Leadership Integration Project Deliverable 1 Report - University Name

This report, a deliverable for a Leadership Integration Project, analyzes leadership attributes and qualities within Unilever, a global consumer goods company. It examines the company's background, its strategies for maintaining a competitive advantage, and the importance of effective leadership in navigating the current business environment. The report explores various leadership theories, including transformational servant leadership, value-based leadership, and ethical leadership, and how these theories apply to Unilever's operations. It delves into essential leadership skills such as cognitive, strategic, business, and interpersonal skills, highlighting the significance of transformational leadership and high-order thinking. The analysis includes a review of literature, case illustrations, and a focus on the relationships and collaboration among employees. The report also discusses the dimensions of leadership, including the use of focus groups, and concludes with a synthetic summary and implications for personal action, offering insights into how leadership competencies impact organizational performance.

Running head: LEADERSHIP INTEGRATION PROJECT DELIVERABLE
Leadership Integration Project Deliverable
Name of Student
Name of University
Author Note

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LEADERSHIP INTEGRATION PROJECT DELIVERABLE
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Background of the organisation.................................................................................................2
Case illustration..........................................................................................................................3
Literature review........................................................................................................................3
Application of theories related to leadership..........................................................................4
Leadership skills.....................................................................................................................6
Transformational leadership...................................................................................................6
High ordered thinking and analysis........................................................................................7
Analysis of dimensions..............................................................................................................8
Creating a synthetic summary....................................................................................................8
Implications of personal action................................................................................................11
Personal action plan.................................................................................................................12
Conclusion................................................................................................................................12
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................14

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LEADERSHIP INTEGRATION PROJECT DELIVERABLE
Introduction
For an organisation to succeed it is necessary that leadership skills within a group
contribute to the success that include creativity and undertaking of challenging activities
(Fairhurst & Connaughton, 2014). Hence, based on the issues and facts it is necessary that
operations within an organisation be strategically analysed so that proper leadership can take
place. The research helps in defining the leadership attributes and qualities that are distinct
while understanding the strategies undertaken by an organisation. Therefore, a smooth and
competitive advantge can be provided so that success in the business can be guaranteed. For
the purpose of the research, issues in Unilever are analysed and recommended strategies to be
used by the company is provided. The relationship and collaboration that exists between the
employees and the employers are analysed in the report.
Background of the organisation
Unilever is a Dutch company that manufactures retail food and drinks to customers
around the world. One of the uniqueness of the Dutch branch of Unilever reveals the
outcomes that can be achieved taking into consideration the competitive threat that the
company faces in the business market. Products of the company are divided as per the needs
of the customers and based on the division of the products Unilever can control the growth of
excess competition in the market. The revenue of the company has been constantly on the
increase and in 2017; the revenue was US$62.22 billion (Unilever.com, 2018). This suggests
that the company have improvement opportunities and takes care of the demands made by the
customers.
The product line of the company reveals two strategies that counteract the immense
competition that exists in the market and the strategies that are undertaken by the company to

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solve it (Unilever.com, 2018). The threats of the market can be in the form of external as well
as internal competitors. In order to ensure that Unilever maintains its competitive advantage
in the market, the company undertakes strategies related to niche marketing, acquisition as
well as merger. At the same time, the internal expertise of the company in the form of
maintaining leadership can help it to create a workable business environment (Unilever.com,
2018).
Case illustration
It is important to note that the emerging trends in the current business world require
managers to possess exceptional leadership skills. The leadership skills need to be applied in
every position in an organisation so that it can manage the departments and ensure that the
work in every department is done in a smooth manner. As stated by Bolman and Deal (2017),
the method that is needed to build a competent individual or team is crucial for the success of
a team. The development of a leadership skill is required for the smooth operation of business
and its expansion in the international circuit.
Therefore, in a company like Unilever the leadership competency that needs to be
undertaken promotes the application of leadership skills and knowledge. Designing and
competing in a business market require effective leadership skills in business so that a higher
order of competency can be applied in a practical manner (Northouse, 2018). The skill-based
approach can help Unilever to focus on the integration as well as provide a practise in
leadership. Unilever is currently in the process of dealing with plastic beads that cause a great
deal of hamper in the Australian environment.

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Literature review
The literature review provides an analysis of the various sources that are present for
the effective completion of a research. Empirical evidence is obtained from the analysis of
the literature review so that support can be received from the various hypothesis and thesis
related to research. In order to understand the relationship and collaboration issues that exist
in Unilever, it is necessary that main source of research rests on the application of leadership
theories in the market.
Application of theories related to leadership
Transformational servant leadership: With the application of transformational
servant leadership, new possibilities can be gained that can help in the elevation of
performance and help in fulfilling the individual needs of the employees as well as that of the
organisation. At the same time, as stated by Heifetz and Linsky (2017), transformational
leaders try to align the objectives and goals of an organisation so that individual be it as
leaders, groups or larger organisations can work towards developing proper success for
organisations. The effort towards innovation and creativity help in the realisation of a shared
vision and goal for organisations.
Value-based leadership: According to Champy (2018), value-based leadership is
considered as a leadership quality that can stay focused and true to the vision of the
individual. This means that every member in the organisation needs to lead one another by
staying true to the beliefs so that fundamental values within the organisations can be
maintained. The fundamental value of the people does not sway and it is necessary that the
principles of the leadership do not vary. The style of leadership may change based on the
strategies that are adopted along with the tactics and approaches.

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Leadership Ethics: Ethics take into account the desirable values and morals that an
individual or society need to follow. Ethics deal with the purity of the individuals and the
manner in which the intention of the people can be curved while working in an organisation.
According to Renz (2016), ethical leadership can be considered as a guideline towards
analysing the good and bad behaviours that determine the specific scenario. It is necessary to
correlate ethics with leadership to ensure that specific scenarios are adopted for considering
the role and identity of the leaders.
Therefore, skills related to the formation of effective leadership can be undertaken to
understand the growth of leaders in the business. These skills are special in considering the
main factors that influence the accomplishment of organisations and the manner in which it
can achieve its goals and objectives.
Team Leadership: According to Covin and Slevin (2017), team leaders are
considered as people responsible for the success of a team by providing proper guidance and
provisions. The duty of the team leaders is to motivate the employees and provide
instructions regarding the manner in which a person needs to build its operations. A group of
individuals that consist of a team take into account the specific results and responsibilities
that help an organisation to grow and succeed. The aim is to attain the organisational goals
and align with the success of the teams.
Relationships and Collaboration: According to Daft (2014), it is important for
organisation to maintain proper relationship with every employee and collaborate with them
during team projects. In the same manner, it is important that these relationships be
developed by the virtue of trust between the two parties. Hence, it can be said that it is the
duty of the leaders to nurture the working environment in such a way that it provides an
opportunity of interaction and develop personal relationship between employees.

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Cooperation between team members are important for the development of
organisational success and at the same time ensure that team members understand the
strengths and weakness of one another (Lussier & Achua, 2015). Hence, the full potential of
the team members can be unleashed so that the best area of expertise can be exposed in the
organisation. Therefore, competency related to the leadership technique can be related to the
establishment of relationship and cooperation among the team members.
Leadership skills
Klenke (2016) is of the opinion that leadership skills can vary depending upon the
type of organisation and the workability of the employees. Different skills are required for
different leadership purposes so that every department in the organisations are provided with
various leadership skills for motivating purpose. Therefore, further research can be
undertaken so that variation within different organisational level can be maintained. The
concept of leadership skills can be tested empirically by adapting different skills for varied
purposes in different departments. Therefore, leadership skills can be divided into four strata
for the success of the organisations. The four strata by which leadership skills can be
analysed include the cognitive, strategic, business and interpersonal skills.
As observed by Sanders (2017) use of the intellect can help in the development of
qualities that assist in gaining wisdom in the organisations. Hence, new problems can be
resolved by the application of models and strategies required for the success of business. At
the same time, it has been stated that hypothesis regarding the business acquisitions and
strategy skills can help in emerging at the higher levels in an organisation. Wagner (2016)
stated that development and improvement of leadership qualities and skills could help in
building relationship with the employees.

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Transformational leadership
In order to determine the effects of transformational leadership, Cashman (2017) had
made research on more than four hundred organisations. This is mainly because the
organisational structure, culture and the manner in which employees work vary across
different organisations. Therefore, the research undertaken has helped in determining the
effectiveness of transformational leadership and understands the number of organisations that
are indulged in the application of the leadership style. As observed by Rosenbach (2018)
transformational leadership helps in the development of organisational capability and
establishes relationship with market differentiation so that innovation and low cost strategies
can be undertaken to enhance the performance of the companies.
As stated by Beck and Cowan (2014) leadership competencies may have a significant
impact on the operations of an organisation and the at same time help in the development of
competitive strategy. This is mainly because without effective leadership it can be difficult
for any organisation and team to continue its progress in the competitive market.
Organisational performance can help in improving the identification and development of
critical competencies in an organisation.
High ordered thinking and analysis
Rosenbach (2018) is of the opinion that high ordering thinking is a positive sign for
the success of an organisation. Without proper thinking and analysis, it can be difficult for
organisations to continue with the progress of gaining competitive advantage in the market.
At the same time, process can be reviewed for identifying the high potential leaders so that in
future development of the people can take place. Therefore, a futuristic view of the condition
of the organisation can be considered as a point of analysis for an organisation.

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The level of use of competencies in the market can be determined by the level of high
order thinking in the organisations. The rating of potentials was common and based on the
commonality that exists in the organisations leadership potential can be determined.
Northouse (2017) observed that the determination of high potential and statement for the
success of process is important for maintaining relationship with the employees. Equity needs
to be maintained so that leaders provide an accurate sense of justice towards the employees.
Therefore, a competency approach need to be adopted and identified so that high potential
can be reached that can lead for a well-perceived development.
Analysis of dimensions
Focus group can be used for forecasting the change in the management and leadership
styles that is adopted in Unilever. Observation made by the researcher about the activities that
are used in the organisation for determining the level of leadership competency. This can help
in making improvement in the organisation so that proper marketing can take place. Research
techniques based on the actions were conducted so that the improvement of the employees
can be undertaken.
Creating a synthetic summary
The section presents the main arguments that are related to the concept of leadership.
As such, a synthetic summary can be presented that highlights the manner in which data
obtained from various sources can be used to mitigate any doubts and form a proper
conclusion while trying to solve a problem. The focus is on Unilever, and the leadership issue
that is faced by the organisation.
One of the criteria by which the synthetic summary is based is the application and
contribution of team leaders. It has been seen from the analysis of the literature review that

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the leadership competencies required for building a proper team is the support from the team
leaders. Without proper support from the team leader, it can be difficult for any team to
participate in projects and become successful.
It has been seen that various factors contribute heavily towards the success of an
organisation (Avolio et al., 2017). Factors such as competency of the team leaders, skills and
knowledge of the employees and the competency of the organisation as a whole play an
important role for the success of an organisation. In the case of Unilever, the accomplishment
of the projects undertaken by the company is one of the factors that contribute to its success.
A successful project can be accomplished by relying on the management and the
contribution made by the team leaders. Therefore, the support of the team leaders is the main
reason for the existence of high performing team in organisations like Unilever. The
leadership capabilities that are required for managing and leading high performance teams are
analysed by the application of the literary scholars available.
Different values and motives play an important role for the success of an organisation.
For team leaders in Unilever achieving high performance require the analysis of cultural
backgrounds so that the composition of a team can be determined. This can help in the
delegation of work particularly if the demand requires communication with people of the
same cultural background. In the case of the leadership issue faced by Unilever on the
account of use of plastic beads project managers and team leaders, need to ensure that
culturally accepted performance can help creating more success for the organisation.
Boezeman and Ellemers (2014) are of the opinion that leadership styles remain
consistent with the type of culture in the nationality. The cultural backgrounds of the
leadership capability can be attributed to the capabilities that exist in the market. At the same
time, based on the cultural differences, the leadership style may vary. For example, in the

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case of Unilever the employee working in the United Kingdom receives a more lenient
treatment from the leaders than in the United States. Therefore, the expectations of the
employees vary across the different protocols in the market. Therefore, it can be said that
application of directive leadership style can help in bringing about improvement of
employees as well as staffs.
Another analytical dimension is an increased collaboration level can help in the
development of teams as well as the organisation in general. Hence, the evidence received
about this literary source is mainly from the notion that transparency and openness are two
aspects that help in the development of work ethics. Respect and helpful attitude towards one
another is another important aspect that can be formed with the effective application of multi
team and leaders.
Thus, Unilever can collaborate on the application of the multi team facility and ensure
that comprehension between the leaders as well as the employees of the respective team is
carried out with the purpose of organisational success. Hence, organisational goals can be
carried out with the proper implementation of the multi leadership style.
As stated by Jaques (2017) communication is the fourth aspect that needs to be
considered by the leaders for the success of an organisation. This is mainly because effective
communication system can help in the development of a proper relationship with the
employees and at the same time ensures that effective leadership skills are displayed in the
organisation. The manner in which leaders can transfer important news about the team and
the policies of the organisation can be done by the use of effective communication system.
Some of the manners by which such communication can take place include the use of verbal
and non-verbal communication.

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Providing training to employees based on the employee training and communication
skill may enhance the growth of organisational success. The effective manner in which the
team leadership can be involved provides an ability to communicate in a subtle manner in the
organisation. As stated by Ford and Harding (2018) effective team leadership can help in the
development of Unilever and at the same time ensure that stakeholders provide proper
analysis of the style of leadership adopted in the market. The different department in Unilever
possess different leadership styles and based on the styles the competency of the organisation
is developed. Therefore, it is essential that the manager appoint a competent team leader so
that it can provide able support in the progress of the organisation.
Implications of personal action
My personal action is that I am passionate about conducting experiments with the
manner in which I develop my learning style. In my opinion team, building is required for the
successful application of resources and at the same time gaining the necessary attention in the
organisation. At the same time, I believe that it is a complicated process and involves gaining
the attention of the people in a more precise manner. My experiment with different leadership
style can help me to develop my personality as well as led me to discover the various
manners by which a proper team can be build.
The different abilities possessed by the team members need to be managed in a
manner that provides me with an opportunity to progress. In return, I expect the entre support
from the team members so that it can deliver the best productivity in the case of being
compared with other teams. Hence, I need to formulate plans so that I can execute them based
on the success I receive. Therefore, I need to convince my team members to work towards the
development of organisational goals.