Leadership and Management in Business: Roles, Theories, and Contexts

This report examines the roles and responsibilities of leaders and managers within the context of a business, specifically using Marks & Spencer (M&S) as a case study. It contrasts the characteristics and functions of leaders and managers, highlighting their distinct contributions to organizational success. The report explores various leadership and management theories, including transformational and classical management theories, and analyzes how these theories apply to real-world situations such as rapid change and conflict resolution. Furthermore, it delves into situational management and systems management concepts, emphasizing the importance of adapting leadership styles to different contexts. The report also discusses how leaders and managers navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the business environment, making it a valuable resource for students studying leadership and management principles. It also provides insights into decision-making processes within the business environment, making it a valuable resource for students studying leadership and management principles.

Leadership and
Management Concepts

INTRODUCTION
Operations and management signified as a process of a business which enables in achieving
great level of efficiency and productivity in the organisation. It is an action and activity in which
raw material is converted in to a finished good and a service within the enterprise with the aim of
enhancing profitability margin and productivity (Bush, Bell and Middlewood, 2019). It supports
in maintain the balance among cost and profit of particular action in the management of business
venture. It monitors as a managerial action which consider several things such as planning,
organising, leading and managing different things in the management. For the accomplishment
of this assessment, Marks & Spencer is considered. It is a British multinational retailer which is
headquartered in London, England and specialises in selling clothing, home commodities and
food items, mostly of its own label. This written document will discuss about the roles and
responsibilities of leader and manager in order to accomplish business goals, in different
situational context and management of venture. Along with this, different theories, key
approaches to operation management and the factors in the business environment that impact
decision making of leaders and managers will also define.
TASK 1
P1. Explain and contrast the different role and characteristics of a leader and a manager
Definition of leader- A leader can signify as someone who encourage and encourage a unit of
humans that will done their assigned work in effective manner as hit the set target in provided
time frame. They aid the people in placing imaginative and prescient so that after they perform in
team in effective manner. They influence teammates with the help of their motivational skills in
order that goal of the crew work and group mission acquire and achieve in appropriate manner.
Definition of manager- A supervisor is an person who is the in-rate of a team of humans to
perform a selected mission and challenge with the organisation (Adams, 2018). A supervisor
gives wished belongings and statistics to employees with a purpose to carry out in right manner
as well as achieve business goal in amended way.
Roles of a Leader- The clarification of various roles of a leader inside an established order are
defined as below:
Setting imaginative and prescient and assignment- It is fundamental characteristic of a
frontrunner. In M&S, while the company set up any business goal then chief comprise vision and
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task to people who execute in a set in order to have proper statistics and absolutely aware with
the motive of the enterprise and perform their in path of feat of it on time.
Motivation- When personnel of a firm execute in a task then they need motivation and
notion so we can do their work with more performance (Figueroa and et. Al., 2019). Therefore,
through making use of the pleasant and ability of motivation leader pay an essential position in
term of encouraging employees thru organising periods etc. So that they could feel stimulated
and carry out their assignment in important shape.
Roles (Function) of manger- There are severa roles which are finished by means of a
supervisor, a good way to M&S, a few roles of administrator are defined as below:
Planning- In it, the administrator of M&S can make or body plan and regulations in
context of particular assignment and work so that the aim of that venture may be acheive in
suitable manner with the aid of assembly the task necessities.
Organising- It is every other feature wherein supervisor play an critical role by using
engaging in training and improvement programmes. So that workers of the firm could make
enhancement in their talents and talents as well as carry out their task and assigned
responsibilities in better shape.
Controlling- Within this function, the manager of M&S can make control and manage the
task as well as business activities or operations by designing effective plans and strategies so that
it manages the quality of work and to be completed in appropriate manner.
Directing- By developing plans and policies, the administrator of M&S can lead workers of
the firm so that they can do their work in adequate and appropriate manner through making
consideration on all the need of the task.
Characteristics of a leader- In context of M&S, the characteristics of an amazing leader are
defined as underneath:
Ability to face challenges- It is the principle ability and attribute of leader and with this
an effective chief is always geared up to cope with troubles and confronts with the self belief
(Matthews and et. Al., 2018). They do no longer have any type of worry of the approaching
issues inside the task.
Leadership ability and advantageous attitude- A true chief constantly motivates and
leads its teammates to be able to carry out nicely in the challenge and work thus which they're
executing concerning accomplishment of its desires and goals.
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Characteristics of a supervisor- Regarding M&S, the tendencies and characteristics of a
supervisor are described as underneath:
Effective communication- A good administrator is a one who has an effective communication
skill so that the individual can make an effective interaction among its workers in context of their
roles and accountabilities, plans and way of working (Halkias and Neubert, 2020). Also, due to
have this ability, the manager can make proper communication with superior and aware them
about the working process etc.
Delegation- With this trait of manager can perform their work with more delegation and
accountability. Also with this, they make focus on the completion of task in adequate way and
timely.
Difference between leader and manager
Basis Manager Leader
Meaning It signifies as an individual
who is accountable to manage
different actions and
operations of the
establishment.
It refers to a person who make
focus on motivating the group
members to perform their
work in effective manner in
the organisation.
Subordinates They have a group of
employees and administrators
to execute a particular task
and work.
Leader has employees in
context of subordinates.
Risk taker Manager takes less risk when
they execute in a project and
task.
They take risk to achieve the
aim of the project and task in
better form.
There are several conceptions of control and control which taken into consideration thru
corporation enterprise for the powerful walking in their employer sports and operations. Some of
them are described in context of M&S as under:
Transformational principle of management- Under this control idea, an superb alternate is
analysed in people and in societal gadget. Within this idea, fans are converted in to leaders with
the resource of making fantastic modifications in the fans (Adams and Velarde, 2018). This tool
of control is excellent appropriate to the organisation due to the fact the principle purpose of it's
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miles improvement making plans in order that there may be no scarcity of leadership capabilities
within the company in destiny.
Classical theory of management- This concept is primarily based totally on the values and
ideals of the employees in the company that best have bodily and economic goals as properly as
it does now not soak up to attention of social requirements of the workers (Weiss, Tappen and
Grimley, 2019). This device is suitable to that project in which manipulate is best involved with
the performance in vicinity of the opportunity desires of employees.
TASK 2
P2. Study examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manger apply in diverse
situational contexts
There are diverse roles and duties are performed by leaders and managers in different
situations. The description of some situations in context of M&S is explained as under:
Rapid change- In current dynamic business environment, changes are arisen and occurred
in consumer needs and demands at high rate. The particular firm operate its business in retail
industry so there are several kinds of changes are occurred in consumer needs related to products
and services. Also, the firm use technology in order to providing online shopping services to its
consumers. In this current dynamic world, there is several kind of technical innovation take place
day by day. So deal with the circumstance of rapid change is hard for the management of firm.
The administration of M&S uses different kind of technologies in its business in order to meet
the demands of its customers. For this, they provide online payment service by using innovative
technologies, mobile applications and delivery services etc. Also, the company offer clothing
sector so changing fashion and trends also generate situation of rapid change. In this situation,
both manager and leader play an appropriate role by providing support to the firm. The
administrator can develop effective plans and strategies so that they can deal with the situation of
rapid change (Northouse, 2019). The manager work regarding the fast situation in order to
providing range of pay options by using effective technology as well as do market research to
analyse the market trend and offer products as per them. Along with this, leader can organise
training programmes so that they can provide information about the use of new technologies in
context of providing effective services to consumer.
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Conflict resolution- When the situation of conflict resolution occur within a firm then
issues and misunderstandings are arisen among workers, group members and administration due
to ineffective communication. It affects the firm in negative form as well as its business
operations. Regarding M&S, if this sort of situation arises in the particular venture, the leader
and administrator play an appropriate role through making effective communication with the
help of open communication aspect (Hallinger, 2018). With this, people of the company can
deliver and communicate their complexities and problems with their superior and management.
Under this situation, the leader can use problem solving ability in order to deal with the
ineffective communication challenges as well as work for resolving problems in systematic
manner for better performance. Also, the manager can develop plans to get over the situation of
conflict and can organise a meeting to discuss employees regarding their problems.
P3. Different theories and models of approach
There are one among a type techniques and theories which permit in having green
leadership inside the business enterprise to achieve the installation targets and targets of the firm.
The clarification of different control thoughts is as, which may be achieved by using the use of
M&S to get better outcomes.
Situational management- Within this control idea, a pacesetter cannot depend on the
managerial shape to wholesome in all conditions. Therefore, leader and supervisor need to be
bendy of their management forms to acquire appropriate result in the marketplace. This concept
consists of control form inclusive of telling, selling, participating and delegating. All those
strategies may be regularly occurring via the people consistent with the condition just so the set
up commercial organisation objectives can be finished in suitable form. M&S can utilise this
concept as it's far bendy in nature, make improvement in step with numerous situations and make
the proper collaboration among the teammates and analysing distinctive degree of development
of person within the company.
Strengths- This idea is beneficial because it motivates leaders and employees to be responsible
for their artwork and choice. The man or woman who delegate its accountabilities, have time to
cognizance on exceptional topics.
Weaknesses-The fundamental trouble of this precept is that it is open to misuse the authority.
Along with this, the person who hand over the paintings however accountable nonetheless lies
with the chief.
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System management concept- It explains that leader in a firm can create a circumstance where
all of the people can execute with their complete performance degrees (Hallinger, 2020).
Regarding M&S, this concept and principle useful resource in offering relaxed, at ease, healthy
and quality working surroundings in which manpower of the agency can execute their duties and
accountabilities in ok shape. This concept may be suitable for precise venture as this makes use
of the principle approximately the human behaviour to increase models of accurate leadership,
organisational techniques, system format and social hobby. It moreover helps in forecasting the
humans’s behaviour in the corporation. This device is important for making and devising
efficient device which provides effective behaviour. It is vital for enterprise as it specializes in
enticing inside the personnel and business dreams of agency.
Strengths- The key benefit of gadget management principle is that it enhances the company
surroundings of the fame quo (Hassi, 2019). It focuses on carrying out personnel and
organisational goals.
Weaknesses- The predominant project of this concept is that it results in put off in choice
making. On the opposite hand, the nature of inter reliance isn't always predetermined.
Contingency leadership principle- Within this management approach, there can be a particular
form of approach which defines that development of leader does now not useful resource to their
abilities. There are numerous components along with culture and running atmosphere and many
others. Of an enterprise which impact the development and increase of person. This tool may be
done thru the administration of M&S as it alters regular with the state of affairs and modifies
recommendations of the corporation. It refers that performance of chief is contingent over
management bureaucracy to the scenario and may be supple due to alternate in situation.
Strengths- This idea is important because it allows chief to expand their management talents. It
additionally assists in devising the organisational shape.
Weaknesses- It is spontaneous in nature that is specific to control the situations. Another
downside is that it has compound improvement close to sensible topics (Parvin, 2019).
TASK 3
P4. Key approaches to operations management and the function that leaders and managers play
Total quality management- It describe as a consumer oriented procedure and main
purpose of it is constant development of business operations and activities. TQM is an ongoing
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process which enables in minimising issue and problems which arise in production process,
restructuring supply chain management and developing customer experiences. Along with this, it
also assures that workforce is working fast with the help of training and learning. For example,
with the implementation of this tool, the management of M&S can make improvement within it
production process and resolve related issues like supply chain management and development in
consumer experinces.
Roles of leader- The leader play effective function in order to ensure efficient involvement
and contribution of manpower in executing company’s actions. They are also accountable to
assess performance of workforce regarding business activities.
Roles of manager- The managers play an appropriate function in context of constant
development of the business and production activity (Bush, 2019). They also focus on internal as
well as external consumers so that demands and requirements can be monitored and growth can
be making as per the need.
Just in time- It signifies as a tool and approach which can be executed through the
administration of the firm to maximise the efficiency and productivity of the firm. In M&S, this
tool can be implementing with the resource of the management in context of lowering waste
sooner or later of the time of creating production machine.
Roles of leader- Within this, chief of M&S play a vital feature with the aid of make
certain that personnel are accurately having statistics regarding their obligations and
accountabilities with a view to execute.
Roles of manager- In M&S, commercial enterprise managers play an effective feature by
way of the usage of coping with and making correct dating with sellers on the manner to provide
require fabric on time that lets in you to run the manufacturing way smoothly.
Continuous development or Kizen- This tool can be implemented by way of the usage of the
venture with aim of improvement within the business company characteristic. In M&S, this
technique may be applied by means of the management to minimise the waste in all systems by
using growing standardised activities and operations. With the assist of it, they could empower
the fulfilment of employer art work simply so the venture can benefit excessive stage of advent.
Roles of leader- In M&S, leader play an powerful function through the use of executing
their accountabilities in context of figuring out that which worker can be within the institution to
perform specific assignment.
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Roles of manager- Under it, the supervisor of M&S play an critical position in locating out
the scope of labour and observe the development of Kizen group (Sobratee and Bodhanya,
2018).
P5. The importance and value of operations management in achieving business objectives
Operation management refers to the process of managing the business firm functions,
actions and their operations which are executing with the support of the administration of the
firm to operate the business. The significance and value of operation administration in attaining
business goals can be explained through different operation management functions which are
defined as under:
Control and distribution system- It is an important substitute in operation management
which enable to create productivity on production process of the company. This tool is essential
for the business ventures as it is responsible to make control on production activities and making
sure effective distribution of the products with the aim of satisfying the aims and objectives of
the firm (Swanwick, 2019). The productivity of this function can be developed by accepting a
strong and efficient control system and to develop the logistics infrastructural of the form in
context of achievement of aims of the company. By using and applying this method, the
administration of M&S can appropriately administrate its resources and reduces the waste during
production of commodities.
Logistic and inventory- It is other crucial function of operation management. When the
venture will not get effective support of logistic then goods cannot be supply in the marketplace
and during this situation, the level of need is high cause of its demands. In M&S, with the
consideration of this, the company can focus on management of commodities to stock the
insignificant commodities in the market. So that the venture can appropriately satisfy consumers
demand.
Process design- This function is significant because it can support in organising production
process. It is important for M&S as with the assistance of it, management can make
improvement in the manufacturing activities as per consumer’s requirements. It is crucial for the
organisation because it help in accomplishing the business objectives by providing needed goods
and services as per target audiences’ demand.
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TASK 4
P6. The factor within the business environment that impact upon operational management and
decision making
Corporate Social Responsibility- It is explained a business function which adds to the
sustainable development by delivering economic, communal and ecological benefits to all its
stakeholders (Buttle and Maklan, 2019). In M&S, the administration can design short term
objectives so that workers can accomplish them easily or in provided time frame. This
encourages workers and they perform their tasks by using their all efforts. It renovates the
business environment and decision making of firm as the administration consider analysis as per
it and develop plan and tactics accordingly. The firm also assure that a particular portion of its
profitability is for their CSR policy which is developed for offering advantages to local society.
If the management of the company develop CSR policy of the firm like waste management,
sustainability of raw materials, fair partnerships etc. in optimistic form then it affect the decision
making that accurate in survival and can be efficient for the development and growth of
community.
Culture- It explained as values, beliefs, thoughts and social demeanour of the individual of a
specific area. The culture of a particular place is made influence over the business atmosphere of
a firm in an optimistic and unfavourable form (Adler and Laasch, 2020). In M&S, if the firm
create an effective and healthy culture, then employees can perform in better manner which will
create positive impact on the productivity and profitability of the firm.
Value- It is explained as the standards and principle of individual’s behaviour. In M&S,
values play an effective role as by making development in the commodities. After analyse the
values and beliefs of customers of different regions. In decision making process, if the leaders
and managers take decision regarding the offering products and services by monitoring the
values of consumers then it will form optimistic impact on business operations and activities.
Ethics- If the management of M&S can consider the CSR like waste management then it
must determine the ethical business and make that the activities of the firm do not impact the
stakeholder of the businesses as well as business environment. In M&S, the management can
follow its CSR actions by including the ethics so that they cannot harm the community. It will
create positive impact as well as fulfilling their needed with their ethical and cultural
consideration.
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Sustainability- It explained as a tool which centres on fulfilling the requirements of
consumers. It is an important approach for each business as the aim of it saving resource that will
be needed by the firm in upcoming time (Bush, Bell and Middlewood, 2019). In M&S,
sustainability creates an appropriate influence on operation management through ensuing that
assets of the venture are used in an effective manner without any misuse so it enable in
improving the efficiency of the operation management.
CONCLUSION
From the above defined information, it has been summarised that operation management is a
process of management of action and operations of business venture so that the business of the
company can operate in smooth and appropriate form. With the assistance of management,
control, motivation and empowerment of workers as well as manager and leader play an
effective role in success of the firm. Several operation management tools enable in managing
production process and diverse functions of operation administration assist in reducing the
wastage for the production activity. Several leadership and management theories like
transformational leadership theory and classical theory of management are appropriate to lead
and direct the worker so that they can make their effective contribution in the success of the firm.
There are different business environment components which influence the business and decision
making of leaders and administration in different manners. Also, it is an effective aspect of every
business as every company wants to promote themselves as an accountable firm to the general
customers so that they the general consumers get more aware about the firm.
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