Unilever's Leadership Development: A Literature Review and Essay

This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and management, beginning with an introduction that defines the core concepts and highlights the differences between leadership and management. The main body delves into various leadership and management theories, including trait theory and transactional theory, comparing and contrasting their characteristics and applications. The essay uses the case of Unilever to evaluate leadership development programs, examining their effectiveness and implications. The discussion explores the strengths and weaknesses of each theory, offering insights into their practical applications. The essay concludes with recommendations for leadership development programs and a summary of key findings, providing a valuable resource for students studying leadership and management.

Literature Review and Essay
about leadership
management and various
leadership theories

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.............................................................................................................................3
Discuss leadership and management literature/theories........................................................3
Evaluate the leadership development programme.................................................................6
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................11
Books and Journals..............................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Today's environment is continuously changing where the methods adopted by
different individuals within the organizations are also developing and replacing with
innovative ideas. Leadership and management both concepts are also increasing and
developing continuously. Can be defined as an function or a scale of an individual which is
performed to guide the different individuals within the organization in a particular direction
by influencing their behavior as well as identifying their skills and abilities. Management can
be defined as an activity done by an individual where it arrange the different things which are
the resources of the organization in an appropriate manner where the objectives of firm can
be achieved by fuller utilization of resources as well as increase profitability and productivity
within the organization (Pihlainen, Kivinen and Lammintakanen, 2016). There are various
key differences between the leadership and the management which are, leadership guide the
individual behavior where management manage the behavior according to the. Leadership
always focus on future where management focus on the current times. Leadership is a process
where it developed the skills and abilities of individual for gaining the maximum competitive
advantage within the market where management is only focus on managing the resources for
getting the objective of the organization on particular time (Renz, 2016). In this given report
there will be identification of different literatures which will guide write about the concept of
leadership as well as management. Beginning of the reports consists of discussion about the
different literatures and theories of leadership and Management which are also include the
trade theory behavior theory charismatic theory transactional leadership transformational
leadership and many more. There is also discussion about the evaluation of the leadership
development programs which are used by the Unilever for developing leadership within the
organisation. The end of this report there is a conclusion with some recommendation about
leadership development programs as well as finding of leadership and Management.
MAIN BODY
Discuss leadership and management literature/theories
Difference between trait and transactional theory
According to finding made by(Parvin, A., 2019), Theory of leadership is essential for
business so that decision making is done in effective way. Without leadership, it is not

possible for organization to carry out their functions and operations in proper manner. Both
trait and transactional theory of leadership are adopted and are useful for the enterprise to
make decision so that goals and objectives are achieved appropriately. With help of these
theories, it guides and explain how and why the leaders are crucial important for an entity.
Trait theory is mostly based upon characteristics of person & accordingly they are able to
take decision regarding business & other process. These both are needed to be adopted by
firm so that it is easy to use resources and manpower in effective way. In relevance with
Unilever, they use theory of leadership after analyzing and conducting the proper market
research. This is essential so that authority and power is given in the right hand. Because an
effective leader delivers positive output in the organization. Moreover, it has been also seen
that with selection of correct leadership decision making also have positive impact on
business (Turnnidge, 2018).
Difference between trait & transactional theory
Trait theory Transactional theory
 It is based upon characteristics of
person and makes decision
according to the individual traits that
one possesses.
 This theory is flexible in nature and
allows followers enjoy the freedom
of expression.
 Trait theory was mostly used in
tradition time and is rarely followed
by the companies in this modern
world.
 With help of this, it is easy to give
authority to after examining
appropriate leader.
 In relation with Unilever, they do
not use this theory as they have a
perception it will give rise to
inequality.
 In this, main focus is on only on
 In this, focus is on reward and
punishment.
 In this, degree of freedom of
expression is low & also which
restricts them take active part in
leadership.
 This theory is mostly used now a day
so that work is being completed on
time (Ugwu, 2020).
 It is deliver more positive results than
trait theory.
 In context to chosen entity they use
this because it increases their
profitability and sales volume of
business at rapid scale.
 Through this, it is easy to motivate and
understand employee’s behaviour.
 Main focus is on employee,

leader and traits.
 On the basis of characteristics,
leaders are selected.
performance, result and leadership.
 On the basis of skills and knowledge,
leaders are being adopted.
Trait Theory of leadership:
Similarity
In the work of (Oplatka and Arar, 2017), There are many different types of leadership
theories that have been developed for the purpose of inserting leaders in all organization to
understand the importance of managing their subordinates and employees in the most
appropriate manner so that they are able to enhance the efficiency and contribution made by
search subordinate and team members in the most optimum manner. Each leadership theory
is assisting and helping in development of Strategies for the purpose of achievement of
certain specified objective (Fajkowska,. and Kreitler, 2018). Trait Theory of leadership is
having focus on identification of the different types of personality traits and the overall
characteristics that are having links with the successful leadership in different dynamics
situations. There are certain core traits that have been identified for the purpose of
understanding different types “employees and individuals that are part of any organization.
Thus, when using this traits decision making is to be done with correct measures &
appropriate sources.
According’s to findings made by (Huber, 2017), Such traits include achievement
drive: That is related with the high level of ambition in individuals, leadership motivation:
That is related with the intense Desire of leading others, honesty and integrity: It is related
with the openness and reliability of a individual, self-confidence: This is related with
individual having belief on their own abilities and ideas, cognitive ability that's is related with
the capable of exercising good judgment and possessing strong analytical abilities that is
usually present in individuals that are having high conceptual skills. Another is knowledge of
business: Discrete is mostly possessed by those individuals who are having high knowledge
in technical matters, apart from this emotional maturity is related with the psychological
disorders that are possessed by individuals. Trait theory is related with overall personality
trait of a individual (KumarSrivastava,. and Geethakumari, 2016). In Unilever, In case of trait
theory according to the different types of individuals and traits that they possess there

different decisions that are made by leaders. There are various strength as well as weaknesses
associated with the trait theory. One of the strength is it provide a detailed understanding and
knowledge of elements of leaders within the process of leadership. In addition to this, it is
consider as one of pleasing theory among all other theories of leadership and validated
foundation of many theories. The limitation of Trait theory is that there is no define traits as
per priority and importance for leads that sometimes leads to ineffective decision making that
has direct impact on the overall performance as well as productivity of an organization. the
factors associated with trait theory is associated with situational factors and in many
organizations, these are not needed to be an effective leader (Renz, 2016). If it is talking
about implications of theory that it can be applied at all the stages of organization whether it
is low level or top level. It is determine that higher authority’s uses this theory in order to
determine their position in company in order made it effective and stronger as well.
Furthermore, it is analysed that managers get an in-depth knowledge about of the factors that
impact on the company performance. It also helps higher authorities to aware of their
weaknesses and strength which in turn assist in developing leadership qualities effectively.
In accordance with (Hassi, 2019), The transactional theory, latest based on the
overall idea that is used by managers for providing employees in exchange for something that
they are willing (Matthews, 2018). It is having specific focus on the organization’s
performance and supervision of employees that is important part of the full range leadership
approach that is adopted by many different leaders in organization. Transactional theory is
somehow similar to the trait theory as in this also there is active management and passive
management two major techniques that are used by the leaders. In this scenario, the
transactional leaders are actively monitoring the work performed by the Subordinates
according to the different traits and capabilities that they possess work are assigned to team
members (Prentice, Jayawickremeand Fleeson, 2019). Process management is also a part of
the transactional leaders where intervene only when the adequate standard that have been
setup are not met. In Unilever, there is requirement to understand that there is complete
similarity between the trait Theory of leadership and the transactional theory as both theories
are based on the assumption that employees can be motivated by rewards or by punishments.
Apart from this there is always a situation where subordinates cannot be self-motivated but
they have to be closely man monitor so that work can be done by according to the
requirement set by leaders. This is used at larger level because of its specifications.

According to consideration made by (Fitch,and Van Brunt, 2016), There are various
assumptions of transactional theory that is staff members are motivated by punishment and
rewards. In addition to this, it is essential for subordinates to obey rules developed by higher
authorities and obey them in a proper manner. Moreover, it is determine that employees are
not self-motivated as they have to be closely controlled and monitored in order to get work in
an effective manner. If it is talking about implication of transactional leadership theory, it is
determine that it work well when the problem is clearly defined and simple as well. Along
with this, transactional leaders are seemed to be effective and their main focus is on to
decline cost and enhances productivity of an organization (Solomon, Costea and Nita, 2016).
Moreover, transactional leaders are action oriented and they develop an emotional bonds with
followers and employees as well due to which positive culture is maintained at workplace.
The theory mainly states that employees are working with full potential when they are
awarded by rewards, compensation and so on. Trait theory is responsive and works within the
organizational culture as well. It is analyzed that employees are motivated with their self-
interest and therefore it is essential for leaders to consider abilities, skills and interest area of
staff members before assigning task to them. From the discussion, it is determine that there
are various similarities win the trait and transactional theory of leadership as both can be
applied in order to improve efficiency and to achieve desired goals and objectives on time
period.
He also found that, after a brief analysis of above matter, it is analyzed that both the
theory of leadership are crucial for firm to achieve their objectives within a period of time. It
is duty of the manager to make ensures that theories are being used with proper consideration.
When selecting such leadership theory, it is to be analyzed which one is more profitable or
will help in achieving the final result. When using them, preventive measures are also need to
be adopted so that it is easier to face problems or errors if they occur in near future. Also,
examining from the above difference and similarities it is concluded that the chosen entity
adopts the transactional theory as it is beneficial for their business. Trait and transactional are
heterogeneous in nature and play their role accordingly. It is not easy to choose theory of
leaders as there are many alternatives of each.
Evaluate the leadership development programme
Discuss the importance of leadership training and development for organizations

In point of view of(Ellis, 2018), It is necessary for leader to provide effective training
session to its subordinates in order to increase their skill, knowledge as well as competence in
an effective manner. The training provided by leader aids assistance in understanding the role
of leader, the inclusion of work as well as task in order to become a good leader. In context of
Unilever, the leader focuses on providing effective training to its subordinates for performing
work in better manner. There is various significance of leadership training which is going to
be mentioned below:
Increase productivity: The significance of providing training related to leadership
that helps in boosting the productivity level during the period of time. In addition to this
emotional intelligence play an important role for success as well as growth of leader, It help
in increasing involvement of employees in taking effective decision which will be beneficial
for success as well as growth of Organisation in future period of time. In context of Unilever,
the leader focuses on providing effective training to its employees for gaining productivity in
future period of time.
Increase employee engagement: It is necessary for leader to take participation of
employee in taking effective decision which will be advantages for Organisation in future
period of time. In addition to this it is important for leader to give feedback to its employees
that is the important skill of successful leader. By providing leadership training in an
effective manner it helps in motivating employees that help in retaining them for a longer
period of time. In reference of Unilever, the leader give direction to its employees to perform
their work in better manner for increasing productivity as well as profitability in future period
of time (Fertig and James, 2016).
Implement effective leadership style: It is necessary for leader to choose most
appropriate style of leadership in order to perform their work in better manner they adopt
participative leadership style in order to give opportunity to the employees to take decision in
order to gain goal as well as objective within a given period of time. Therefore, the effective
decision helps in increasing productivity as well as performance level of Unilever in future
period of time. It creates positive atmosphere within business organisation.
Make better decision: The training provided by leader help in taking better decisions
which will be beneficial for organisation they also assess the competitive strategy in order to
make effective strategy with an organisation that help in taking better decisions and also it
helps in gaining competitive advantage of rival firm at marketplace. They provide effective

training session which is not copied by any other firm that helps them in providing better
services to its customer at affordable cost (Stanley, 2016).
Unilever Future Leaders Program
Unilever is a global multinational retail giant which is famous for manufacturing
various kind of products related to food, FMCG, cosmetics clothing and many more. Always
following a proper leadership program within the organization where it can manage its
resources as well as motivate its employees to work continuous development and increasing
the productivity and profitability by this.
Unilever future leader program: it is a program started by Unilever for promoting the
leadership within the organization the program is future leadership program which will
integrate the leaders within the organization this is a unique program and it is designed to
develop the Unilever future leaders by providing challenging and prosper full of opportunities
to all employees who are ready to take the business leadership roles. This program is
encompasses with rotation within the organization and across the different functions of the
organization where an individual can accelerate its learning by establishment of a proper
environment. This program there are various information are provided to the individual
which will help them in doing their formal training and professional development where they
can create their own journey through the experience, exploring their potentials and joining the
shape of their future. There are various departments where Unilever offer it services of
developing leadership program the department which it covers our customer development
department Finance Department human resources department information technology
department supply chain department Marketing department and R&D department (Swanwick
and McKimm, 2017).
Eligibility criteria: For joining the Unilever future for joining the Unilever future
leader program the eligibility criteria is that employee of the organization where it have to
clearly identify its area of interest as well as it must we are analytical thinkers with the driver
for getting things done and a real talented for delivering through others. There is also
requirement of a bachelor degree and strong academic record.
Program structure: the program is inbuilt of different rotations across the function in
an accelerated learning environment where it include the different level of support system
formal training and development inputs through the leadership connections within an person.

Individual can follow its own journey by the experience acceleration of their potential and
joining it to shape their future.
Trading method: this program is designed to develop the Unilever future leaders so
here organization use different type of training methods where they provide challenging and
purposeful task and opportunities to the individuals where they can increase their role within
the organization and develop the leadership qualities.
Benefits of leadership development program
Individual
According to research made by (Cherry and Jacob, 2016), There are various benefits of
leadership development program started by Unilever in the organization to the Employees
and individuals of firm. These benefits are mentioned below:
Help in shaping future: this leadership Development Plan will help the individuals
within the organization in shaping their future as they can now get information about the
leadership skills which will help them in guiding the others as well as themselves towards the
goals and objectives of the organization which increase their skills and abilities. Help them in
future when they have to perform difficult task then their ability will help them in performing
those type of task.
Provide different opportunity: leadership development program will help the
individuals in providing different opportunities where they can increase their skills for getting
the competitive advantage within the market. As ship Help them in staying motivated within
the organization while working on different task this will lead in arising future opportunities
(Whaley and Gillis, 2018).
Organization
According to the Research and Analysis of (Clark, 2017)It is founded that this program
started by Unilever will help Organization in many ways some of these are mentioned below.
Increase productivity: leadership development program started by Unilever will
directly help the organization Unilever in increasing the productivity within the organization.
Because of this program all employees will get equal chance to become a leader within the
organization which will help them in increasing their moral as well as motivation to word the

leadership development program at increased productivity within their work because of
increased motivation.
Profitability: this program is also helpful for Unilever because it will also impact on
the profitability of the organization this is bec, ause all employees will work in an appropriate
manner where there is chances of conflicts within the organization which will help
Organization in maintaining and reducing the wastage of resources which increase the
revenue as well as profit of the organization because of reduction in wastage of resources
because of conflicts.
Provide competitive advantage: program in also provide Unilever a competitive
advantage within the market because it is operating in highly competitive market where there
is less need of unskilled employees and because of this program Unilever can easily
employee a highly skilled employee within the organization who has also the quality of
leadership with them. Provide those type of candidate to the Unilever who are all-rounder in
their performance as well as easily Lead The Organization in the difficult situation which are
arise because of dynamic nature of business environment. All will provide competitive
advantage to Unilever within the market where it is trading.
Helpful in implementation of leadership style: there is one more benefit
development program started by Unilever is that it will help organization in choosing a
particular leadership style within the firm. this is because by the use of this program every
individual can easily understand about the concept of leadership and the theories and styles of
the leadership so it is easy for organization to choose a particular style of leadership where it
can motivate the employees to word the work and increase the productivity and profitability
by the performance within the organization.
Increase future leaders: this program will also help Unilever in developing the
future leaders as it started the program where it can easily develop the future leaders which
can easily lead the organization. This will also increase the chances of motivation within the
employees because they will get motivated for learning the leadership skills and can become
effective leaders in future.
Facilitate in decision making: this program will also help Unilever in smoothening
its decision making processes. This is because this program will develop leadership skills
within the individuals of the organization who cannot perform more effectively and can take

decisions on their own level. This will reduce the risk within the organization as well as meet
the objectives before the deadlines. Because of increase decision making power there will
also increment in the performance of employees as well as motivation because of increased
authority and skills.
CONCLUSION
After examining the above report, it is concluded that leadership play vital role in a
particular firm. Each and every enterprise needs to have appropriate leader for decision
making and management process. In this present report, discussions have been made about
leadership management as well as theories. Time and manpower is involved during the
programmers which also means that updated strategies are used in the market to achieve the
positive result during the process. This is also analyzed that it is necessary to adopt the
theory of leadership which will assists enterprise to carry out their functions properly. After
analyzing the above report, various recommendations have been examined which are to be
adopted and followed by firm and are, It is recommended that when developing a leadership
development programmer, it is important for firm to make ensures that they have appropriate
leader for the process which will increase and enhance their productivity of programmer at
higher level. Then, it also recommended that they need to be more aware about market
situation so that resources as well as capital is used by the in most effective way.
Furthermore, it is also said that Unilever need to be active towards social activities which will
help them in carrying out their functions as well as operations. Moreover, it is recommended
that they should select the most appropriate form of leadership so that problem or error does
not arise in future. After that, another one is correct; measures also have to be acquired for
the development of program. When implementing a leadership development program, new
ideas and thoughts are to be generated so that program is carried out efficiently. After going
through the above stated recommendation, it is also seen that developing a leadership
program is not easy task and which requires appropriate skills and knowledge of management
& field. With suitable leader, it will be possible for firm to adopt the changes and run their
initiated program appropriately

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