Leadership and Management Theories: Sainsbury Case Study Analysis

This report critically evaluates leadership and management theories and their practical application within the retail sector, specifically focusing on Sainsbury's. The introduction defines leadership and management, highlighting their importance in achieving business objectives and employee satisfaction. The report examines various leadership styles, including autocratic, democratic, transformational, and situational approaches, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. It also explores management theories such as scientific and administrative management, discussing their impact on employee motivation and organizational structure. Through a combination of literature review and hypothetical data analysis, the report assesses the fit between theory and practice at Sainsbury, considering the company's hierarchical structure, employee engagement strategies, and competitive environment. The conclusion synthesizes the findings, emphasizing the need for innovative leadership skills to manage employee interests effectively and improve overall business performance. The report utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including secondary research from various authors to support its claims.

LEADERSHIP $ MANAGEMENT

Contents
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................3
CRITICAL EVALUATION OF LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................4
CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF PRACTICE WITHIN THE SAINSBURY...............................................................8
CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE FIT BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE................................................13
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Leadership refers to leading the term or individual to achieve their goal or objectives
of the business in better manner. In respective of term management, it is stated that
managing the overall activities that is undertaken in the business. Management is mainly
undertaken through planning, organizing, directing, controlling and motivating the
employees to achieve their set goal within the stipulated time period. In this report, the
matters which is discussed is relating to understanding the importance of leadership and
management theories (Ahammed, 2018). It is beneficial in respect of managing the interest
of employees and also improving the leadership skills through understanding and
interpreting the needs of the employees at work place. As it indicates that leadership and
management are different in certain cases as in respect of leadership, leaders hold the duty
to lead the team and guide them to choose the right path. But in case of management, they
carry the responsibility to manage every things pertaining in the business. Thus, by
understanding the various theories and concepts which is covered under the leadership and
management is helpful in managing the overall planning of the business in better manner.
The aim of the report is to critically evaluate the application of the leadership and
management theories within the retail sector, a study on Sainsbury Company. Present
report outlines the study of the Sainsbury Company which carries to be the second largest
chain of supermarket in UK. This concept of the supermarket business is brought by John
James Sainsbury in 1869. Due to carrying the renowned brand image in the market, they are
located in wider places and also at present carried 1415 shops. It is examined that at
present, Sainsbury business is engaged with around 116,400 employees carrying the
business worldwide. Employees are mainly carrying the business regarding dealing in retail
sector business and also using various innovative ideas to promote the business worldwide.
In respect of facing tough competition from the competitors, they set the tagline in
the business and also set the mission regarding providing high quality services to the
customers and also provide high return to the stakeholders who engaged within the
business. They also set the aim of the company in respect of exceeding the taste if the
customer and their preference of choosing the products regarding providing more healthy,
organic and Eco friendly products (Akhtar and et.al., 2016). In context of managing the
different people at work place, they mainly adapted the hierarchy organizational structure
in which the every seniors is appointed to manage the particular team and also assign day to
day task.
In this report, quantitative and quantitative methodology is adapted in which the
data is presented is hypothetical or also some information are gathered through conducting
survey. By this manner, secondary method is mainly preferred in respect of taking reviews
from the authors about the topic selected. As various authors presented the reviews on the
topic leadership and management theories and also interpreted their own suggestion about
the techniques to manage the employees at work place. By choosing the secondary
methods, it helps in saving time and also more relevant and authentic information are to be
gathered through interpreting the reviews of various authors.

In this present report, the matters which are covered is relating to the critically
evaluating the leadership and management theories which is presented by various authors
in their own views. Further the matters covers the aspects relating to carrying the critical
discussion about the leadership and management practice that is pertaining in the
organization. At last the report cover the matters related to critically evaluating the aspects
which is fit between the theory and practice. After examining all the theories and practice
which is undertaking in business, the report is concluded with the various models and
theories which helps in managing the interest of the employees through adapting the
innovative and creative leadership skills.
CRITICAL EVALUATION OF LITERATURE REVIEW
Albrecht and George (2018) stated that leadership theories refers to using the
various approaches to lead the team to achieve the target with the set objectives. In this
aspects, the Lewin’s Leadership theory is determined which is further categorized into three
major aspects such as authoritarian, democratic or laissez-faire leader. In this, three major
aspects, the role of leaders is identified and also in return the guidance which the followers
required regarding undertaking such task.
Ameen and et.al., (2019) interpreted that in case of autocratic leadership theory, it is
stipulated that the leaders carry the right to take the own decision and not impose any
decision upon the group to work as per their own directions. It is examined that this theory
is related to the bossy or complicated decision as employees not given chances to present
the thought and ideas with each other. They are instructed to follow the direction which are
given by the superiors. This theory is useful in case of taking instant decision when there is
not time for group discussion.
Asghar and Oino (2017) argued that in relation to the autocratic leadership theory,
participative theory is useful as in this theory the equivalent opportunity is given to the
employees in respect of sharing their ideas before the leaders take any decisions. In respect
of retaining the employees at work place, this leadership theory is useful as in this case
employees are motivated and guided to take part in the group activity. By this manner, they
also feel the part of the business.
Blackley, Resnick and Cassidy (2017) suggested that delegative leadership theory
mainly indicates that the employees are given the liberty to take the decision and thus are
liable for any such losses which is occurred in the business. It carries both positive and
negative impact as employees itself are liable for the risk and thus chances to get expertise
in that particular work. But the negative impact raised in respect of bringing conflict at work
place regarding not taking the right decision to accomplish the particular work (Leadership
styles, 2020).

Figure 1: Leadership Styles
Source: Leadership styles, 2020
On the opinion of Bolden, Witzel and Linacre (2016) said that transformation
leadership theory indicates that they communicating with the leaders to identify the
changes which need to be attained in the business or also the criteria of working in the
business is also to be changed. As the goals which the leaders carry is not to achieve
organizational objectives but to fulfill the employees needs and potential to undertake the
task in right manner. In comparison to other leadership theory this is carried to be the
useful style in respect of increasing the performances in the organization. It also satisfy the
group through giving them liberty to take their own decision and achieve the goal.
Brown, Foroudi and Hafeez (2019) argued that the every opinion of the employees
are different and also they not agree on the same point. Thus, in such case this theory is not
useful in fulfilling every employees needs and also the chances of conflict raised in the
business regarding discriminating between the employees and not selecting their ideas to
accomplish the work.
According to Carmichael and et.al., (2016) the transactional leadership style mainly
indicted that if any leaders playing the role of transactional, they carry the right to take
decision and also followers in return had to obey the decision given by them. In this case the
leaders impose certain task upon the employees and employees achieve such task by
receiving rewards or other monetary benefits (Leadership Style, 2020). The negative aspects
of applying this theory in the business is that it trends to remove the creativity and out of

box thinking at the work place. As they are working in the set direction which is guided by
the leaders and also it bring competition at work place to accomplish the target in
comparison to others.
Cox and et.al., (2016) criticized that this theory is not useful in case of accomplishing
the task through the team efforts. In context of business, every employee’s carry the same
objectives, to get higher promotion. Thus, in this aspects they not guide other team
members to adapt such action or work in right direction. Employee’s main goal is to provide
quality services to get rewards and other benefits in return. Thus, this theory is not useful in
case of motivating the individual to work as team or to achieve goal by helping each other to
provide productive results.
Davis (2016) viewed that in respect of understanding the matter related to the
situational leadership theory, it is stipulated that the leaders playing the role by viewing the
situation of the business and accordingly the action are to be taken. It is mainly designed by
the Blanchard and Hersey which described the theory on the bases of four major aspects
such as telling, selling, participating and delegating style. In this the role of leaders and
manger are planned to take their decision in such manner so that they influences the
followers to agree in the respective decisions.
Dempsey (2017) said that the barriers raised in business at any time and thus, if the
leaders not carry adequate knowledge on that particular field, than this theory is not
beneficial for the business to be applied on. As conflict in situation can be occurred in any
situation, and in such manner, leaders are ready with the backup planning which they had
to initiate at any time. It is also stated that sometimes strict action are to be taken regarding
punishing such person in respect of risk occurs through their actions.
Dobson, Kim and Lan (2016) examined that management theories are interpreted in
respect of giving wider ways to the managers to manage the overall activities undertaking in
the business. Theories are mainly adapted in respect of assisting employees to achieve
business goal and also implement such strategies to gain longer terms benefits. By this
manner, Frederick Taylor theory in which the theory of scientific management is
undertaken. This theory stated that the employee’s main need of engaging with the
business is money. As employees are attracted, if they get accurate job in exchange of the
work accomplished.
Durkin and Gunn (2016) stipulated various time and criteria of working are
undertaken in this theory. As manger carry the duty regarding managing the capability of
the workman to attain the task and also monitoring the time period undertaken to
accomplished certain task. It is also stipulated that the understanding between the
employer and employees are fully harmonized so that the chances of conflict is less
between them (Management Theories, 2020). Another rule which is identified in this theory is
the fair judgment is made after viewing the performances and in respective of higher
productivity, accurate achievement is given to them.
As per Edger (2016) stated that the limitation of applying this theory is that, the
workers are not given additional benefits in respect of increasing in productivity in the

business. They are working on the same direction and work which they are allotted at work
place. Thus results in distracting their interest regarding not giving productive results in the
business. As another issues raised in respect of carrying huge control by the management in
respect of planning the particular things in the business. Thus, it requires lot of capital
investment in respect of monitoring and controlling the activities and then providing
accurate wages in exchange of the work accomplished.
Ferm and Livingstone (2018) highlights that Henri Fayol’s Administrative
management theory is mainly based on following the basic principles which is relating to the
division of work, maintaining equity and discipline at work premises. It also covers,
monitoring and controlling the authority and responsibility of the person which is provided
to manage the business. Management is also undertaken regarding managing the interest of
the employees and this is undertaken on the bases of providing rewards and remuneration
to the employees in exchange of the work committed.
Fernie and Sparks (2018) stated that productive work is examined if the employees
work as per the set guidance which is given to them by the superiors. Thus, it is the duty of
the employees tow work under the direction and command of the superiors to attain the
task in the set criteria. It is also examined that the employees are working in the hierarchy
structure so that they are properly guided and trained to accomplish the task with providing
productive results.
Gasparri (2019) interpreted that by adapting this theory, it results in monitoring and
controlling the overall activities of the employees but in some manner employees are not
given flexibility to take their own decision at work palace. As employees had to work under
the strict guidance and had to report to their superior after accomplishing any such task. In
present scenario, this management technique is not useful, as employees are not ready to
work at such places where they had to work under the strict guidance of the superiors. In
such manner, the chances of retention of employees are not higher.
According to Gupta, Saurabh and Bhaskar (2018) another management theory which
is stipulated that is relating to max Weber’s Bureaucratic theory of management. In this
theory, the main criteria of treating the employees equally is based upon the three basic
principles such as hierarchy structure as in this the lower person are instructed to report to
the middle person and middle person are order to provide authentic document and
scheduling to the higher level. Through this manner, the work assigned to particular team is
managed and also they can reduce the risk at work place easily (Harris and He, 2019).
Another one is relating to the job specification as in this case the specific job is assigned to
the particular employees so that they can concentrate on the particular task and also
specified in such filed. In respective of management done through imposing the formalized
rules, this is helpful in managing the workers in the business in right manner. This is helpful
in taking the accurate decision regarding imposing correct rules upon the employees in case
of violation of the business rules and regulation.
Harrison, Burnard and Paul (2018) viewed that this management theory not results
in building the strong relationship with the employees in respect of working as per the
employee’s flexibility and interest. As employees prefer to work at such places where they

can easily interact with other employees and also take their own decisions. In such aspects,
this theory is not useful in respect of managing the interest of employees at work place.
Jaakson and et.al., (2017) presented the matters through the description of the Elton
mayo’s Behavioral theory of management. As in this theory, the decision is undertaken
through examining the behavior of the employees at work place and this can be undertaken
through innovating and bringing creative ideas at work place. This indicted that if the
employees provided the effective working place, they are more motivated to attain the task
with higher productive results. Thus, results in increasing the business growth and
sustainability in retaining in global market at higher level.
Jain and Sharma (2019) argued that it is not necessary that employees are motivated
by viewing the working environment, they are mainly attracted by the procedure which the
manager use to treat them well. Thus, in such manner this theory mainly concentrated on
providing the better working environment but if the working policies is not effective, it
results in distracting the employee interest to retain at such work place for longer time
period. In this manner, it is also stipulated that the workers needs are less satisfied and also
their safety and security issues are not taken care. Thus, it indicates that this theory is not
useful in managing the employee’s interest in the organization in better manner.
CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF PRACTICE WITHIN THE SAINSBURY
According to Kautish and Sharma (2018) the Sainsbury carrying the renewed brand
image in the market due to taking care of their employees in respect of retaining their
interest at work place for longer way. As the role of leaders are important in the business
and thus through their guidance and motivation, they are achieving the target before the
set time period. It is recorded that by using the Lewin’s Leadership theory in which the
participative leadership theory is undertaken to manage the interest of the employees at
work place in better way.
Laureani and Antony (2017) suggested that participative theory involves the interest
of every employees at work place through asking the employees to give the ideas to
accomplish the task in more unique way. As Sainsbury Company rated on second number in
relation to the carrying the chain of supermarket in UK. Thus, it is necessary to maintain the
position through retaining their crucial and important employees in the business. By this
manner, it is necessary to attract the employees through participating in the group meeting
or any type of decision which is useful in taking the right decision in the business.
Mkansi, Eresia-Eke and Emmanuel-Ebikake (2018) viewed that this theory is also
useful in case of facing conflict at work premises regarding applying the leadership practices
in respect of balancing the focus on the big and small things. This is one of the common
issues which is faced by the Sainsbury regarding listening to every employees needs and
then imposing accurate decision about the task to be attained in which procedure. Thus, in
such aspect Sainsbury mainly adapts the hierarchy structure through which they appointed
the particular person to handle the team and also allot the day to day working to attained
them in better manner. Through the theory of participation, it helps in involving every
employees to take part in the decision making process.

Morden (2016) highlights the internal matter of the Sainsbury regarding managing
the interest of the employees at higher level. As it is also stipulated that by applying the
transformation leadership theory helps in retaining the employee’s interest at larger way. As
the employees prefer to select the job on the bases of providing flexibility and appreciation
of the work committed. Thus, in such aspects the role of leaders is determined through
transforming the working criteria as per the employee’s capability and skilled to attained it
(Naidoo and Gasparatos, 2018). As every employee carry the different knowledge and
experiences to attain such task and also the criteria to accomplish such work is different.
Thus, in such manner, by applying their theory helps in building the employees capability
and also treat them equal if they are lacking in achieving the task in comparison to other.
Parnell, Stone and Aravopoulou (2018) interpreted that Sainsbury carries the unique
management style to manage the different culture people and also their assigned task in
better way. Thus, by this aspects they mainly use the Henri Fayol Administrative
management theory. As this theory, is further divide into 14 principles but the major focus is
on adapting the HRM strategy, in respect of improving the financial status of the business.
Thus, they are selecting the best candidates which can attained the task in more appropriate
way. Through this manner, recruiting and selecting strategy is adapted in respect of
providing accurate training to the new candidates, so that they can learn the criteria of
working and also dealing with the other employees.
Pradhan, Panda and Jena (2017) suggested that administrative theory is useful for
the Sainsbury in case of linking with the management practice which carries empathy and
delegative power to control and maintaining ethics and discipline at work place. As this is of
the major crises which are occurring in the business regarding using the company policies
for their own benefits and also not working as per the set directions. Thus, in such manner
manager duty is to be managed the employees by maintaining ethics and discipline at work
place. By adapting this theory, it is useful in managing the ethics through boosting the
employees in respect of providing rewards and other monetary benefits.
Prakash (2018) examined that Sainsbury is using the hierarchy structure and thus
management is undertaken through appointing the particular person to handle the
particular team. Through this manner, the mediators carry the duties to report to the
superiors and also take the charge of undertaking the next step. Through this manner, it is
necessary to manage the particular team in respect of assigning the day to day task and also
provide training in respect of learning new things at work place.
As per Robinson and et.al., (2016) the stated that the organizational culture and
leadership style are important in satisfying the interest of the employees at the work place.
Culture indicates the ideas, thoughts, belief and values which the employees carry during
attaining the task. As in context of Sainsbury, they mainly try to keep all the employees
equally and also no employees are neglected at work places. Employees in return try to
provide the best performances in respect of earning the recognition and appreciation from
the superiors.
Saeed and Ibrahim (2016) Said that Hofstede cultural dimension theory mainly
resulting in undertaking the framework of the cross cultural communication. In this, aspects

Sainsbury mainly deal in this case by examining the way of speaking and presenting the
thoughts by different culture employees and also grab their understanding style of
interpreting the particular thoughts in their own manner. As it carries to be the good
procedure as through this manner, they mainly understanding their team background and
also the latest trends emerging in their country.
On the opinion of the Singh, Burgess and Heap (2016) management theories which is
applied in the Sainsbury company is relating to the facing challenges in respect of managing
the diverse culture employees at work place. As employees not easily accept the other
culture employees at work place and thus results in bringing conflict between them
regarding providing the quality results. Thus in such manner, cross cultural communication
is effective regarding resolving issues and also employees gets the chances to interact with
their superiors and learning the working skills.
Sullivan and Gouldson (2016) identified that by applying their theory, it is not easy to
manage the different culture employees. As if the participative leadership style is used, than
power is given to the employees to take the decision on behalf of the superiors. In this
manner, this theory is not useful as every employees had different perspective and thought
to attained the task and also the criteria of doing the things is also different. By this aspects,
Sainsbury loses their crucial and talented employees regarding not managing their interest
at work place for longer way.
Tench and Topić (2017) stipulated the matters of the manager of Sainsbury, in
respect of working and maintaining the uncertainty avoidances regarding retaining the
employees interest at work place. As uncertain situation can be arises at any time and thus
the blame imposed upon the lower class person regarding not taking care during attaining
the task. In such manner the employees feel uncomfortable at work place in respect of
working as per the set guidance. In this aspects, the managers had to manage the
employee’s through providing accurate time to prove their innocence and also helps them
to search the particular matters. This results in increasing the goodwill and reputation of the
business.
Teuvo and et.al., (2017) viewed that management theory is mainly focus on
motivating the team members to attain the task and thus in this case Sainsbury mainly relies
on adapting the masculinity theory in which the achievement or tag of heroism is given to
the employees which performed extra ordinary work in the business. As through this
manner, employees are motivated to earn this benefits by accomplishing the task before the
set time period. But in this aspects, the crises raised regarding the race occurs between the
team members and thus the issue of crisis raised regarding not working as a team. But in
this manner, cross cultural communication is effective regarding motivating the team to
provide the marks as per judging their overall performances.
According to Thorpe (2016) the focus which the Sainsbury Company carries is
relating to satisfying the individual needs and demands at work place but in respective of
the leaders or managers their focus is on motivating the individual to work as a team.
Leaders carry the rights to motivate the entire team so that they work in the same scale and
in case of having any weaker person in the team, they can personally trained them. Thus, in

this case the cries raised between the manager and leaders as managers assign the task
equally to every employees. But in case of leaders, they had to manage the work by keeping
all the team members on the same track.
Tourky and et.al., (2020) said that Sainsbury is carrying the vision to retain their
business in the emerging market for longer way and thus through this aspects, they
motivate employees to provide productive results. The manger carry the objective to retain
the business for longer terms orientation and thus they instruct the leaders to work as per
the set direction and also trained and guide the employees to retain at work place for longer
time period. As it is tough to fulfill the needs of the employees every time but different
tactics are used regarding retaining their interest at work place.
Treadgold and Reynolds (2016) argued that long term orientation technique is not
useful in case of fulfilling the employee’s needs. As due to changes in time or by viewing the
other company policies, the demand of the employees are higher. This results in facing
financial issues regarding fulfilling their needs in larger way. Thus, by this manner, it indicted
that cultural dimension theory is not useful in this perspective. As usually the investors
agree to invest in the project, if they gain longer terms benefits but the condition raised
regarding completing the project within the set time period. This is the challenges which the
leader had to face in respect of motivating and guiding the team to complete the task within
the set time limit (Geert Hofstede's five dimensions of national culture, 2012).

Figure 2: Geert Hofstede's five dimensions of national culture
Source: Geert Hofstede's five dimensions of national culture, 2012
Trott and Simms (2017) stipulated that the internal factors which affects the
leadership practice in Sainsbury is relating to putting pressure upon the company regarding
facing changes in demands of the customers. As customer now a days are demanding the
higher quality products with the reasonable pricing and thus it forces the company strategy
to bring changes in their existing working style. Another issues which is also identified is
relating to facing impatient customer queries regarding not happy with the services. Thus,
results in putting pressure upon the leadership to manage and trained the team as per the
set changes.
Ul-Hameed and et.al., (2019) examined that the external factors which affects the
techniques of leadership is relating to affecting changes in demands of the customers. As
customer now days preferring to get all the goods and services under one roof and thus
Sainsbury had to deal with wider range of companies regarding entering into venture to
expand the business. Thus, in this aspects the crises raised regarding providing training to
the employees about the techniques which they had to use to interact with the customers
(Internal and external environmental factors of Sainsbury’s supermarket, 2019). In this
manner, the role of marketing department is important as they had to use the