Detailed Report on Leadership and Management at Corus Group Plc

This report examines leadership and management practices within Corus Group Plc, focusing on the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers. It explores the differences between leaders and managers, highlighting their responsibilities in decision-making, vision setting, and resource allocation. The report delves into various leadership styles, including transactional and transformational approaches, and analyzes the application of these styles in different situational contexts, such as conflict resolution and adapting to a fast-changing environment. Furthermore, it discusses leadership theories and models like contingency and situational leadership, emphasizing their impact on employee performance and organizational goals. Key approaches to operations management, such as Total Quality Management, are also explained, along with the role of leaders and managers in achieving business objectives. The report concludes by assessing the factors within the business environment that influence operational management and decision-making, providing a comprehensive overview of leadership and management strategies at Corus Group Plc.

Management and
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Discuss different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.............................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Role of leader and the function of a manager in different situational context..................3
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach.............................................................4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................5
P4- Explain Key approaches to operations management and role that leader and manager play
................................................................................................................................................5
P5- Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives................................................................................................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers.................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Organization involves variety of activities for achieving its goals and objectives. This
makes it necessary to have effective management which is an essential part. It has been defined
as a set of principles related to the functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling to
attain goals of an entity (Beske and Seuring, 2014). In addition to this, operations comprise the
activities of converting raw materials into finished goods or services in order to sell them to
customers for making profit. Management and operations have certain techniques and methods
which are applied to the increase revenue, fulfil expectations of customers, earn higher profit and
make more sales. In this report, Corus Group Plc has been chosen which has its headquarters in
London, United Kingdom. Furthermore, report covers different roles and characteristics of a
leader and a manager, and its application to variety of situations. In addition to this, number of
theories and models of leadership have been applied, approaches to operations management and
its importance and value in achieving business objectives have also been explained. Lastly,
factors have been elaborated which have impact on decision making by leaders and managers.
TASK 1
P1. Discuss different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
Achievement of goals and objectives is the reason for which all the entities are
incorporated. For this purpose, they appoint leaders or managers who provides strategies and
directions for effective management (Chung, Park and Lee, 2017). Hence, leadership and
management are important for organization for engaging employees through right guidance. In
the context of Corus Group Plc, the roles and characteristics of a manager and a leader have been
described below:
Definition of a leader and manager
A leader is “a person who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a
goal”. On decoding this, team members are guided by the directions and guidance provided by
leaders so that desired results can be produced. On the other hand, manager is a person who is in
charge of the department who exercise managerial functions.
Role of a leader
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Decision maker- The role of a leader to evaluate circumstances and business environment
by taking into consideration the ideas and perceptions of team members for making effective
decisions. Different decisions can be implemented for the benefit of Corus.
Setting of vision- A leader provides vision for the whole team which is made by
including the visions, goals and expectations of team members. This helps in enhancing focus by
creating better understanding.
Role of a manager
Monitor- It is considered to be an important role, while each task at every level in an
organisation. The manager of Corus need to keep a check, on how business activities are been
operated in work culture. Also, it is required that manager should have good communication
skill, when interacting with workforce (Cook and Billig, 2017).
Resource Allocator- At present scenario, resource allocation in each department is
identified as beneficial role, for fulfilling demand and supply gap of workforce, in an
organisation. It is critical decisions by manager, while recruiting “right applicant, at right time at
vacant job designations” in Corus.
Difference Between Leader and Manager:
These terms are found to be synonyms of each other, only difference appears to be in
traits that a manager and leader inculcate in themselves. While managing teams in an effective
manner. Some of basic differences are explained below:
Basis Leader Manager
Goal Orientation A leaders use creative minds,
for developing objective that
need to be attained as a unit.
The leaders of Corus can have
innovative ideas for motivating
employees.
A manager just need to fulfil
the task assigned to them by
their superiors. Managers of
Corus have to meet the goals
but there is lack of motivation.
Communications Skills A leader has effective
communications skill, in
adapting participative
leadership styles (Ellitan,
A manager sometimes have to
follow autocratic leadership to
complete the assigned task.
The managers usually follow
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2017). There is two way
communication followed by
leaders of Corus.
one way decision in which
instructions are given to staff.
Authority & responsibilities The leader distribute roles and
responsibilities to each
workforce, for producing
quality result in Corus..
The manager has all authority
for making decisions without
involving staff members of
Corus.
There are different leadership styles which can be followed by leaders. Two of these have
been explained below:
Transactional style: In this style, leaders have motive to make the sub-ordinates follow
the instructions in order to achieve the goals. Employees are given rewards for good performance
and punishments for any mistakes.
Transformational style: This leadership style is about motivating employees to use
innovative ideas in creating something that will create value for the company. The sub-ordinates
are made understand of corporate culture, employee ownership and freedom in the workplace.
TASK 2
P2 Role of leader and the function of a manager in different situational context.
In an organisation different kind of employees work together for achieving there
organisational goal. So in that situation conflict also increase between employees. So it is the
basic responsibility of a manger to reduce confit between employees (Fredendall and Hill, 2016).
It is also a important role of manger to avoid negative environmental at organisation and and
achieve organisational goal in a particular time. In context of cores group, all different kind of
organisational situations in which h role of leader and the functions of a manger are as given.
Conflict situation: In every kind of organisation, different kind of employees work
together for a specific target. These employees have different view and ideas. So in that situation
conflict between employees increase in appropriate manner. So in cores group all these situation
accurate many time. Manger of this organisation handle all these situation and provide effective
result of all these problems. So roles of a leader and function of manger in cores organisation is
describe as.
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 Role of leaders: The leader of cores group have to manger various kind of different
situation of conflict as well as provide a batter solution of all these problems. It is basic
responsibility of leader to talk to employees related to the problem of confit and
providing them a effective solution. Leader also can improve the performance of
employees through this process.
 Functions of mangers: In cores group it is the basic truncation of manger to focus on
effective strategy which help in development and resolving issue of organisation.
Manger of this organisation also implementation some rule and regulation of organisation
which impact on the growth of this company.
Fast changing surrounding: Demand and need of customers are change accoutring to
the time. Sometime change in technology are also a challenge for the employees. So it is the
basic responsibility of manger to provide a effective solution for employees (Glukhov and
Balashova, 2015). Through providing them proper training manger can provide them information
about changed organisational stricture is process. So all the roles and responsibility of leader and
mangers are as Given blow.
 Roles of leader: It is the basic role if manger an d leader is conduct meetings and provide
solution for employees in a effective manner. On other hand changes in the environment
is also a problem. So in this situation manger and leader focus on employees performant
which motivate the employers of cores group.
 Function of mangers: In this condition mangers of cores group organisation they have to
analysis business situationist as well as analysis the situation and demand of customer
also focus on the strategy plan of organisation and provide direction to the employees in a
effective manner. It is important for the growth of an organisation (Ma and Sun, 2012).
P3 Apply different theories and models of approach.
In every organisation mangers use some theories and models for the growth of company
in a effective manner. It is necessary for the mangers to work effectively for achieving there goal
and objective of organisation. So all these theories also help the organisation as well as manger
to solve problems like conflict and many other which affect on the performance of employees.
So there are some theories and models which are uses by the manager of cores group and those
all are as given.
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Contingency leadership: According to this style of leadership, they exam the situation
and after it they implementing theory in organisation. It has been said that according to the
situation they apply leadership style. With the help of this leadership style organisation can
achiever its organisational goal in a particular time. In context of cores group there are two
factors which faced by the leader like conflict and dispute. So these both factors affect the
environment of the organisation. So leader of cores group focus ion these problems and apply
theories according to the requirement. It also increase the performance of employers as well as
organisation.
Situational leadership: According to this leadership style leaders take any decision
according to the situation. In cores group many events and situation are racecourse. So in that
situation leaders should adopt situational leadership style which is beneficial for the organisation
(Meyer, Neck and Meeks, 2017). This leadership style is too much flexible according to the
working condition, requirements of organisation and situation. So this leadership style is too
much beneficial for the organisation. Customer sanctification and performance both are increase
by using this leadership style. This leadership style is require effective skills of employees as
well as leader. Employees also motivated with the work of leader as well as they can share
various kind of problems which is helpful in target achievement.
Systems leadership: This leadership style is totally different from others. This leadership
style is too much effect the performance of the organisation. According to this leadership style
mangers focus on the effective working environment with the help of strategy. This leadership
styler motivate there employees as well as increase its overall performance in positive manner. In
context of cores group mangers also use this leadership style which help the organisation in
performance development. It is the biggest advantage of this organisation that employees achieve
there target in a particular time in a effective manner. Motivation and dedication of employees
are too much high in this style because of effective leadership. It is beneficial for the growth of
employees as well as organisation.
TASK 3
P4- Explain Key approaches to operations management and role that leader and manager play
There are various approaches which have influences on growth of business at competitive
market. In context with Corus, management could adopt approaches like six sigma, total quality
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and lean principle to effectively operate business activities. These approaches are mentioned
below:
Total Quality Management: It is an effective approach for maintaining the quality
standard of a product with customer expectations. In present aspect, services are tends to be an
appropriate strategies, for gaining attention of potential buyers (Morelli, 2011). In regards with
Corus, manager and leaders have given emphasis on quality of both product and service to create
a positive brand image in consumer mindset. Therefore, managers have to provide training and
development sessions to their workforce, for operating business activities in work culture.
Basically, there are five principles like producing quality work, focuses on customer, strategic
approach to improvement on which total quality management works. An effective
communications between employee and employer create a positive outcome for Corus in target
market.
Lean Management:The lean management is an approach, for improvement in quality of
product and service at regular time periods (Qin and Nembhard, 2015). In addition with quality
lean management follows a systematic process for eliminating practises that are considered as
wastage in improving efficiency of business. If it is talked about Corus, managers and leader
have adapted lean principle in affective manner,while operating business activities. Lean
methodology consist of critical analysis, implementation changes, control and standardization the
quality of good and services. A manager of Corus could plan strategies for inventing new
product or adding new features in existing product in target market. For this, managers have to
conduct market analysis that are required for knowing the perceptions of consumers about
particular product (Simon, 2013).
Six Sigma: The six sigma is a tool that are utilised for reducing waste of product to some
extent. Six sigma basically works upon statistical data based, data driven, discipline and
continuous improvement of removing defect in products. So that loyalty of customer towards
brand product remain same. The six sigma revolves around DMAIC that means define,
measures, analyze, improve and control, for producing quality product for consumers. These
tools is found to be effective, for resolving operational issues raised in work culture of Corus.
The leaders and managers of Corus, have implemented six sigma for eliminating defect from
product and satisfying quality expectations of customer. Then after, managers have to plan
strategies, for achieving desired objectives of Corus.
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From above detailed description, it could be analysed managers of Corus plays an
essential role in maintaining quality standard of product in market. Also, managers have to
critically assess current market position, for grabbing preference informations, through feedbacks
given by potential buyer about specific product.
P5- Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives
Operation management is defined as managing of business practise to create highest level
of efficiency possible in an organisation (Wang, Jie and Abareshi, 2015). Its is concerned with
transforming labour and material into goods and services, for maximising profit in cut throat
competitions in industry. In context with Corus, managers have effectively managed business
operations and staff in work culture. The importance of operations management are explained
under-beneath:
Reduction of cost: The managers of Corus could identify alternative solutions, for
reducing cost that are been incurred n converting raw materials into finish goods. It is necessary
that there should be effective communication in operating business activities in a systematic
manners in working environment of Corus. Also, production and stock inventory manager need
to interact wit each other for preparing budget required in purchasing of raw materials.
Henceforth, it is important that management of Corus have to satisfy demand of suppliers.
Thereafter, an effective transportation channel would be beneficial in fulfilling, demand and
supply of product to target customers at estimated rates in market. In present context, reduction
of product cost depend upon quality services rendered to consumer base.
Enhancing overall productivity: The productivity is basic requirement for growing and
sustaining any scale business in competitive market. The overall productivity helps management
in creating a goodwill in industry. The managers and leaders of Corus, have to plan and
implement strategies that are required for improving growth of employee at personal and
professional level in an organisation (Wen-chao, Fan and Wen-wen, 2012). Thereafter, it is
responsibility of managers to introduce activities for engaging and motivating each employee to
produce quality result in work culture of Corus. There should be a set quality standardization of
product that will be helpful in satisfying need demand of consumers. Henceforth, such initiative
taken by managers of Corus, to improve customer relationship and loyalty towards the brand.
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The leaders have significant role in providing training session to workforce for operating
business activities in a systematic manner.
From above description, it has been identified that operation management plays an
essential role in providing a techniques, for operating day-to-day activities and improving
profitability in market shares. Henceforth operations manger are capable of acquiring,
developing and delivering customised quality product to potential and existing buyers, Also, the
teams of Corus are majorly concerned in balancing cost with revenues to achieve highest net
operating profit in target market place.
TASK 4
P6 Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational management
and decision-making by leaders and managers
Business Environment primarily includes factor as well as forces which significantly
impacts overall ability to maintain and build successful customer relationship. Whereas operation
management is basically concerned with running all day-to-day operation of business with
proper efficiency. However, within an organisation there are several factors which impacts
operation management as well as decision-making of leaders and managers. Major factors which
influences the decision-making of leaders as well as mangers at Corus are mentioned below:
 Culture: Organisational culture is primarily concerned with a system of shared values,
beliefs and assumption that significantly governs how employees actually behave in an
organisation (Wiggins, 2014). However, within an organisation is very essential to
maintain a proper culture so that employees feels secure and aim to work with their full
potential. Within, Corus proper evaluation is made in order to significantly identify needs
of employees. Furthermore, leaders and mangers are eventually responsible for adopting
several polities on the basis of culture inherit by an organisation.
 Social Factors: Social factor within an organisation is basically includes customs as well
as beliefs which are inherit. Moreover, operation management of an organisation is
enormously impacted by social factors. Structure of population essentially determines
demand and supply which keeps on changing and does not remain stable. In context, to
Corus proper research is conducted in order to significantly identify needs and demand of
company's potential customers. Whereas leaders are responsibility of identifying social
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trends and manager will significantly aim at taking best decision in order to enhance
productivity as well as profitability of Corus.
 Corporate Social Responsibility: Corporate Social Responsibility basically includes all
sort of business responsibilities which an organisation offers to its employees, customers,
suppliers as well as shareholders. Moreover, such potentially helps an organisation to
enhance their goodwill in market. Operational management as well as decision-making of
leaders and mangers is highly influence through corporate social responsibility. In
context to Corus, organisation shall significantly adopt several policies which provide
welfare to the society. Leaders and managers are primarily important for implementation
CRS.
 Stakeholders: It is a group of people who highly impacts objectives as well as actions
within an organisation (XIANG and et. al., 2013). Stakeholders basically includes:
owners, employees, creditors, directors and many more. Moreover, stakeholders
enormously impact operation management within an organisation because which their
consideration no business decision are be implemented. With reference to Corus, leaders
are mangers are significantly responsible for taking all business related decision after
considering stakeholders.
The stakeholders of Corus are customers, employees, government, suppliers, investors
and communities. In order to manage the expectations of the stakeholders, Corus make plans and
strategies which can meet their requirements. Furthermore, investors are involved in meetings
regarding discussion of any important matter to get their opinions and views.
However, all of the mentioned business environment factors impacts operational
management in different ways. Further, it can be concluded that decision-making of leaders and
managers are highly affected by the various changes in an organisation. This is essentially
because they need to adopt several policies as well as strategies in order to attain business
objective.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been concluded that, that operations are main part of an
organization which requires effective management and co-ordination of team efforts. This is
possible through right guidance and directions by leaders or managers. Furthermore, managers
and leaders are capable to influence people working in the organization in order to achieve its
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