Leadership and Management: Roles, Functions, Theories, and Approaches

This report examines the concepts of leadership and management within the context of Marks & Spencer (M&S). It begins by comparing the characteristics and roles of leaders and managers, highlighting their distinct functions in decision-making and employee engagement. The report then delves into the roles of an effective leader, including supervisor, decision-maker, and coach, and analyzes various leadership theories such as contingency, systems, and trait leadership. Furthermore, it explores key approaches to operational management, emphasizing the significance of these approaches for businesses. The report also discusses factors impacting operational management and effective decision-making. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of leadership and management principles and their practical application within a retail environment, offering insights into how these concepts contribute to organizational success.

Management and Operation

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 State and compare different characteristics and roles of leaders ..........................................1
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Roles of an effective leader and various functions of manager.............................................3
P3 Theories and models of leadership .......................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Key approaches to the operational management...................................................................6
P5 Significance and value of operation management.................................................................7
TASK 4 ...........................................................................................................................................9
P6 Factors that has impact over an operation management and effective decision-making by
manager and leaders....................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The concept of Operation Management deals with managing and controlling the
procedure of manufacturing and distribution of products and services. Operations has been
become continuous rolling function of business which deals with production of goods & services
with the focal purpose of profit & business maximisation (Petroianu, 2012).
This report will be carried on Marks & Spencer Group Plc which is one of the leading
British multinational retailer engaged in selling the clothings, home products and luxury food
products. It is headquartered in Westminster, London. This company has been listed on the
London stock Exchange and comes under FTSE 100 index.
This report will cover comparing different roles and characteristics of the leader and
manager along with their functions of the manager in different situational contexts. Also, this
report will include different theories and models of approach, including the leadership. Apart
from this, report has part of discussion on key approaches to operation management and factors
including external within the business environment which would impact the operations of the
business.
TASK 1
P1 State and compare several characteristics and roles of leaders
In M&S both managers and leaders consider as an essential part. Goals and objectives of
the firm can be accomplished through effective leadership and management.
Manager is a key person who is in charge of overseeing or controlling gatherings or
association. Administrator gives guidance to the workers and controls every one of the exercises
of the firm (Handschin, 2017). In Marks & Spencer, the task of the manager is to energize their
representatives and inspire them to work in the successful way. They plan systems and execute it
to expand the effectiveness of the firm. On the other hand, Leader is a enrolling person who
impacts the gathering of people towards the achievement of an objectives and goals and lead
them towards the achievement of such. A compelling pioneer creates moving future vision and
move and spur the people to draw in with vision. Leader has to guide and empower their team
members to get the ultimate remedy of any issues. They generally set the goals based vision,
thoughts and pecuniary idea for growth of an organisation.
Comparison between manager and leader
1

Leader Manager
 They emphasize more on improving the
knowledge and skills of their followers
 Leaders are known for their innovation.
They generate idea with an aim of
enhancing performance and
productivity of its team members.
 They formulate principle and
guidelines
 They have the ability to influence other
people and lead a team
 Leader also laid stress on creating
healthy and flexible work environment
that indirectly motivates employees.
 The role of manager is to handle and
control all business operation and task
in a structured and thorough manner.
 Managers are passionate. They usually
work in order to increase firm's
profitability.
 The main duty of manager is to frame
plans and policies so that business goals
can be accomplished effectively.
 They co-ordinate and organize things
systematically.
 Managers focus on works and tasks
such as organizing, decision making,
planning, etc.
Role of manager and leader:
Decision making: Both leader and manager plays crucial role in firm's decision making.
Managers takes choices with respect to everyday exercises of the firm and pioneers takes choices
about the advancement of abilities and learning of the workers. Both take vital choices with the
regular enthusiasm of expanding the efficiency and gainfulness of the firm.
Employee Engagement: Involvement of workers in the exercises of the firm is
imperative. Managers and leaders, both assume imperative part in worker commitment. They
attempt to make coordination and collaboration among the individuals from staff (Casolino,
2012). It causes them in keeping up a solid workplace at work environment. It energizes the
workers in achieving targets of the firm. Both leaders and managers contributes significantly
towards organizational growth and success. Both can accomplish objectives and goals of an
organisation.
Functions of the manager: It consists of five essential elements of the managerial person
would enhance their vision, potential, strategic thinking along with idea generation to gain the
business effectiveness. These are the following -
2

Planning: In this element, manager of the M&S figures an arrangement which bolsters in
the achievement of foreordained objectives and destinations of a firm. For instance, the aim of
Mark and Spencer is to upgrade its deals or generate higher leads. For this, the administrator
needs to choose the fundamental strides keeping in mind the end goal to accomplish its
objectives. These means include expanding deals staff, publicizing and stock (Yuejin, 2013).
These are make into an arrangement and it is trailed by the director to accomplish the objective
and enhance deals.
Organizing: After planning, next step deals with the chiefs of M&S needs to compose
assets, for example, labour, crude materials, fund and so forth according to the arrangement
(Mingjuan, 2012). Giving expert and allotting work are the two fundamental elements of this
function.
Staffing: In this organization, role of manager is to aggregate the population into groups
and allocate them diverse undertakings. Manager role is to understand the necessity of the
manpower , as per the needs and choice to reinforce the staff by enrolling and selecting the staff
along with empowering them to undertaken the business activities.
Directing: In Marks & Spencer, it is the focal duty of manager to control involvement of
staff, other individuals and also co-ordinate in such a way that they would achieve their pre-
defined goals & targets. It incorporates conveying, empowering, inspiring and directing the
workers with a specific end goal to dodge the contentions.
Controlling: After consummation of all the four phases, the administrators needs to
always screen every one of the exercises and execution of the workers and check comes about
against the foreordained goals and take remedial activities if required so as to accomplish the
point of the organization of improving deals.
TASK 2
P2 Roles of an effective leader and various functions of manager
There is no any specific kind of situation that are comes in front of M&S company. It
can be categories into below mentioned points:
 Stable: It is a specific kind of feature by estimating and control the organisation
sustainability. It has been established to remove uncertainty from the organisation so that
chances of growth can be more.
3

 Slow-moving: There are certain situation, in which manager tends to work very slowing
while taking essential decision in benefit of the company. The decisions are slow but
would be more perfect for the company. Fast changing: It has been found that most of the managers are quick decision makers in
case of any critical situation. It would be more beneficial for the company as it would be
easy to make future planning more effectively.
Leadership Management
It would be more realistic as for getting
competitive advantage.
The owner of the company can use coping
with complexity in any kind of planning.
Creating a well organise challenging
opportunities for people can be reliable option
for the company.
They are responsible for controlling and
solving all kind of tough issues that are
associated with the internal department.
Role of an effective Leader:
In context with Marks & Spencer, several vital roles whose purpose is to inspiring an
effective leader for the betterment and effectiveness of the company into the various situation
which are explained below:
Supervisor: An effective leaders normally plays the role of proper supervisor. In Mark
and Spencer, leaders regulate the group and give guidance to them with the goal that they can
accomplish authoritative objectives and individual objectives. The supervisory obligations of
pioneer incorporates execution observing, appointment of obligations and correspondence
(Ming, 2014). They regulate at all levels, from administration to subordinates.
Decision maker: Leaders assumes a critical part in the basic leadership procedure of the
organization. They are the essential leaders as they make and execute course of the firm. Staff
individuals depend on directors and best level administration to settle on pivotal choices for the
accomplishment of the association takes compelling choices keeping in mind the end goal to
accomplish higher deals and benefits.
Coach: It is the obligation of leader to mentor and tutor the representatives of the
association. They appoint work to the colleague as indicated by their abilities (White, 2016).
They increment the commitment of representatives in work by rouse them and give preparing
and improvement with the goal that more elevated amount of execution can be accomplished.
4

P3 Theories and models of leadership
Productivity and performance of an organization can be increased through effective
leadership. It shapes the elements of the association and ensure its harmony. In this, the pioneer
assumes vital part in accomplishing the vision and mission of the organization (Qualcomm ,
2012). Leaders of Marks and Spencer have the ability to deal with the execution of the
representatives and urge them to work in a group. The manager embraces different leadership
theories with an aim of achieving business goals and objectives in an effective manner.
Following are some leadership theories that have embedded by M&S:
Contingency leadership theory: This leadership theory is based on expressing that there
is no as such particular method to take choices and lead an entire organisation. In context with
Marks & Spencer, leader would adopt his personal leadership style to lead and work. It helped
the supervisor in compelling administration of the activities (Zhang, 2013). According to this
model, business entities are an open framework and also, it is important to oversee through the
painstakingly. In this, pioneers needs to attempt to fulfil the requirements of workers and
prepared to adjust changes. It is one of the necessary approach for Marks & Spencer as it urges
pioneer to consider enabling administration viable. The accomplishment of the pioneer relies
upon aptitudes by which he embraces his administration style.
System leadership theory: This theory is connected to create manageability of the
organization by enhancing its execution in the market. It is a complete approach utilized by
leaders for the improvement of firm with the goal that its viability can be enhanced. It expresses
that directors ought to take after a few standards so as to react outer and interior components of
business condition (Mohanty, 2017). Other than this, a few ethics and value of company are there
which the leaders need to take into account while formulating decision or strategies. This seems
to be basically related with the input which an organisation is putting in increasing the skills of
employees. It has been used as sound principles which is all about human behaviour to create
effective leaderships and organisational strategy.
Trait leadership theory: This hypothesis depends on extraordinary man hypothesis and
is an orderly hypothesis. The theory expresses that the key for effective authority is the
individual qualities and attributes of pioneer. Compelling judgements and choices are taken by
extraordinary pioneers. This hypothesis accentuates on assurance of identity qualities of
5

pioneers, for example, uprightness, fearlessness, assurance, friendliness etc. This theory assists
the Marks & Spencer leaders to deciding the characteristics that they used to lead others.
TASK 3
P4 Key approaches to the operational management
These approaches are connected with suggesting right and accurate step or action in
regards with giving remedial solution to any operational issues. In context with Marks &
Spencer, operational management deals with changing the inputs available in the form of
labours, raw materials along with strategic tools & techniques into final output i.e. in the form of
final products. Some of the useful methods of management and operations are discussed below: Business Process Redesign: This approach talks about an entire procedure for
revolutionary upgrade along with reconsidering it for different organisation action for
achieving sensational changes in quality, duration, administration and funds (Chandrakar,
2012). It guides the company for returning their basic and break down underlying
foundations so as to re-create an aggregate item. At first M&S was not able discover a
desire for advancement in their 90s, this results in decreasing their market share. Later on
by following this approach in their business operation and practices, the firm gain higher
growth and success. Six Sigma: It is one of the necessary operational of tools & techniques which the Marks
& Spencer utilizes for its procedure change. This approach centres around improving the
quality of final product such as fashion & clothing outfits by identifying as well as
removing an error and various fluctuations into the business process and assembling
(Gholmieh, 2017). Marks & Spencer presented voice of client & customers, accurate
dashboard that covers all prospective information of business ventures and different
broad change and also the measures keeping in mind the end goal to enhance their quality
standard and client maintenance. Total Quality Management: This quality approach mainly deals with taking care of
quality and quantity of raw material into the operational process. Buyer of Marks &
Spencer thinks in regards with nature of own item and also being prepare it for selling
purpose. Marks & Spencer has given major priority to the quality of material or fabrics of
their fashion or clothing outfits by not taking care of cost saving with poor response to
6

the customers. Also, M&S is providing appropriate values of their quality and effective
products.
 Lean Manufacturing: Company utilized this strategy keeping in mind the end goal to
take out the loss from the assembling procedure. This hypothesis consider squanders that
is produced from uneven or overburdening workloads (Kumar, 2014). M&S goes for
giving lean garments to its client that creates an incentive for them.
In addition to above mentioned approaches there are different technique, for example,
Just in Time(JIT), Kaizen, Queuing theory which was suggested to the Marks & Spencer to
execute out their operation and activities successfully.
Role of being as manager and leaders: Both manager and leader of the Marks &
Spencer, manages dealing for the assets, correspondence, money related administration, training
and viewpoint, objective setting and motivating forces and rewards of workers. They tries to
keep up sound association with their representatives so employees can viably fulfil the client
prerequisite. Promote obligations of supervisor and pioneer incorporates tasks methodology,
control, grasping outline, arranging and execution administration.
P5 Significance and value of operation management
The fundamental significance of the operational manager is to construct the culture &
environment that improves the productivity as well as viability of their workforce. This could be
possible by controlling, guiding and motivating employee's with respect and also acknowledged
them for getting remedy of any issues (Costanzo, 2012). Operational manager lead the gatherings
in which administrator is required to understand and analyse the various issues & problems of
their staff and take remedial actions for overcoming it. Mentioned below are some of the
significance of operation management:
 Product Development: This decides different features and attributes of the item that will
be sold among target customer in the marketplace. It started with surveying the genuine
needs and want of client so organization can change item appropriately. The gear and
offices used to fabricate an item and furthermore the data framework that is require to
control and screen the execution identified with framework plan technique. Aside from
highlights and attributes, it additionally decides the quality and cost of item. M&S
utilizes methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Management in their
product advancement.
7

 Process Management: It characterizes how the item is composed. It for the most part
include two noteworthy components, one is scale economy and the other is specialized
segment (Burke, 2013). Scale segment includes applying precise measure of hardware
and apparatuses with a specific end goal to expand the general profitability of an
association while Technical Economy comprises of choosing proper gear and
arrangement of particular periods of operational organization (Wright, 2014). Aside from
that, this additionally manages design, limit and area for assembling facility. For their
procedure advancement M&S has picked BPR and Six Sigma apparatus keeping in mind
the end goal to accomplish general target of firm viably. Consumer loyalty: M&S trusts that if their workers are fulfilled then just, they will have
the capacity to fulfil the requirements and want of target purchaser. In this manner, they
are giving sufficient training and leadership program to its employees so to screen and
assess their execution. Customers is thoroughly rely on the business in regards to their
needs and inclinations. For example M&S is putting forth consistently rebates to its client
to draw in and mindful them that they are offering distinctive nature of items at direct
value which empowers the M&S to increase upper hand over their rivals.
 Communicate Effectively: Keeping in mind the end goal to accomplish overall business
objectives, Marks & Spencer is necessary to have compelling correspondence among
their personnel as well as employers, because they are considered as major asset of any
company. It is necessary to create and establish an effective communication chain to
sharing and receiving information among various employee's. This can be in the frame
verbal, non-verbal and composed relying on the organization necessities with the goal
that they. Managers of M&S effectively communicate with their em so as to accomplish
their general target.
TASK 4
P6 Factors that has impact over an operation management and effective decision-making by
manager and leaders
Business Environment generally encompasses internal and external elements that
influence the business activities and operation:
Internal Factors:
8

Value System: This represents ethics and moral beliefs of an association towards
accomplishing its target and mission. It additionally decides the conduct of business towards
their shopper, society and labourer on the loose (Johnstone, 2016). M&S goes for upgrading their
qualities without giving up their quality .
Employees: Marks & Spencer believes that if the labours are fulfilled or satisfied, so
they needs to be empowered and highly motivated to accomplish the future goals & targets of
M&S. Consequently, the company has been concentrating on giving an adequate training session
to their employee's which will enhance their efficiency & productivity. Likewise, the M&S
manages rousing their workforce so they can hold for longer period, subsequently fulfilling client
for longer run.
Organizational Structure: The idea of an organization affects its basic leadership
strategy. For smoother working condition, it is necessary to have conductive organisational
structure that aides to set the growth opportunities and conditions for the Marks & Spencer.
Human Resource: HR practices manages the various issues & problems identified with
the workforce. Apart from this, they overlook the situation, when they need to prepare the staff
and management to work hard in order to accomplish the well-defined goals & targets of the
Marks & Spencer (Burke, 2013). In this context, M&S needs to formulate various strategies,
methods and tools to make Human resource more effective and goal oriented.
External Forces:
Political: There are Various pecuniary steps has been taken by the UK authorities as per
the British Standards for e.g. risk assessment, hazards & danger management along with risk
control. If Marks & Spencer is not following various set norms set by their administration, on
that point, hence, organisation needs to pay penalties or might face the legal cases or threat for
avoiding such laws. There was circumstance was M&S was likewise charged fine by the
administration for maintaining a strategic distance from security and well-being controls. In any
case, after that occurrences, the referred to organization was entirely following the norms set by
the legislature.
Economical: UK's economic condition is uncertain, thus purchaser identify their actual
ability to spend before paying on an extravagance items. This conditions likewise impacts the
Marks & Spencer's profitability and effectiveness. Also, they have closed down their outlets
because they had experienced the loss making as a result of their weak economic power.
9

Socio-Cultural: Marks & Spencer recently revealed their high part of dressing stores
with less costly versions. Buyer purchasing power has been affected by the way of life,
individual, mental and social pattern. M&S keeps themselves refreshed in setting with changing
inclinations of their objective client. In addition, they offer different rebates and plans to draw in
the client, with the goal that they can purchase distinctive nature of products at direct rate.
Legal Factors: Marks & Spencer have reloaded themselves with new amended laws and
legislations related to issues & problems with Health and Safety matters. They completely
changed their techniques, tax and goals for re-preparing and advancement of their workers.
Corporate social responsibility: It is essential for M&S to determine their key issues in
the next coming time. CSR is all about managing certain sensitive areas those are having
potential to generate strong as well as negative headlines.
Stakeholders: The major part of the company is being hold by their stakeholder. Hence,
M&S has to considered strong impacts of major stakeholders such as creditors, suppliers and
customers.
Business ethics: It is the core committed to our core values of inspiration as well as integrity
that can lead to increase the overall growth for an organisation. There are key work and interact
with our customer promise for increasing lives of people.
10