
organization leadership play an main role, Higher authorities and directors evolve ideas and
strategies to maintain and leaders provide guidance to workforce how to reaches to goals in
effective manner. It is a style of leaders which influence the behaviour of employees at work
towards the achievement of organizational goal (Henderson, Castner and Schneider, 2018). The
task will ensure various aspect which facilitate knowledge of leadership and leadership styles
which help in expansion & evolvement of a person.
This report is conducted on management of Starbucks, report consist leadership style of
servant besides with provocation, short survey of case study, censorious assessment of leadership
style of Kevin Johnson, discussion on Kevin Johnson style of leadership and advice as well as
accomplishment of task. The business organization which is selected for this present report is
Starbucks. The company was established in 1971 and it headquarter is in Seattle, Washington. It
is a worldwide series of coffee and provide various kinds of coffee on its outlet. With this,
company also provide food products to consumers.
REFLECTION
1. Systematic understanding of leadership theories
A. What are the two fundamental questions that leaders ask to themselves?
There are various questions that a leader needed to ask themselves which will assist in
improving performance and profitability of staff members. The question are as follows:
 What are the information needed for developing effective policies and strategies
for organisation?
 What are the skills and competencies required to motivate and encourage staff
members of the organisation?
The earliest need to be analyse aspects which is mention in an information and this is too
connected with expansion in the information group as long as of customization and services. The

second is related to proper allocation of resources as well as analyzing internal and external
factors of company in order to make better strategy in organization.
B. What are the two aspect of leadership?
There are various key aspects of leadership that is given below:
 It is important for a leader to maintain an effective relationship with employees so
that they can retain with organisation for longer time period.
 There are various situations arise at workplace at the time of leading teams. So it
is essential for a leader to be effective and creative in order to resolve issues
within time period.
C. What is leadership theory?
There are various ways by which a leader can lead teams and groups of an organisation.
Leadership style mainly emphasis on behaviour and traits of a leader which will assist them to
achieve higher growth & success in an effective manner. It is analysed that there is no particular
leadership style is appropriate for a business entity. Therefore, it is significant for leaders to
make use of a suitable leadership styles as per the business situation and market as well.
D. Name two non-identical kind of leadership styles that are suitable for organizational
culture?
Pacesetting: In this type of leadership style, a leader guides from the front and set high
standards for their groups. In addition to this, leaders expects from employees to exceed with
minimal management. It is determined that such leadership style is effective to attain sort term
results and also detrimental for motivation in long-run.
Coaching: It is relatively new as well as guiding leadership style. Herein, the leaders
takes the lead to get the best from his staff members or the team. It is analysed that the basis of
coaching leadership style is dynamic interaction among the employee and the leader.

In the present VUCA world it can be said that environment is highly descriptive. There is
need of leadership for creation of a vision. VUCA stands for volatile, uncertain, complex &
Ambiguous. There are certain aspects that have to be taken into consideration by leaders in
organisation like Starbucks. These are part of changing nature and have to be dealt to enhance
individual performance.
Volatile is a aspect that is related with unpredictably of change that can take place suddenly or
extremely.
Uncertain is not known that not definite and unclear about the present situation that cannot be
relied on.
Complex is different connected parts, there are key decision factors that consist of interaction
between emergence, diverse agents, adaption.
Ambiguous that is understand meaning of recent in different ways.
E. Why do aspiring leaders need complete understanding about leadership style?
In order to become an effective leader, it is necessary to adopt appropriate leadership
style and knowledge of each and every type of leadership style is also important. Information
about each and every leadership style helps leader in selecting appropriate style.
Leaders have to use leadership style such as there is use of autocratic or democratic
leadership style that can help in the process of decision making. In case of autocratic leadership
style it help in making decision without giving any consideration to view point of other
employees. Sometimes there is need to consider the views of other employees that can help in
smooth decisions that can be taken by leaders. So in situations they can change their decision if
they are willing to do so.
It is significant for the leaders to have a proper and effective knowledge about leadership
styles so that they can use it as per the situations occurred. In addition to this, it is analysed that
using of appropriate leadership styles help an entity to implement task in an effective and
appropriate manner that has direct influence on the overall growth and performance of an
organisation in a positive manner.
2 Capacity to assess the Contribution in Executing Mission and Vision of Organization Leaders
A. What is organization’s Mission and Vision?

Vision is something seen it can be an objective of an organization which they can perceived
visually (Gotsis and Grimani, 2016). Vision simply is an ideal or a goal towards which
organization aspires. Mission is purpose or reason of an organization, what it stands for and why
it exists.
B. What role does personnel make in executing Mission and Vision?
Organization is able to achieve their goals & objectives only because of employees so,
workforce play an essential role while implementing vision and mission of a
company.Individuals play a very crucial role in achievement of organisation's objectives that
have to be in synchronisation with the objectives of organisation. Individuals help in supporting
the functions to be performed in more creative manner. In addition to this, it is analysed that
staff members implement out all the activities as per the instruction which help an entity to attain
organisational objectives within given time period.
C. What contribution does leader make in executing mission and vision?
Leaders are the real motivator; they develop strategies in sequence to reaches goals &
also guide or direct employees toward vision and mission of an organization. In addition to this,
it is analysed that leaders aligned all the activities with the set vision and mission of company
and the direct employees to achieve it in a timely and effective manner.
C. What contribution does stakeholders make in executing the mission and vision?
Stakeholders play an important role in every business organization, group of stakeholders
include employees, customers, suppliers, government, stockholders’ company is able to achieve
their vision and mission only under the assistance of stakeholders group. Stakeholders are key
aspects in every organisation that possess influence in functioning of whole organisation in
present and future context. It helps in understand of employees through their vision and mission
so that they can understand their strategy and its future implementation. Moreover, stakeholders
such as employees give their full potential in order to achieve organisational objectives that leads
to increase in performance and profitability of a company.
E. What does leaders require to construct for assessment of contributions?
Leaders need to evaluate contribution of each and every employee in sequence to reduce
conflicts and to make better the performance of workforce or other respective area.

It is important for leaders to focus on the contribution done by stakeholders so that positive
results is gained. Leaders have to make a detailed assessment of the contribution that is made by
each employee so that there can be assessment of performance of each individual. Based on this
there is further rewards and recognitions that are offered to employees to motivate them to
perform better. When employees are motivated to perform better then there is achievement of
better productivity in organisations. Stakeholders are individual groups who are part of
organisation and in Starbucks it is helping them in maintaining of product viability. Moreover, it
help in making improvements in an appropriate and effective manner as well.
3. Capacity to apply leadership strategies to maximize organizational potential
A. What is leadership style?
A leadership style is referring to method or style of leaders guiding and providing
direction, implementing plans and encouraging people. It is a style of leaders which influence
the behaviour of people at work towards the achievement of organizational goal. Leadership
strategy is basically a map which aligns investment in leadership development associated with
the goal, strategy as well as aspirations of business. There are mainly two forms of leadership
strategy that is cost leadership and differentiation. Cost leadership allows an entity to offer
products as well as services at reasonable price without compromising the quality. In context to
differentiation leadership strategy, it help in offering something unique in market so that a firm
can attain competitive advantage at marketplace.
B. What is change leadership?
Change leadership is a ability of leader to control and guide employees with the help of
personal approval and vision and to allocate resources to develop a strong platform for change
(Parés, Ospina and Subirats, 2017). Leadership is viewed as key to effective and successful
change. In addition to this, change leadership is basically the capability to encourage and
influence others via personal advocacy, drive and vision.
C. What is organizational potential?
Organizational potential is the characteristics that create or develop positive and comfortable
organizational culture in sequence to achieve goals and objectives of the company. It is analysed
that organizational potential empowered and motivate staff members which has a positive impact

on the overall productivity and profitability of company. In addition to this, implementation of
work with full zeal by employees assist in market retention for longer time period and also help
in attaining competitive edge at marketplace.
D. What is business context?
Business context means various elements that affect the performance of an organization from
inner as well as outer course of action for proper and effective accomplishment of company’s
tasks and activities. Business context encompasses an understanding of the elements impacting
on overall activities from different perspective, involving what business is trying to achieve, how
decisions are made and so on.
E. Why does leaders need to understand leadership strategies that are applied in
different business context?
Leaders require to acknowledge leadership strategies in order to communicate vision and
mission of the organization to employees. There are various forms of leadership strategy that is
cost leadership, differentiation leadership and focus strategy as well. Cost leadership strategy is
establishing a competitive edge by having the lower cost of operation ad due to this, companies
offer product at lower prices in market. Differentiation strategy is defined as offering unique and
different in market that help in attracting people towards the brand. From all this leadership
strategy, it is analysed that cost leadership strategy is most suitable and effective strategy as it
allow to offer goods and services at lower price without compromising quality. This will help an
organisation to attract large number of customers and attain competitive advantage within the
market.
4. Capacity to assess motivational theories within organizational environment for leaders
A. What is motivational theory?
Motivational theory is task or project of an individual to identify what drives individuals and
group to perform towards the goal and objective. It refers to the theorem which is used to
encourage people for achieving some set objectives of the company.
B. What are two categories of motivational theories?

There are mainly two forms of motivational theory that is content theory and process theory as
well. Content theory is mainly emphasis on what an individuals need in their lives whereas
process theory focuses on behavioural and psychological processes which impact directly on the
individuals level of motivation.
C. What is different term for employee motivation?
Employee motivation is defined as a method of motivating the staff members or an internal drive
to make employees give their efforts and actions towards particular activities which will leads to
attainment of objectives within stipulated time period. Employee motivation is also known as
employee engagement as it help in satisfying staff members and retain them for longer time
period.
D. What is appreciative inquiry technique?
Appreciative inquiry technique is an effective approach to organizational change and
development of leadership. It is used to analyze the condition in which employees are working
and make some improvement if needed to achieve the shared vision and mission of the company.
In addition to this, it help company to brig positivity at the workplace and motivate its employees
to work with full potential towards attainment of objectives and goals on given time frame.
E. Why does leaders require to assess various motivational theories within specific
context of organization?
Leaders required to analyse various type of motivational theories in order to motivate and
encourage employees towards the goals and objectives of a firm. It has been said that for a
business manager it is very essential to critically evaluate the motivational theories as to
understand the importance and significance of that theory for a particular group of staff
members. These theories are implemented for the benefit of overall organisation, therefore it is
necessary for the higher authorities to examine the positive as well as negative influence of such
theories. By doing so it can easily be understood by the management team that which of the
motivational theories best suits the business entity and its staff members. Along with this, it will
help in motivating staff members in an effective manner which increases their overall
performance and efficiency.

5. Potential leadership style
A. Define potential leadership style?
It is a type of leadership style that is adopt to analyse all actions that are needed to develop
potential in staff members so that business objectives and goals is achieved. In addition to
this, it depicts that it is needed for a leader to be more competent so that performance of
employees is improved in a proper manner.
Potential or possible leadership style refers to a style in which leader become more
professional in the area of an organization where employees are already working, it means
accepting new challenges and responsibilities in some other area of the organization. Leadership
potential is the combination of two things cognitive ability and personality of a leader (Lapointe
and Vandenberghe, 2018). This leadership style in improving performance of workforce like
their ability and capability.
B. What are important strengths?
According to the potential leadership style questionnaire (attached in Appendix), it is
analysed that the main strength are team management and effective communication skills. In
addition to this, it is determined that leader have the capability to maintain good relation with all
the team members which help in implementation of activities in an effective manner. Moreover,
leaders have the ability to motivate staff members for doing work in a quality and effective
manner which will help in achievement of objectives within stipulated time period.
There are various key strengths of the leaders such as self-awareness this help in developing
employees working in an organization. Effective communication skill is also one of the biggest
strengths of a leader. Conflicts resolution a leader has to come up with appropriate action in
order to resolve the conflicts in proper manner. This is also strength of a leader to be flexible to
work with different personal styles and approaches.
C. What are the key challenges?
By analysing the questionnaire, there are various challenges is determined that person is not
able to behave in a predictable manner with the team members due to which team members are

not satisfied with the work. In addition to this, person is not able to share its opinions and
suggestion to others which bring down the moral and confidence level.
Leaders face many challenges in their day-to-day working life. Most common challenges
faced by a leader are “change” every factor of an organization is dynamic whether it is internal
or external, so leaders always need to be prepared for challenge related to change. Difficult
people and employees also create challenging situation for leaders. Communication problem
sometime become challenge for leaders.
D. What personal development is needed to develop leadership abilities?
In order to become an effective leader, the skills that are needed is proper interaction skills,
marinating relation with team members and time management skills as well. In addition to this, it
is significant for leader to listen the perspective of others so that right suggestion is given.
Development of all such skills and capabilities will help in attaining objectives in a timely and
effective manner.
It is important for leaders to improve their communication skills as it help in interacting with
staff members in a proper manner. In addition to this, it assist them to make employees clear
about their roles and responsibilities in a proper manner. Moreover, it is significant for a leader to
be dynamic and flexible so that they can adopt changes in an easy and proper manner. Personal
development always helps in developing leadership abilities in an individual. A leader needs to
consider personal development in order to enhance more leadership skills. Personal development
include discipline, a good and positive leader needs discipline (Larsson, 2015). Leader should be
able to encourage and motivate employees it is the personal trait of a leader. A best way to
become a good leader is always keep learning new things. Personal development aspects which a
leader have is motivating others, work with patience, good communicator and listener,
improvement in learning process etc. all these aspects are important to improve the skills and
knowledge of a person.
2. MANAGEMENT REPORT
a. Introduction of the report
In the present report, there will be a discussion about the servant leadership style along
with the changes associated with VUCA environment that us volatile, uncertain & complex
environment. Critical evaluation of Kevin Johnson style of leadership will also be cover in this

section, which will help in improve the productivity as well as performance of Starbucks. In
addition to this, the ethical challenges that is faced by the company and the view of former and
current employees is going to cover. Moreover, there will be discussion regarding why Johnson
have powerful brand image and is a successful global leader. Furthermore, recommendation will
be given for Starbucks in order to attain competitive advantage and sustainability. In the last, the
conclusion will be given of the overall piece of work.
B. Overview of servant leadership style and related challenges to practice
Leadership refers to course of action through which the professional can manage, instant
and ready to influenced tasks and guide others in the direction to achieving organizational
objectives as per the available condition. Commanding is a capability and ability of supervisors
to acquaint employees working in enormous certainty. With effective skills managers and higher
authorities able to deal with various aspects which provides effective outcome to an organization
in an appropriate way. Starbucks, director suppose censorious position which help company to
complete higher tasks through optimizing creative devices and systems. Manage continuously
anticipated to create better vision for future and also motivate workforce to fulfil that vision.
Servant leadership style: This is the technique of leadership in which an individual interacts
with each others and complete all the tasks by backing actual reliable structure. The main motive
of a servant is to serve. This leadership is based on the belief that various leaders serve in order
to acquire higher position. This leadership is usually a lasting belief in which business leader is
on powerful position (Yusuf, 2016). Servant leadership style contain advancing system through
which a company can without stretch advance its services and products and provide power to
staff members to do everything which is essential for an organization. For self-development
towards others this leadership style involves essential quality of proper adjustment,
commiseration, proper job profile along with authenticity. The use of this leadership is identified
as the company highlights importance of caring for personnel as a way of optimizing employee
morale & consumer satisfaction. Former Starbucks President Howard Behar developed this
feature of the firm’s organizational culture because he believed that employees who are cared for
are the ones who care about customers.
A great example of this is Marriott international company (Covin and Slevin, 2017). This
hotel is known as one of the most reputed and well recognised hotel chain around the world. If
founder of this hotel was Bill Marriott and he used servant leadership while managing the