Role of Leadership Enhancing Employee Performance: Dissertation

This dissertation explores the role of leadership in improving employee performance within the UK hospitality industry, specifically focusing on the Conrad London St. James Hotel. The study aims to evaluate leadership concepts and theories, determining their impact on employee performance. The research employs a quantitative methodology, utilizing questionnaires for primary data collection and online articles and journals for secondary data. The dissertation includes an introduction outlining the research problem, aims, objectives, rationale, research questions, and scope. A comprehensive literature review examines the need for leadership theories and their importance in business organizations, alongside identifying effective leadership styles to enhance employee motivation and performance. The methodology section details the research approach, followed by findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. The research reveals insights into leadership's influence on employee morale, productivity, and retention within the competitive hospitality environment. The conclusions and recommendations offer strategies for improving leadership practices and employee outcomes.

Dissertation
Abstract
The current dissertation is based on the topic of Role of leadership in enhancing
performance of employees within hospitality industry of UK for which chosen organisation is
Conrad London St. James Hotel. The main aim of current investigation is to evaluate about the

concept and theories of leadership while its main objective consists of determination of the role
of leadership in enhancing the performance of employees within the Conrad London St. James
Hotel. To have significant among of information for current study, use of both primary and
secondary form of data collection is made out of which primary data would be collected through
making use of questionnaire where as secondary information is collected from online articles and
journal. The nature of current study is based on quantitative method which facilitates and ensures
better collection of facts in numeric form and also supported effective presentation of research
findings with the help of pie charts and frequency table.
Table of Contents
Abstract............................................................................................................................................1
Research Topic: Role of leadership in enhancing performance of employees within hospitality
industry of UK. A research project on Conrad London St. James Hotel.........................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Problem / issue identified.......................................................................................................1
Aims and objective.................................................................................................................2
Rationale for selection of topic...............................................................................................2
Research questions.................................................................................................................3
Scope and limitation of research............................................................................................3
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................3
To review about the need and importance of concept and theories of leaderships within a
business organisation..............................................................................................................4
To determine the role of leadership in enhancing the performance of employees within the
Conrad London St. James Hotel.............................................................................................5
To identify some more effective leadership style and practises that ensures higher
performance and motivation level in employees of Conrad London St. James Hotel...........7
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................8
Findings and Analysis....................................................................................................................14
Analysis of research findings...............................................................................................14
Interpretation of collected data.............................................................................................17
Conclusions and Recommendations..............................................................................................27

Conclusion............................................................................................................................27
Recommendation..................................................................................................................28
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................28

Research Topic: Role of leadership in enhancing performance of employees
within hospitality industry of UK. A research project on Conrad London
St. James Hotel
Introduction
Leadership basically comprises of an art of motivating and directing a group of employees
or people in order to direct and guide them to act towards accomplishment and achievement of a
common goal. Leadership is a vital and complex concept that is both taken as a research arear as
well as a practical skill that is applied by an individuals to lead and influence other people or a
team for better performance and development of a firm. Beside this, it has been also analysed
that in current competitive nature of business environment, a highly talented and motivated
workforce has become an essence for all business organisation that is possible only through
leading effective management of people along with regular motivation and positive workplace
environment and engagement (Guthrie and Jenkins, 2018). Therefore, current research project
and dissertation is lead out on the topic of Role of leadership in enhancing performance of
employees within hospitality industry of UK in order to effectively analysis and evaluate the
concept of leadership.
The organisation which is selected for undertaking current study is Conrad London St.
James Hotel which is one of the well known hotel located at the Westminster, London, United
Kingdom. The Conrad London St. James Hotel is providing all exclusive facilities at a very
affordable prices that is vary according to the stay of a person. The main room options which are
available in the Conrad London St. James Hotel comprises o double room, twin room, business
sites, honeymoon suites and family space (Welch and Hodge, 2018). The efficient and exclusive
services which are provided by the Conrad London St. James Hotel comprises of providing a
suitable and most comfortable contemporary room with all required facilities like Wi-Fi, 42-inch
flat-screen TVs and Nespresso to the demand and expectation level of customers.
Problem / issue identified
The Hospitality industry of UK is having a high level of competition in which many major
and world class players like Holiday inn, Hilton Hotel and many others are there. Therefore,
many issues and problems are faced by Conrad London St. James Hotel in attracting and catering
larger number of customers and guests. Apart from this, high level of employees turnover is also
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a vital issue that is encountered by many firm because of lack of proper job satisfaction and
motivation. Therefore, a more skilled and motivated workforce is required by Conrad London St.
James Hotel to enhanced its performance and productivity level along with for retaining its
talented and skilled employees for a longer period of time (Lis and Cegliński, 2017). Therefore,
current investigation has been leads out to evaluate about the Role of leadership in enhancing
performance of employees within hospitality industry of UK that is vital to improve the
motivation and performance level of employees of Conrad London St. James Hotel to have
better results and success in the competitive business environment.
Aims and objective
Research aim
The main aim associated with leading out current investigation is, “To evaluate about the
concept and theories of leadership along with analysing its role in enhancing performance of
employees within hospitality industry of UK”. A research project on Conrad London St. James
Hotel
Research objectives
 To review about the need and importance of concept and theories of leaderships within a
business organisation.
 To determine the role of leadership in enhancing the performance of employees within
the Conrad London St. James Hotel.
 To identify some more effective leadership style and practises that ensures higher
performance and motivation level in employees of Conrad London St. James Hotel.
Rationale for selection of topic
It has been observed that leadership is important and vital concept that tend to plays a vital
role in motivating and directing people towards achievement of higher level of performance by
the way of creating and leading out a strong human relations. Thus, selection of current research
topic is rationale and significant for a firm as it facilitates and ensures better understanding about
the need and importance of concept and theories of leaderships within a business organisation
that plays crucial role in enhancing the performance and productivity level of employees. Beside
this, the selection of current research topic based on the topic of role of leadership is also vital
and important as it plays a significant role in motivating and directing employees towards better
performance which mitigate and reduce the risk of high competition that prevails in the business
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environment. Apart from this, leadership is also vital to have effective and positive human
relationship which is helpful in attracting and retaining talented employees for a longer span of
time. Further, the selection of current research topic is also vital and important from the
educational as well as the academic purpose of investigation as it endures better practical
knowledge along with improvement in personal skills and competencies.
Research questions
 What could be the main factors presenting the need and importance of concept and
theories of leaderships within a business organisation?
 How a vital role is leads out by leadership in enhancing the performance of employees
within the Conrad London St. James Hotel?
 What can be the some more effective leadership style and practises that ensures higher
performance and motivation level in employees of Conrad London St. James Hotel?
Scope and limitation of research
The current investigation is based on the topic of role of leadership that is having a wide
scope as facilitates better understanding about the concept and theories of leadership which are
vital for a firm to effectively guide and direct its employees for better performance. Apart from
this, current investigation would also lead to analysis about the role of leadership in enhancing an
improving the performance level of employees which is significant and important to mitigate the
threat of competition and also leads to better retention of employees. Beside this, a discussion
about the effective leadership style and practises that ensures higher performance and motivation
level in employees is also facilitated by current dissertation which is reflecting its wide scope as
lead to improved productivity and better success of a company. The issues and limitation that are
associated with current investigation comprises of lack of sufficient time period for conducting
and leading out an in-depth information. Beside this, an issues elated with lack of sufficient
ensures and collection of authentic and reliable data is also faced.
Literature Review
This forms out to be a vital part every dissertation and research project that facilitates a
systematic analysis and review of secondary source of data which is important to set out a base
and framework for further investigation (Altinay and et. al., 2019). The current literature review
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is based on the topic of role of leadership and its objectives for which a range of online article
and journals are being evaluated, a discussion and analysis of which is provided as follows:
To review about the need and importance of concept and theories of leaderships within a
business organisation.
As per the view point Mike Myatt, 2020, the concept of leadership is mainly associated
and related with the process which is adopted by a leader to influence and direct its followers for
better accomplishment and achievement of task. Thus, in context of a business firm, the concept
of leadership is mainly comprising of a process that is used by a leaders or managers to motivate
and influence its employees and subordinates for better performance and higher productivity.
The concept and theories of leadership are important and essentially needed by a business firm or
company as it provides ability to influence and modify the behaviour of employees to lead a
more positive and improved workplace environment. Apart from this, it has been also observed
that the concept of leadership also provides a better tool to keep a check and control over the
behaviours and attitudes of employees by the way of effective communication and interaction
therefore, mitigate and reduce the chances of chaos and confusion at workplace (Warren, 2018).
Apart from this, the concept and theories of leadership are also needed and required to set a clear
vison and objectives along of with effectively share this vision with other to make them willingly
follow the set targets by the way of application of effective knowledge, information and methods
to realize and achieve the set vision. The main advantages and benefits which are reflecting the
need and importance of concept and theories of leaderships within a business organisation are
evaluated and discussed as below:
Boosts morale of employees- The staff of the company forms and makes out the most vital
asset of any firm which performs and carry out all other activities and task. Further, constantly
recruiting of new employees is taken as a time consuming and expensive process therefore
boosting of morale and satisfaction level of employees would be helpful for a company to retain
its staff for longer periods that is important for business’s success (Berraies and El Abidine,
2019). Thus, the concept of leadership is vital and important for a firm as it lead to a happy and
contented workforce who tend to feel appreciated as well as involved in the set journey of the
company. Apart from this, it has been also analysed that the application of concept and theories
of leadership are more likely to keep the employees motivated and directed towards the business
goal and also tend to keep the employees more loyal towards the business that whilst achieving
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productivity. Thus, an analysis can be made out that the concept of leadership is vital to boost the
morale of employees which enhance their job satisfaction level and makes them more loyal and
commitment towards firm which mitigate the issue of high employees turnover by the way of
retention and attraction of talented employees for a longer period of time.
Improved productivity of the firm- The one of the vital need and importance of concept
and theories of leadership can be analyse from the fact that it lead to improvement in the
productivity level of a firm by the way of creating a more effective teams and skilled workforce
which drive better success. An analysis can be made out that the concept of leadership plays a
vital role in influencing and directing the skills and efforts of employees towards
accomplishment of a common a goal and set a better coordination and collaboration among
employees that lead significant effect in improving the overall productivity of the firm (Bligh,
Kohles and Yan, 2018).
Enhanced competitive strength- One of the key aspect of concept of leadership comprises
of leading high retention rates along with improving the loyalty and happiness level of
employees. Thus, a vital and important part is played by leadership in attracting and retaining the
most talented and skilled employees which lays a vital role in providing more exclusive and
creative form of services that are taken as vital and important to have enhancement in the
competitive strength of a firm. Thus, an analysis can be made out that the concept and theories of
leadership maintain a positive workplace environment and effective relationship with employees
which attract and retain more competent and talented employees that have a positive impact on
enhance the competitive strength of a firm by the improved motivation and performance level of
employees (Chang and Teng, 2017).
To determine the role of leadership in enhancing the performance of employees within the
Conrad London St. James Hotel.
As per the information provided by Kemal Surji, 2014, it has been analysed that the today
every organisation needs an effective and strong leadership for dealing with the various factors
organisation which comprises of employee performance and satisfaction level along with
positive workplace environment by the way of proper achievement rewards. Further, it has been
analysed that the leadership plays a vital and optimistic impact on the performance level of
employees by the way of shaping their skills and talents along with effectively motivating and
guiding them for transforming potential into reality for better accomplishment of set targets and
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objectives. The main factors and concepts that is reflecting a significant and positive role of
leadership in enhancing the performance of employees within the Conrad London St. James
Hotel are discussed and evaluated below:
Setting and implementation of clear vision and values- Leadership plays a vital role in
setting a clear vision and values on the basis of organisational culture and its targets. Leadership
helps in setting out a vision and target that is beneficial for both organisation as well as also
meets the interest and preference level of employees. Apart from this, leading out a clear vision
that set a balance between organisational needs and personal interest of employees is also a
positive role of leadership which keeps employees motivated and directed towards the better
accomplishment and achievement of the goals (Gallardo, 2019). Thus, through setting out a clear
vision and value along with its effective implementation that meets the needs of both employees
and organisation is an optimistic role of leadership which lead to improve employee’s
performance by the way of enhancing there morale which also boost there performance.
Ensures effective communication- The another most vital and positive role of leadership
comprises of setting out and leading effective communication at workplace. Leadership makes
sure and ensures that an important message should be properly communicated with both its
executives and sub-ordinates to keep a balance and proper flow of information. Thus, leadership
acts a bridge between top authority and employees which plays a vital role in conveying regular
messages and important information which reduces the chances of all kind of chaos and
confusion. Apart from this, proper guidance and directions are also provided by the leadership
through setting an effective communication and regular feedback from employees are also taken
by leaders to make them feel more comfortable and motivated at workplace (Kim and et. al.,
2018). Thus, leadership ensures better flow of information and also mitigates and reduces the
chances of chaos and confusion at place of work along with improved integration with
employees which plays a significant role in enhancing and improving the skills of employees.
Maintaining integrity and effective employee’s relationship- The concept of integrity is
mainly related and associated with the treating everyone in an equitable manner along with
retaining the honesty and encouraging team by the means of being honest. Leadership supports
and aims at maintaining and effectively restoring the quality of integrity among its subordinates
and colleagues which ensures and leads to positive workplace environment. Apart from this,
leadership is also important to entail and lead out an open and more engaging relationship with
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the employees by the way of effective integration and connection which sets out an improved
level of coordination and collaboration in teams and various activities that have a positive impact
on the overall performance and efficiency level of employees. Thus, an analysis can be made out
that leadership leads to enhanced level of integrity at workplace which boost loyalty and
commitment level of employees along with an engaging workplace relationship which have a
significant role in improving the overall performance of the employees (Koo and Park, 2018).
To identify some more effective leadership style and practises that ensures higher performance
and motivation level in employees of Conrad London St. James Hotel.
With respect to the information provided by Lis, A. and Cegliński, P., 2017, there are many
effective leadership styles and practises that can be adopted by a firm to have and ensures higher
performance and motivation level in employees. The set of effective leadership styles comprises
of democratic leadership style, transformational leadership style, transactional leadership style
and many more that have their own advantages and disadvantages which ensures and leads to
higher performance and motivation level. The democratic form of leadership is associated with
providing proper involvement of all employees and subordinates in decision making process and
also in strategy formulation (Li and et. al., 2018). Thus, democratic leadership styles supports a
participative nature of management which boost the creativity and commitment level of
employees which have a positive impact on their overall performance and efficiency level. The
drawback of democratic leadership comprises of the fact that it leads to decentralisation of power
which causes delays in decision making. Beside this, transactional form of leadership style is
also a vital form of leadership style where use of both rewards and punishment is made by
leaders to promote efficiency and guide its employees for better performance. The main positive
aspect of transactional leadership style comprises of the fact that it effectively motivates team
members for maximization of productivity through providing higher perks and incentives along
with threat of punishment which directs and motivates employees to have better performance and
higher level of efficiency. The drawback of transactional form of leadership comprises of the fact
that providing incentives and higher perks would lead to enhancement in the cost of the firm and
also leads to an incompetence leadership that is difficult to counter (Ling, Liu and Wu, 2017).
Beside this, another important leadership style consists of the transformational leadership
which form of a leadership style in which leader works in coordination with teams in order to
effectively identify needed change and also aim at creating a vision to guide the change through
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inspiration. Use of transformational form of leadership style is most suitable and appropriate for
a firm as it effectively support and encourage the higher level of motivation by the way of
focusing in positive development of subordinates. Apart from this, the transformational form of
leadership style also emphasis and focus on maintain moral standards within an organisation
which encourages and leads to more clear values, priorities and standards to ensure higher
performance and motivation level in employees (Luu, 2019).
Further, as per the information provided by Watkins, A.D., 2017, the main practises that
ensures higher performance and motivation level in employees consists of maintaining effective
communication along with ensuring and leading out regular training and development programs
for employees which boost and enhance their morale and motivation level. Implication of
effective communication keeps a check on flow of information and ensures proper bifurcation of
roles and responsibilities of all employees which reduces the chance of chaos and confusion thus,
improve the performance and efficiency level of employees. Beside this, providing regular
training and development programmes also enhance the performance and efficiency level of
employees by the way of continuously improving and sharing the skills and competencies of
employees along with motivating and directing them for better development and enhanced
growth opportunities (Pietsch and Tulowitzki, 2017).
Research Methodology
This forms out to be a vital part of every investigation that provides all required and needed
information about proposed form of research method and approaches which are applied and used
by a researcher to perform and carry out an investigation in more efficient and effective way. To
have proper selection of and implication of specific procedure and appropriate research method
to ensure selection and proper analysis of information utilisation of research onion model is
made (Sethibe and Steyn, 2017). The research onion model is developed by Saunders which aim
at describing the all stages and phases through which a researcher needs to pass for effective
development of a research methodology. The description about the various layers of research
onion along with proper justification and reason for selection of appropriate research method and
approach is provided as follows:
Research philosophy- It forms out a vital part of research method that presents and provides
information about the belief according to which the data about a selected topic and phenomenon
should needs to be gathered, analysed and used by a researcher. There are four main firms of
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beliefs that could be applied by a researcher for conducting an investigation which consists of
positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism and realism. From these four types of research
philosophy, one most suitable and appropriate philosophy is selected and used by a researcher as
per the nature of phenomena and study. With respect to current investigation on the Conrad
London St. James Hotel which is related with analysing the role of leadership on performance of
employees, application and utilisation of positivism form of research philosophy is seemed most
appropriate (Sethibe, 2018). The main reason and justification behind selection of positivism
form of research philosophy is based on the evidence that it supports and brings out a more
systematic belief and practical nature of investigation to have better and efficient
accomplishment of set objectives. Further, selection of positivisms philosophy is also vital and
suitable for current investigation as it provided all required information in factual form based on
some conclusive measurements thus, provide a more specific and trustworthy set of results.
Research approach- This forms out to be the second layer of research onion model which
emphasis and focuses on the plans and broad procedure that are allied for a research along with
considering the broad assumptions associated with collection of data along with its analysis and
interpretation. Basically there are two main forms of research approach comprises of deductive
and inductive approach from which the deductive form of research approach is mainly applied
along with positivistic philosophy where as inductive approach is seemed to be used in parallel
with interpretivism philosophy. Thus, with respect to current investigation lead out on Conrad
London St. James Hotel, utilisation of deductive approach is seemed more suitable and
appropriate as it involves beginning of a theory and ensures collection and analysis of data that is
align with positivistic form of research philosophy. Apart from this, selection of deductive form
of approach is also suitable and justifiable for current study as it ensures better testing and
scanning of factual and numeric data (Uen and et. al., 2018).
Research strategy- This part of research methodology provides information about the
overall plan that is applied by a researcher fir conducting a study. Thus, research strategy forms a
crucial role in an investigation which facilitates and provides a base and entire framework for an
investigation. There are many forms and types of research strategy which are provided and
presented by research onion model which consists of action research, experimental research,
interviews, surveys, case study research, observation and many more. Out of these forms and set
of research strategy, use and implication of survey strategy seemed most appropriate and
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