Leadership and Operations Management Strategies at Sainsbury's

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and operations management within Sainsbury's, a major UK supermarket chain. It begins by outlining the roles of leaders and managers in various situations, emphasizing the importance of adapting leadership styles to different circumstances. The report then delves into several leadership theories and models, including situational, system, and contingency leadership, explaining their application within Sainsbury's. Furthermore, it explores key approaches to operations management, such as Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, and Business Process Reengineering, highlighting their significance in enhancing customer satisfaction and improving business processes. The report also underscores the importance and value of effective operations management in ensuring employee engagement, product quality, and overall business success. Finally, it examines factors that influence operational management and decision-making by leaders and managers, providing a holistic view of Sainsbury's operational strategies.

Management and operations

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Role of a leader and function of a manager in different situations..............................................3
Theories and models of leadership...............................................................................................5
Key approaches of operations management.................................................................................6
Importance and value of operations management........................................................................7
Factors and their impact on operational management and decision of leaders and managers.....9
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................11

Introduction
Management and operation refers to the good practices of the company through which it can
provide better services and products to its customers (Tran, 2017). Management in operations is
concerned with managing the employees so that they can perform their work effectively in the
organisation. This report is based on Sainsbury. Sainsbury is one of the largest Supermarket
chains of United Kingdom. It is the second largest retailer of groceries in UK. It’s headquarter is
situated in London. This report states about the role of a leader and function of a manager. Apart
from this different theory and model of leadership is described in this report. Along with this
various key approaches of operations management is being defined in this report. This report also
speaks about the importance of operation management for the company.
Role of a leader and function of a manager in different situations
Images role of a leader in the organisation is to motivate the employees towards their job and
their goal. Leaders are the one who sets the Vision and Mission for the organisation and helps the
employees to increase their knowledge skills and abilities so that they can perform their job
enthusiastically and assist the organisation to attain its and goal.
Leader has to perform their role separately in every different condition and situation which arises
in the organisation. As per the situation leader has to adopt different leadership styles so that they
can guide the employees well and do not create a situation of conflicts in the organisation. The
role of leader is to create a positive and healthy environment for the employees so that they do
not have to face any difficulties and issue while performing their work. On the other hand the
major functions of manager is planning controlling and coordinating the employees in the
organisation.
The main function of manager is to make out the employees about the work and provide
guidance to them how to attend the goal on a given time duration. As in the organisation different
people works together they have different cultures religion and sometimes they have different
languages. So due to the individual differences there is high chances of conflict present in the
organisation Gächter and et.al 2018). But it is the role of leader to make them understand about
their individual task that why the organisation has hired them just because they want that the
employees use their skills and knowledge to attend the goal. Instead of arguing to each other for
making they feel embarrassed. Apart from this it is also the function of manager that they must
ensure in their team no conflict takes place people work together and it is another function of

manager that they provide situation I’ll task in team so that all the members of the team get a
chance to know each other. It is must for the manager that its team interact with each other and
respect each other’s work.
Apart from this it is the role and responsibility of leader that they ensure that no
discrimination and partially take place in the organisation (Abdillah 2020). Due to discrimination
many employees feel lagging behind and they can’t focus on their work. So this is the function of
manager as well that they must make such policies so that discrimination do not occurs in the
organisation.
Apart from this another function of manager is to provide training and various learning
opportunities to the Employees so that they can enhance their skills and learn new qualities and
techniques so that they can face any situation in the organisation. Besides this the major role of
leader is to establish various leadership styles in the organisation.
So this is the responsibility of manager and leader that they discuss with their employees about
the policies and strategies made by the company apart from this they must take suggestions
opinions and views of employees what they think about such policy and how will they work
under different circumstances (Burns, 2018). According to the feedback of employees’ leader
follow different approaches so that employees can work efficiently.
Theories and models of leadership
As the main motive of leader of Sainsbury is to motivate its followers, subordinates and
employees towards their individual goals. To motivate other employees leaders of Sainsbury uses
different theories and models so that they can guide the employees well and help the company to
attain its predetermined goals.
Situational leadership
This story believes that no 1 leadership style as suitable for different situations. So the leader of
Sainsburry does not follow a single leadership approach in different situations. As per the theory
leaders can only be said effective and best when they know what type of leadership style they
have to use and different situations of the organisation. Suppose the organisation is not able to
fulfil the goal and company is facing loss.
In such situation leader have to choose different leadership style leader can’t order the
employees about their work. Even in the situation where organisation is facing loss leader must
use such leadership style in which employees also share their opinions and views about the

company and how they can save the company from facing loss. And as per the suggestions leader
must make different policies which will help the company to gain market share and competitive
advantage.
System leadership
This leadership approach talk about the capabilities of a leader. As per this approach how leader
can perform in such situation where things are not in the favour of leader. As per the approach
leader may face Complex situation in the organisation and it is in the hands of leader how they
can manage the entire situation and help the company to obtain it’s and result.
System leadership is concerned with the skills and experience of the leader because with
the help of experience and skills leader can handle any situation and also help the employees to
remain positive and motivated for their work (Leiras and et.al 2019). Leader of the Sainsbury do
not think about the negative impact of any situation and stay positive and take all the challenges
as an opportunity and also encourage Their employees and workforce to take different situations
as an opportunity because every situations may provide some learning’s which will help the
employees in their near future.
Contingency leadership approach
To become a leader is not an easy task for every employee. If the employee is a leader it means
they must have some attractive qualities that it can bleed other peoples and encourage them for
their goals. So the contingency theory States about the different situation which arises in the
Sainsbury and how this situations impacts the leader and its style.
As per the theory leader must have different qualities so that any situation cannot damage its
motivation and enthusiasm (Shevchenko and et.al 2018). This theory also speaks about the ability
of a leader that how a leader adopt different situations and suggest innovative ideas to the
organisation so that they can face any opposite situation. The story focuses that leader must be a
productive leader so that it helps the employee to work effectively and produce productive work
for the organisation.
There are different factors present in Sainsbury which can affect the leadership such as
the size of the team number of employees their languages and culture and also the scope of
project. All this thing and factors impacts the leadership style so a leader must make such
strategies so that they can handle the entire situation.

Key approaches of operations management
Operation management of Sainsbury manages the raw material, labour and other output of the
company (Calais and et.al2017). So that Sainsbury do not have to face any kind of loss.
Total quality management
Total quality management approach describes the procedure for the management of Sainsbury so
that employees of Sainsbury can improve the customer satisfaction by providing them better
products and services. This approach is customer focused and assists the company to provide
better products to its customers so that they do not think to switch and become a loyal customer
of Sainsbury.
This approach also state that all the employees of Sainsbury must work together to attain
the goal of the company so that company can secure a good position in the market and give tough
competition to other companies who are dealing in the similar products (Choi and et.al 2018). In
this approach the role of a leader and manager is that they must provide guidance to the
employees that how they can treat its customers and how they can sort out the issues faced by
any customer as customers are the king of market.
If Sainsbury get failed in satisfying the customer their business and profitability can
suffer and company may face loss. As per this approach Sainsbury must improve its Customer
services this can only possible by the help of leaders and managers.
Six Sigma
This is one of the data driven approach which provide Tools and techniques to sort out any
problem which arises in the organisation. This approach focuses on the improvement of the
capabilities of the business or organisation (Benjaafar and et.al 2020). The capabilities of the
organisation depends on its employees if it employees perform well and provide good services to
the customer and enhance the customer satisfaction it will definitely impact the profitability of
the organisation.
Hear the role of leader and manager is to make policies and set a structure for the
employees so that they can follow the structure and obtain their goals. This will improve the
employee morale also the working of employees. This approach believes in continuous
improvement if the customer is satisfied with the services and products of Sainsbury but
complete do not stop here and tries to improve the services and products more so that it can draw
the attention of those people who are not the customer of Sainsbury.

Business process reengineering
This approach believes on redesigning of the entire business process of Sainsbury. As per this
approach Sainsbury rethink on its existing Strategies and policies and try to provide more value
to the customer services (Kumarand et.al 2018). In this approach manager and leader plays a
great role they make the policies about the products and how they can give a new product range
to the customer so that every age group every income level customer can afford the product of
Sainsbury. The main motive of this approach is to redesign the existing strategies so that
company can save the unnecessary cost of making new policies and Strategies and they can focus
on quality of products so that customer cannot switch and Company can increase the profitability
and competitive edge.
Importance and value of operations management
Operations management plays a vital role in the success of any business. Century has a effective
operations management which insurance the employee engagement in the organisation and make
the employees remember about their roles and responsibilities in the organisation so that
Sainsbury can provide better Customer services and products and secure a good position in the
market.
Effective operations management always ensure that employees and workforce do not get
affected by any obstacles and hurdles faced by the company. Operations management make sure
that employees and their work do not get affected and in every situation employees must perform
their task on given time frame.
Quality of product
Is sensory is one of the biggest retailer in the world and it has to face a lot of competition. So the
only think which can help the Sainsbury to secure their position in the market is quality of
product. Customer wants good quality product did not improvise with the quality of product, and
they do not think for a minute to spend money E and pay the premium price for quality product.
Show the operations management of Sainsbury focuses on giving quality product towards
customers.
Customer satisfaction
Customers rule the market they are the one who can make the company successful or break the
company. So Sainsbury always try to satisfy its customer and try to get good reviews and
feedback about the product of Sainsbury and also the services provided by the company.

Operations management of Sainsbury always test the quality of products and make sure that all
the products of sensory must fulfil the needs and desires of its customers. Apart from this the
operation manager of Sainsbury make sure that the right employee get the right work so that they
can enhance the quality of product and can satisfy the customers.
If the wrong people selected by the company for the position and if the person is not able
to perform the work deliberately it will have to be here by the company. So this is the
responsibility of operations management that they ensure all the employees get the work as per
their skills and eligibility and enhance the customer experience with the company.
Increase revenue
No organisation can only increase its revenue when it’s providing better quality and products.
When the customers are satisfied with the products it will definitely help the company to increase
its revenue and sales (Podhorec and et.al 2017). Show the operations management of Sainsbury
as working on their products only and their qualities this is the only key for the company to
increase the revenue.
Competitive advantage
Operations management of Sainsbury make proper plans and policies for the benefits of the
company so that company can secure a good position and also gain competitive edge in the
market. This is the responsibility of operation management that they must deal with the internal
and external factors which affect the profitability of the company and make certain policies so
that these factors do not put any harm to the company.
Employee motivation
This is one of the major role which is being played by the operation management is that they
always try to boost the morale of employees and encourage them towards their roles and
responsibilities in the organisation. Operation management insurance employees that they are the
valuable asset for the company and without their efforts since very can’t attend the milestones.
Factors and their impact on operational management and decision of leaders and managers
There are several factors that affect the operational management of Sainsbury and also the
process of decision making of the company.
Global competition
Sainsbury deals in various retail products and it operates on international level so the company
has to face Global competition from several companies. So the Global competition affects the

operational management of Sainsbury and also the decisions taken by leaders and managers in
the favour of the company (Factors affecting operation management, 2020). Apart from this
those competitors who are dealing in the same products worldwide they are also affecting the
customer base of Sainsbury. So the Sainsbury has to focus on its website and also Sainsbury must
sell products online so that it will become difficult for the competitors to grab the customers of
Sainsbury. This can only possible by good policies and strategies made by leaders and managers
of Sainsbury.
Customer care
Every customer wants good and quality product at affordable price. Show the other companies
are offering better products on affordable price this make difficulty for Sainsbury to sustain in the
market. Show the operations management and managers of Sainsbury focusing on increasing the
quality of the products and also trying to provide best customer services, so that this factor do not
harm the profit and revenue of the company.
Social and environmental responsibility
This is another factor which can help the company to increase the profit and also it can impact
the company and decrease the profitability e of the company. Nowadays all the companies are
indulge in doing Corporate Social Responsibility in which company provides various welfare and
development opportunities for the society and also work for the environment. By doing corporate
social responsibility any company can increase the brand in the society and leave a good
footprint on the mind of customers. Sainsbury is working to solve the issues of society and also it
is concern for the environment it and Planet (J Childe, 2017). Apart from this the managers and
leaders of Sainsbury are continuously working to make better decisions and policies so which
can help the society and its development. Sainsbury is educating the poor children’s of slum
areas and also the company is working for climate change and awaking people about the
importance of climate.
Technology
As every customer want innovative and new product so with the help of technology Sainsbury
Ken sale more products and open More retail stores in the globe. Apart from this with the help of
technology company can sell its product through this website and e-commerce platform. As most
of the competitors of Sainsbury are using modern and advanced technology so it becomes

necessary for Sainsbury to use high quality Technology in their work place this will help the
employee as well to provide better customer care and services.
Legal factor
This is the very important factor which can impact the entire company. As Sainsbury has many
MI stores in different countries so it is there is possibility to follow all the rules and regulations
of specified countries. Otherwise it becomes difficult for the company to continue their business
in such countries. if the company do not follow the legal factor it can harm the reputation and
Goodwill of Sainsbury and it will directly impact the revenue of the company.
Conclusion
From the above report it can be concluded that this report focuses on the management and
operations of a company. This report States about the role of a leader and function of a manager
in the organisation and how manager and leader helps the company to face different situations.
Apart from these different theories of leadership such as situation and leadership systems
leadership and contingency leadership is also mentioned in this report. Various approaches of
Operation Management is mentioned in this report and how it impacts the profitability of
company is also mentioned in this report. Importance of operations management in attaining the
objective of business is also discussed in this report. This report contains different factors which
affects the operational management and decisions of leader and managers of the company.

References
Books and journals
Abdillah, M.R., 2021. Leader Humor and Knowledge Sharing Behavior: The Role of Leader-
Member Exchange. Jurnal Manajemen.25(1).pp.76-91.
Benjaafar, S. and Hu, M., 2020. Operations management in the age of the sharing economy: what
is old and what is new?. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management. 22(1).
pp.93-101.
Burns, M.G., 2018. Port management and operations. CRC press.
Calais and et.al2017. Management and operations maintenance for a water treatment and supply
company. International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering.25(3).pp.360-
382.
Choi, T.M., Wallace, S.W. and Wang, Y., 2018. Big data analytics in operations
management. Production and Operations Management 27(10). pp.1868-1883.
Gächter, S. and Renner, E., 2018. Leaders as role models and ‘belief managers’ in social
dilemmas. Journal of Economic Behavior& Organization. 154. pp.321-334.
J Childe, S., 2017. Case studies in the management of operations.
Kumarand et.al 2018. Research in operations management and information systems
interface. Production and Operations Management, 27(11), pp.1893-1905.
Leiras and et.al 2019. Operations management for social good: 2018 poms international
conference in Rio. Springer Nature.
Podhorec and et.al 2017. Leadership in the Process of Command and Control, Place and Role of
Commander-Manager. ISSN 1843-682X. 23(1).p.241.
Shevchenko and et.al 2018. Joint management systems for operations and safety: A routine-
based perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production. 194.pp.635-644.
Tran, S.K., 2017. GOOGLE: a reflection of culture, leader, and management. International
Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility. 2(1). pp.1-14.

Online
Factors affecting operation management 2020 [online] Available through :
<https://www.google.com/amp/s/circlebizz.com/management/factors-affecting-
operation-management/amp/>