Leadership and Management: Operations and Performance at Booker Group

This report delves into the realms of leadership and management within the context of Booker Group, a prominent wholesale food operator in the UK. It commences with an introduction to management operations, emphasizing its role in achieving predetermined goals. The report then explores the distinct roles and characteristics of leaders and managers within Booker Group, highlighting how they apply their functions in diverse situations, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making. It also examines several leadership theories and models, including situational, contingency, and system leadership theories, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. The report further differentiates between the roles of leaders and managers by applying various theories and concepts. Finally, it provides a critical evaluation of operational management and factors impacting the wider business environment, emphasizing the importance of operational strategies in achieving business objectives and improving efficiencies within Booker Group.

Management And Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
A. Different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers..................................................4
B. How the role of leader and function of manager is applied in different situations ...............5
C. Theories and models of leadership approach.........................................................................6
D. Difference between role of leader and function of manager by applying theories and
concepts.......................................................................................................................................6
E. Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to situations............................................7
F. Critical analysis of different theories and approaches to leadership.......................................8
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................9
A. Key approaches to operation management and role that leaders and managers play............9
B. Importance and value of operation management in achieving business objectives.............10
C. Factors within business environment which impacts operational management and decision-
making by leaders and managers..............................................................................................10
D. How leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management..............11
E. How leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management..............12
F. Critical evaluation of operational management and factors impacting wider business
environment...............................................................................................................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Management operations is a appropriate way which helps in attaining the predetermined
goals and objectives. Operations along with the management both are the business activities
which includes planning as well as monitoring of all the functions which are performed in the
business entity. Management operations is a process which helps in planning, organising,
staffing, controlling and coordinating etc. Along with this it assist in increasing the productivity
and proficiency (Ale and et. al., 2010). This process starts from ordering the raw material to the
supplier and then they have to convert it into the finished products. And finally this finished
goods is purchased by the end users and on the basis of that company reap the maximum revenue
which succour in attaining the leading position in the competitive market. The manager of the
business organisation should have to provide the best product according to the capability of
enterprise. The present report is based on operational company which is Booker Group.
Company is a largest food operator which offer the branded and private level goods to the
consumers. In the below mentioned report discussion upon the importance of the leaders and
managers (Importance Of Operations Management, 2017). Along with this the theories which
can be used by the leaders so that they can do the proper leadership.
TASK 1
A. Different roles and characteristics of leaders and managers
Booker Group is a largest wholesale food operator in UK which provide the different
and branded products to the consumers so that they can attain the success as well as maximum
profits. Managers and leaders are the person who are responsible for doing the appropriate
activities which helps in obtaining the targets. In the business entity, managers are the person
who tell and give the instructions that what they have to do. Along with this leaders are those
person who take the responsibility to do the work and provide the motivation as well as
encouragement to do the work in a well manner (Anghileri and et. al., 2012). There are different
roles of leaders and managers in Booker Group.
 Leaders facilitate all the decisions which are taken by the higher authorities so that they
can improve the performance. On the other side, managers are the person who take the
correct decision for the betterment of the Booker group.

 Leaders have to take more risk so that they can attain the success as well as enhance the
growth. Where as managers are the person who do not take the risk when they are setting
the targets for the leaders and also for the Booker Group.
 Leaders have to follow and make the appropriate team and set the targets for their team
members. And these targets have to achieve in a decided time for that leader have to
provide the motivation to them so that they can improve their performance. On the other
hand, for resolving the issues or the problems, managers of Booker Group have to
evaluate the plans (Baboli and et. al., 2014).
 Leaders have to follow people oriented strategy for implementing the plans. Along with
this leaders having the responsibility to resolve the issue which arise between the staff
members. Where as managers concentrate on the structure of organisation so that they
can accomplish the targets on time. Managers does not having the responsibility to solve
the issues which arise between the staff members of Booker Group.
B. How the role of leader and function of manager is applied in different situations
In the business entity, roles of leaders as well as managers applied in the different
situations so that they can reap the targets of the company which are pre decided by the higher
authorities of Booker Group. It helps in improving the productivity in the efficient manner. Some
situations are:
Problem solving – When in Booker group conflict arises among the employees while
doing work then it is the responsibility of the leader that they have to resolve the problem in a
proper time (Bahn, 2013). If the problems easily resolved then company can attain the goals
and objectives. Along with this it helps ion increasing the knowledge of the workers to do the
best work.
Conflict resolution – In every company, conflict occur in doing the work and also in
providing the best services to the consumers. It is the responsibility of the manager as well as
leader so that they can resolve the issues in the efficient manner. The manager of Booker Group
have to provide the appropriate solutions to the disputing parties.
Team Building – The manager of the business entity allot the task to the employees of the
company. The manager have to manage all the activities. Leaders are the person who allot the
work to their team members and provide the motivation to them so that they can attain the goals
and objectives (Chen and et. al., 2011).

Decision making – Leaders and managers are those person both are involved ion making
the correct decision in resolving the problems as well as for the betterment of the business entity.
They helps in attaining the goals and objectives (Cloudt and Willems, 2011).
C. Theories and models of leadership approach
There are different theories as well as models which can be used by the leaders to do the
appropriate leadership which helps in attaining the goals and objectives. Along with this it helps
in improving the efficiency as well as improvement in the performance.
Situational leadership theory – This theory help the leader in doing the leadership. It
refers to that there is no single way which assist the leaders to lead in the competitive market.
The leaders of Booker group have to find the various as well as different ways which helps in
meeting the needs of the consumers in the different situations (Cruz and Marques, 2011) .
Leaders have to use the different approaches which succour in identifying the different styles so
that they can do the appropriate leadership. It helps in improving the knowledge, skills so that
they can do best work and by that they can improve the performance as well as productivity in
the competitive market.
Contingency leadership theory – In this theory, consequences can not be predicted but its
results are possible to occur. If the leaders of Booker Group works effectively and efficiently
then definitely results or outcomes occur and they are unpredictable. It helps in maintaining the
coordination as well as healthy relations between leaders and followers which helps in providing
the best services to the consumers.
System leadership theory – This theory is related with the management as well as
organisational development which helps in obtaining the success in the competitive market.
Leaders of Booker group helps in making the correct decisions according to the capability
(DeAnna and et. al., 2010). When the leaders of the business entity take any action then they
have to think about the overall structure of the firm when they are doing the implementation of
the decision.
D. Difference between role of leader and function of manager by applying theories and concepts
In the business entity, leaders have to apply the different approaches which helps in
improving the performance as well as helps in attaining the goals and objectives. Leaders as well
as managers of Booker Group play a essential along with the critical role to analyse the

performance of the employees and firm. Some theories and models which are used by the
manager along with the leader of Booker group (DeAnna and et. al., 2010).
Role of leader by applying theory Functions of manager by applying theory
Trait theory – this theory based on the
characteristics of leaders. Along with this it
helps in predicting the effectiveness of
leadership. The organisation have to conduct
the research so that they can find the core traits
of the successful leaders. The core traits have
to identify the high level of their efforts as well
as they have to remain honest to their work
(Diabat and Govindan, 2011).
Human relation theory – This theory helps the
managers in improving the performance. It
deals with the desires of the employees. Along
with this, this theory helps in maintaining the
relation between the manager as well as
employees so that they can do the appropriate
development. It helps in providing the best and
high quality services to the consumers.
Behavioural theory – This helps in focusing on
the study of the specific behaviour of the
leaders of Booker Group. In this theory there
are two type of leaders which includes that one
is focus on the task and the other one is focus
on the people which helps in increasing the
performance.
Chaos theory – This theory helps in focusing
on the behaviour of the employees which is
dynamic in nature. In Booker Group, the
leaders have to analyse and examining the
feedback by receiving from them on the
regular interval of time (Expósito and et. al.,
2016).
E. Strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to situations
There are different approaches which are used by the leaders of Booker Group in the
distinct situations. These approaches having strength and weaknesses:
Situational leadership theory
Strength:
 This theory is used by the trained leaders who are working in the different situation.
 This theory is practical in nature which helps in understanding. Along with this it can be
applied in the different context of the situations (Hao, 2010).
Weaknesses:

 This leadership theory fails in understanding that how the leaders can deal with the
different situations as well as demographic characteristics as it influence the objectives of
Booker group.
 This theory is related with the studies which are doing by the proper research which assist
in justifying the assumptions as well as propositions of the theoretical basis.
Contingency leadership theory
Strength:
 This theory helps the leaders in understanding the scope of leadership and also it can be
considered as the impact of the situations on the leaders (Heizer and Barry, 2013).
 By using this theory, leaders collect the data which helps in doing the developments as
well as growth of Booker group. Along with this it helps in developing the leadership
profiles.
Weaknesses:
 This theory does not valid in all type of organisation.
 It does not explain clearly that what have to do between the different leaders at business
entity.
System leadership theory
Strength:
 This theory assist in dealing with the complexity so that they can provide the best product
as well as services to the consumers.
 Leaders have to allocate the proper task as well as resources so that every individual
person can understand their roles (Kumar, R. and Chandrakar, 2012).
Weaknesses:
 In this theory, any specification is not given that which type of tools and techniques are
used by the leaders along with the managers.
 In some situation, it is very difficult to apply this theory.
F. Critical analysis of different theories and approaches to leadership
In the business organisation, the leaders of food industry are using the different
approaches as well as theories which helps in doing the leadership. In every situation which are
occurred in the business entity the leaders of Booker group have to perform their duties in a
appropriate and proper manner which helps in achieving their goals and objectives. There are

some theories which can be applied by the leaders are situation, contingency as well as system
theories (Lisi, 2010).
System theory is related with the overall structure of the business entity in which leaders
have to fulfil their responsibilities. Along with this they have to do proper functions so that they
can provide the best products to their consumers.
Situation theory helps in improving the knowledge, capabilities as well as belief and
attitude of leaders according to the situation which helps in improving the performance of the
Booker group which succour in providing the services to consumers.
Contingency theory having different approaches and they are reliable but they are using
by the leaders in different ways so that they can lead the business objectives.
It can be critically analyse that all the approaches used by the leaders they are beneficial
for the business entity. In system theory leaders are ready to do the best work in any type of
situation so that they can provide the best services to the consumers (Luna and Bott, 2012). If the
leaders perform, their role in a proper manner it affect the business objectives which are set for a
specified time. Along with this it helps in increasing the performance of the employees as well as
Booker group.
TASK 2
A. Key approaches to operation management and role that leaders and managers play
Operation management have to involve the responsibilities of the leaders as well as
managers so that they can perform well in the business entity. They have to proper operations
and also in the efficient manner which helps in meeting the requirements of the consumers at a
high standards. There are different key approaches which helps in doing the operation
management and also assist in improving the efficiency of the quality (Mohammadi and et. al.,
2013). They are:
Dynamic approach: This approach helps in managers and leaders in analysing the operation
management of Booker group. It includes the different elements like knowledge, problem
solving, learning as well as contingencies. The employees have to use upgraded and innovative
technology which helps in providing the best services to consumers. The role of leaders and
manager is essential and they are required at every level. Manager manage all the activities in
Booker group where as leaders have to coordinate with the managers so that they can perform

their task in a appropriate manner and attain the success (Mohammadi, Soleymani and Mozafari,
2014).
System approach: This approach is used by the leaders and managers which helps in collecting
the interrelated part which helps in achieving the goals and objectives. They have to provide the
training and development so that they can improve their knowledge and skills and do the work in
a systematic way. They have to provide better environment to the employees which succour in
providing the best and qualitative services to the consumers and achieve the targets (Nakayama
and Bucks, 2012). The leaders of Booker group have to put more efforts. Along with this they
have to provide the motivation so that they can do best work. On the other side, managers have
to analyse the cost so that they can improve the efficiency and earn maximum profit in the
competitive market.
B. Importance and value of operation management in achieving business objectives
Importance of operation management in achieving business objectives – Operation
management helps in doing the proper designing as well as controlling in the process of the
production and redesigning of the business operations which helps in attaining the goals and
objectives. They have to provide the better quality products and services so that they improve
their profitability. The managers and leaders of Booker group have to use appropriate resources
which helps in creating the innovative products and by that they can attain the success (Neck and
Manz, 2010). The leaders and managers have to develop and maintain speed, cost and quality
which succour in satisfying the demands of the consumer which helps in attaining the goals and
objectives. It helps in maximising the products and services.
Value of operation management in achieving business objectives – The staff members of
Booker group have to do the proper operation management which helps in attaining the goals
and objectives. They have to attain the value of the function which is operational which includes
the task of obtaining the input which is required so that they can reduce the cost of the product.
They have to add the value of the cost leadership so that they can attain the success. It helps in
attaining the effectiveness which helps in obtaining the differentiation as against from the other
rivalry in the industry and by that they can increase the sales and attain the maximum profits
(Pinkerton, 2011).

C. Factors within business environment which impacts operational management and decision-
making by leaders and managers
For sustaining in the market there are different factors which affect the objectives of the
organisation. The manager of Booker group have to provide a formal structure in the
organisation which does not affect the decision making process of the leaders and managers.
Different factor are:
Market research – The manager and leader of Booker group have to do proper market research
which helps in identifying the needs and wants of the consumers. It helps in attaining the
maximum information so that they can develop or improve the products. If they are not
conducting the market research then they can affect the decision making process of the leaders
and managers (Salmon and et. al., 2011).
Competitions – This is also a another factor which affect the decision making process of the
manager and leaders. The staff members have to pay attention on the business rivalries as the
market are highly competitive. There are many competitors of the company and for attain the
success they have to make correct decision.
Social responsibility – It is the responsibility of the business entity that they have to fulfil the
needs and wants of the consumers. They have to provide the best and qualitative products which
helps in attaining the goals. The manager of Booker group have to do market research time to
time so that they can identify the needs and fulfil the desires.
Economic environment – This factor is related to the buying capacity of the consumers that at
which price they can purchase the product. The manager of the company have to set the price
according the income level of the consumers and which does not impact the decision making
process (Management & Operations, 2017).
D. How leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management
Operation management is the field of multi-disciplinary which provide the focus on the
different aspects of Booker group. Leaders and managers having their own roles and
responsibilities which they have to fulfil in an efficient manner so that they can achieved the
goals and objectives. The company have to provide the good and safe environment to the
employees which helps them in providing the best services. Some of the roles of the manager
and leader of Booker group are that they are providing the motivation to the employees, they
have to attain the feedback so that they can find out where improvements is necessary (Slack,

2015). Along with this they have to make correct decision and have to maintain the relationship
with the consumers. It is the responsibility of the leaders that they have to fulfil the requirements
of the consumer and have to resolve the conflicts which helps in attaining the goals and
objectives. They have to provide the motivation as well as positive environment so that they feel
comfortable which helps in attaining the success. Along with this they have to do the task in a
proper and efficient manner. The manager of Booker group have to provide the proper training
and development along with the guidance so that they can enhance their core competencies
which includes knowledge as well as experience. They have to offer and deliver the best and
qualitative products and services which helps in providing the best satisfaction to the consumers
which helps in improving the productivity as well as proficiency. They have to attain the
objectives in a proper manner. The manager of Booker group can include the workers of the
company in a process of decision making so that they can create a innovative ideas and by that
they can enhance the growth (Stoppato, 2012).
E. How leaders and managers can improve efficiencies of operational management
There are some factors which affect the business operation of Booker group. It is a way
which helps in performing the business activities so that they can attain the targets.
Political factor – The policies which are follow in Booker group made by the government
for the betterment which affect the performance of the business entity in the market. By
providing the best services company can maintain the stability and on the basis of that they
improve the performance and can maximise the profits and proficiency (Talk, 2016).
Economic factor – This factor is related to the interest rate as well as disposable income
of people. This factor affect the economic condition of the country which affect Booker group.
The price of the products and services which are produced by the employees of Booker group
affected by the income level of the consumer according to the taste along with the preferences
time to time. They have to follow appropriate pricing strategy which helps in maximising the
profits and by that they can retain the consumers for a longer period of time.
Social factor – This factor is based on the social needs of the people. The manager of
Booker group have to conduct the survey which helps in finding out the needs and wants of the
consumers (Wagner and Nvidia Corporation, 2010). They have to provide the best products
which helps in providing the satisfaction to the consumers.

Technological factor – The manager as well as leaders of Booker group have to use
upgraded and innovative technology in making the healthy products for their consumers which
helps in providing the maximum satisfaction to the consumers. They have to use new and
innovative ideas so that they can improve their productivity along with the proficiency (Wang,
2010).
F. Critical evaluation of operational management and factors impacting wider business
environment
Operation management is the area in which staff members of Booker group can do the
appropriate designing and the controlling in the process of doing the maximum production as
well as redesigning of the operations along with the business activities in doing the production
and manufacturing of goods and services. The employees have to provide qualitative work which
helps in attaining the goals and objectives (White, 2016). The employees have to use appropriate
methods as well as resources which are available in the company and they are used for
improving the quality of the products and services. It helps in meet out the expenses and
maximise the profits. According to different market conditions the manager of Booker group
have to set the objectives or targets in a appropriate manner which can be achieved in a dynamic
environment. The staff members of cited company have to identify the needs and desires of the
consumers and on the basis of that they have to provide the merchandise which helps in
attracting the large number of consumers and by that they can attain maximum profits (Wiering
and et. al., 2010). The employees have to use the appropriate resources which does not harm the
people along with the environment. The staff members of Booker group have to perform best in
the market by using then appropriate laws and regulations which are made by the government
which helps in managing the work and by that they can attain the success in the market at the
time of high competition. The leaders along with the managers of Booker group have to provide
the motivation time to time so that they can not face any problem or issue which helps in
attaining the targets. It will improve the proficiency, productivity of the company. The leaders
provide the motivation which improve the knowledge as well as skills of the employees which
helps in accomplishing the objectives (What is Operations Management?, 2017).