Leadership and Management Concepts: Walmart Case Study Report - Nescot

This report delves into the core concepts of leadership and management, using Walmart as a practical example. It begins by differentiating between the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, followed by an analysis of how these roles function in various situational contexts, such as change management and new product development. The report then explores distinct leadership theories, including situational, contingency, and system leadership, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Key approaches to operation management are described, alongside the roles of managers and leaders in achieving organizational goals. Finally, the report assesses factors in the business environment that impact operational management and decision-making. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into effective leadership and management practices.

Leadership and
management concept

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
TASK1.............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Explain and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.......1
TASK2.............................................................................................................................................3
P2 Analyse examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts.......................................................................................................3
P3 Apply distinct theories and models of approach such as situational, contingency and
system leadership theory. ...........................................................................................................4
TASK3.............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Describe key approaches to operation management and role of manager and leader play.. .6
P5 Describe value and importance of management in attainment of organisational goals. .......7
TASK4.............................................................................................................................................9
P6 Assess factors in business environment which have impact on operational management and
decision-making by managers and leaders. ................................................................................9
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Operation and management is define as a business area which is related for design
together with help of controlling process of manufacturing, production and redesigning the
whole operation of organisation. In this, raw materials are converted in finished products by
having proper management of activities and tasks which helps in creating values for end users
(Bush, Bell and Middlewood, 2019) .
In this report Walmart is choose. This is an American multinational retail company which
are basically operates in chain of hypermarkets, grocery stores, discount department stores. This
organisation have their headquarter in Bentonville, Arkansas.
This report covers difference and comparison between managers and leaders in terms of
characteristics and roles. This also includes role of leader and managerial function in various
different context of situation. Furthermore, in this report there is different models and theories
such as system, contingency and situational model of approach is also included. In addition,
there is key approaches which is related to operation management and also role of manager and
leaders which are play them are involved and also understand of relationship in leadership and
management which helps for attainment of objectives of organisation.
MAIN BODY
TASK1
P1 Explain and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.
Leader: Leaders are the individuals that have capability to influence other individual in
order to make achieve common goal and objective. Leadership helps organisation to motivate the
employees and encourage them in order to improve productivity and growth of the company. In
the context of Walmart, the leaders of organisation helps their employees to have effective
working and gain better growth of company. Leaders works for sustainability of business by
encouraging employees and staff of the company (Antonakis and Day, 2018).
Manager: These individuals of organisation play different functions that helps them in
better management and growth of the company. manager have control over the all the activities
and administration of the company so that they can ensure better growth and achievement of
aims of respective organisation. In the context of Walmart, manager of the company ensure that
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all the task and activities of organisation can be done in most effective way so that is can helps in
better growth and achievement of goals and objectives.
Differentiation among managers and leaders:
Basis Leaders manager
Characteristics Characteristic of leaders:
 Influence Power: Leaders
always have the appropriate
skills and capabilities by
which they influence their
followers. In the context of
Walmart, leaders of the
organisation have the power to
influence the employees of the
company in order to make
them more productive within
an organisation. Make an
effective influence on the
employee make them more
effective in order to achieve
all the goals and objectives of
the company (Koontz,
Weihrich and Cannice, 2020) .
Characteristic of manager:
 Effective communication:
An effective manager of
organisation have effective
communication skills that
help them to make their
working more effective so
that they can achieve the
goals and targets of the
company. In the context of
Walmart, the manager of
company has skills to
effecticve communication
that help them to
communicate all the goals
and objectives of
organisation to the
employees so that they can
help them in better growth.
Role Role of leaders:
 Decision maker: Leaders of
the organisation play the role
of effective decision making
that helps in better functioning
and growth of the company.
Role of manager:
 Monitor: It is an most
important role that manager
of company play by
monitoring the performance
and all the activities of the
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They take right decision on
the right time so that company
can improve its growth in the
market. In the context of
Walmart, leaders of company
helps its management to take
appropriate decision so that
they can effectively improve
their productivity and growth.
company so that they can
analyse the actual
performance and compare it
with expected performance
of the staff and employees.
In the context of Walmart,
manager of company analyse
the performance of their
employees and give them
feedback so that they can
achieve goals and expected
performance of the company
(Nghia, Phuong and Huong,
2020).
TASK2
P2 Analyse examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in different
situational contexts.
In every organisation leaders and managers play their different roles and functions that helps
them in better growth and achievement of goals and objectives of the company (Buning, 2020).
In the context of Walmart, there are different situations occurs in the company where the leaders
and manager of the organisation ensure that they can mange those situations in most appropriate
ways so that company can achieve its goals and targets. Below are detail explanation of how the
leaders and manager of company play their role and functions in order to make organisation
more effective.
Roles of leaders and functions of managers in situational context:
Change management:
This is the process by which Walmart, focus on the various changes that required in
order to make organisation grow and successful, this refer to the study of various impact on the
performance of employees by the change in the organisation. Change management could have
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positive or negative impact on the employees of respective organisation, so in order to handle
this situation in most effective way below are role and functions of leaders and manager.
Role of the leader: In the context of Walmart, the leaders of the company play the role
by influencing the employees of the organisation so that they can effectively manage their
performance in order to gain more profitability and proper management of change in the
organisation.
Functions of manager: The manager of Walmart, use their management and organising
function in order to make more profitability and growth of the company (Hallinger, 2018). They
ensure that change in the operation of the company does not effect the performance of the
employees.
New product development:
Walmart, is planning launch new organic product in their company in order to attract
more customers towards the brand. New product development requires huge planning and proper
management of all the resources so that it can increase the level of productivity in the business.
Below are the role and function that leaders and manager of company play in the situation of
new product development.
Role of leaders: In the process of new product development leaders of Walmart, play the
role of motivating and encouraging their employees so that they can effectively manges to work
under this situation. They educate their employees so that they could have proper knowledge and
ability to improve their performance in most effective manner.
Functions of manager: The managers of Walmart, play the role of planning and
managing all the activities and task that has to be done in order to improve the level of
productivity of the company and increase its profitability. manager ensures that they develop
appropriate plan for new product development in the company.
P3 Apply distinct theories and models of approach such as situational, contingency and system
leadership theory.
In today's scenario of company there us changes which is on regular basis in accordance
as changes which is occur in environment of business. For organise and manage business in
efficient and effective way managers and leaders are using many models and theory of leadership
at their working segment (Bratton, 2020). In terms of Walmart, there are various models or
theories of leadership which is discussed below:
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 Situational leadership: In this theory or style of leadership, managers and leaders have
responsibility for select their way of style which is according to needs and desires which
are fit in level of development of followers in organisation. With help of this style, it
influences employees which is according to their needs and demand of distinct
circumstances. In terms of Walmart, manager and leader adopted this styles which helps
in managing and maintaining various distinct situations for effectiveness and efficienct of
company. Contingency leadership: According to this style of leadership as every company there is
no appropriate style for each and every situation which is occur in environment of
working. In there are three basic factors which helps in tackle various situation such as
employee relationship, position power and task culture (Adams and Velarde, 2018). In
terms of Walmart, leaders and managers of company analyse various different situation
which is according to style and structure. This leads to encouragemeny of team members
for good working. In this style, working is managed according to situation so that
organisation attains higher results.
 System leadership: According to this approach, managers and leaders have to set
employees as according to their knowledge and skills which helps company for raising
the productivity and performance of team and also development of employees
personality. This theory reflects combination of intrinsic creation and collaborative
leadership which helps in decentralising overall network system. In terms of respective
company, managers have to make effective position and values & also manages work in
effective manner within all department. By this, organisation is gaining high market share
and also sustaining in market for long term.
Strength and weaknesses of various leadership theories
Leadership style Strength Weaknesses
Situational leadership style  The strength of this
style is, this helps in
solving complexities
by this team member
feels more comfortable
in performing their
 This style is not
suitable for
achievement of long
term objectives and
goals (Kuljiš and
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task.
 In Walmart, this is very
important style as it
provides suitable guide
for working which
helps in profitability
results.
Gutović, 2019).
 In this, it is very
difficult for managers
or leaders for gathering
data or information in
quick manner so by
this decision-making
process is affected.
System leadership style  According to this style,
all followers do their
activities and task in
appropriate way.
 In this there is diverse
range of direction
which is offer is
according to their task
which helps in clarity
in completing their task
(Derman, 2019).
 There is major
weakness or drawback
as this is time
consuming style. So by
this selecting
appropriate decision is
also affected.
 There is also conflicts
may be arise among
employees as there all
conditions are
interrelated.
TASK3
P4 Describe key approaches to operation management and role of manager and leader play.
Operation management is define as practice of organisation which basically builds high
level of efficiency in firm. It is very important term which helps in transforming labours and
materials in services & products in effective way. This leads for increase their revenues and
profit in market segment. In terms of Walmart, it is important term as it helps conversion of raw
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materials in finished goods by remove wastage so by this there is rate of returns. There are
various approaches of operation management which is adopted by company are discussed below: Lean principle: This is principle of operation management which provide a suggestion to
team as by improving overall performance by removing wastages and deduction in
variations in process of production (Connolly, James, and Fertig, 2019). This principle
is very effective as this helps satisfy customers towards organisation services and
products. In terms of Walmart, leaders play role of supervision as they have
responsibility for supervising their team individuals which helps in receiving positive
outcome. In terms of managers they have to manage all responsibilities and task so by
this activities or work is complete on specific time period. Six Sigma: By this approach of operation management is define as set of tools &
techniques which is used for improvement by deducting amount of mistakes which is
done in company. This approach helps in examining and grab opportunities which is
among market place of firm. In respective company, leader have responsibility for
determine and analyse opportunities which leads to high performance and productivity of
company.
 TQM: This is management approach which helps in attaining long term success by satify
customers. In this, there is continuous improvement which is done in production process
by reducing wastage and involving quality resources which is according to demand of
market in systematic manner (Golensky and Hager, 2020). This helps organisation for
sustaining market for long period of time in more efficiency manner. In this manager and
leader of Walmart, plays significant role for development of quality standards by which
organisation sustain for long period of time in market place. In this leader enhance level
of commitment which ensures work which is done in set time and managers use various
different approach for developing operations.
P5 Describe value and importance of management in attainment of organisational goals.
Operational management is main component of company which helps enhancing and
developing values of various tasks and activities. Walmart is largest multinational company
which is basically operating in hypermarket, grocery stores and so on. As company is retail
industry which have their products in electronics, jewellery, footwear, home improvement
products and so on. So for this there is removing of wastage which is in efficient manner and
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also proper utilisation of resources which helps company for growth with high extent. By this
complexities are removed so that there is efficiency of working which is increased. In terms of
Walmart, there are some basic concepts which is related to operation management that are
showcase importance which are discussed below: Planning: This is very important role in organisation in which leaders and managers
makes different plans which is adopted for building higher revenues and profits by
providing quality of services and products (Rosenbach, 2018). In this, Walmart involves
efficient strategy which helps in achievement of goals in effective manner. Organising: In this manager of respective company organise their plans and works in
systematic manner by which organisation attain target in effective way by proper
accuracy. It is important path because in this leader and manager control their mistakes
which helps in attainment goals in appropriate manner and working can be done in
manageable way. Directing: In this managers and leaders of Walmart discloses clear direction and path to
their followers which leads good relations and connectivity that can maintained by having
proper results. This reflects major important factor of operation management. Controlling: in this, manager of respective organisation manages work process by
considering corrective actions at every stage. By this, company get helpful in organising
and managing the work in appropriate manner. Controlling is consider as highly valuable
in organisation as operation management effectively control all tasks and activities. Product quality: This is consider as important factor of operation management in which
Walmart is are majorly focus on their quality which are suits in perception and customer
taste. Majorly this is done as due to apply several tools such as lean production, six sigma
and so on.
 Customer satisfaction: This is another importance for operation management in which
cost is useful in producing services and products are low this is because of proper
planning and execution of products which helps in satisfy the customers needs and wants.
In this Walmart Inc is adopting total quality management for managing and organising
manufacturing by this there is effective work which helps in satisfying customers so by this there
is satisfaction of demands of customers of products in market place which is being increased.
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TASK4
P6 Assess factors in business environment which have impact on operational management and
decision-making by managers and leaders.
There are many factors which is involved in business environment that have major effect
on decision making of managers and leaders which have relation to operation management. In
terms of Walmart there are many factors which are discussed below: CSR: It is define as type of self regulating model of organisation in which company is
responsible socially for welfare. In context of Walmart managers and leaders include
CSR policies with use of distinct practices. This is very important for managers for
attracting customers for company by focus on various aspects which is done by including
CSR policies which are taking initiatives for social welfare which helps in increase their
revenues and profits (Thomas, 2020). This concept is used by leaders for motivate and
encourage team members to work effectively so that they work in accordance and gain
competitive advantage in market segment which is basically for benefit of society. In this
company is focus on protecting environment by offering environment friendly products
such as organic or natural products to customers. In this organisation id working in more
systematic manner which helps in removing wastage and management of efficiency. By
this there is high positive result is obtain by having proper decision-making process in
terms of company. Ethics: This is refers as moral responsibilities in which individual have to follow code of
conduct which is according to their profession by which results are present in positive
manner. In context of Walmart, manager have to reflect proper transparency by their
shareholders this reflects as good ethics and values which is related to organisation by
which they show more interest in company and enterprise get high profit and returns.
This helps in considering decision in effective and efficient manner. When there is proper
ethics, this helps in reduction of working gap so by this productivity of organisation is
showcase and company have to sustain for long time period. In this managers and leaders
offer direction to their team members by full participation and support which helps in
accomplishment of task & activity and representation of positive ethics in workingh
environment.
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 Sustainability: In this Walmart is focus on long term sustainability in market segment. So
for this they have to work in effective and systematic by new thoughts and ideas by
which large number of customers are being attracted. In this time, manager of
organisation have responsibility for considering effective decision for attainment of
goals. On other hand leader have to work on their task and offer proper guidelines to their
team members as according for set decisions. This leads to maximisation of profits and
brand image of company (Dumas and Beinecke, 2018).
CONCLUSION
From the above information it can be conclude that leadership helps in motivating people
towards the achievement of common goal and objectives. Various role and characteristics of
managers and leaders that provide better growth to organisation and encourage employees for
better growth. Different theories of motivation and leaderships helps leaders and manager of the
company to enhance their leadership style. Operation management play role to enhance the
functions of organisation in order to make better growth, where leaders and manager play
important role to enhance the functions of operation management. There are different factors that
have an impact on the performance decision making of the company.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Mastering theories of educational leadership and management, pp.1-10.
Antonakis, J. and Day, D.V., 2018. Leadership: Past, present, and future.
Bratton, J. ed., 2020. Organizational leadership. SAGE Publications Limited.
Buning, T., 2020. Sport leadership in the 21st century. Journal of Sport Management .1 (aop).
pp.1-2.
Bush, T., Bell, L. and Middlewood, D. eds., 2019. Principles of Educational Leadership &
Management. SAGE Publications Limited.
Connolly, M., James, C. and Fertig, M., 2019. The difference between educational management
and educational leadership and the importance of educational responsibility.
Educational Management Administration & Leadership .47 (4). pp.504-519.
Derman, G.S., 2019. The Main Differences Between Leadership and Management “Atatürk’s
Leadership”. International Journal of Social and Economic Sciences .9 (1). pp.12-16.
Dumas, C. and Beinecke, R.H., 2018. Change leadership in the 21st century. Journal of
Organizational Change Management.
Golensky, M. and Hager, M., 2020. Strategic leadership and management in nonprofit
organizations: Theory and practice. Oxford University Press.
Hallinger, P., 2018. Surfacing a hidden literature: A systematic review of research on educational
leadership and management in Africa. Educational Management Administration &
Leadership .46 (3). pp.362-384.
Koontz, H., Weihrich, H. and Cannice, M.V., 2020. Essentials of Management-An International,
Innovation and Leadership Perspective|. McGraw-Hill Education.
Kuljiš, M.B. and Gutović, T., 2019. Inclusive Educational Policy and the Democratic Context of
Educational Leadership and Management. In Educational Leadership in Policy (pp. 81-
96). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Nghia, T.L.H., Phuong, P.T.N. and Huong, T.L.K., 2020. Implementing the student-centred
teaching approach in Vietnamese universities: the influence of leadership and
management practices on teacher engagement. Educational Studies .46 (2). pp.188-204.
Rosenbach, W.E., 2018. Contemporary issues in leadership. Routledge.
Thomas, N., 2020. The John Adair handbook of management and leadership. Thorogood.
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