Analysing Leadership Impact on Performance: Marks & Spencer Case

This report investigates the impact of leadership on organizational performance and productivity, focusing on a case study of Marks and Spencer (with mention of Unilever). It outlines the importance of leadership in guiding and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals. The research aims to understand the significance of leadership in overall organizational development, analyze specific strategies to improve leadership skills, and determine the benefits of effective leadership on productivity and performance. The report includes a literature review discussing leadership qualities, skills, and traits, as well as the role of leaders in creating a positive workplace environment. The research methodology involves data analysis, interpretation, and recommended practices to accomplish research aims and objectives. The report further discusses research questions related to the importance of leadership, strategies for improvement, and benefits of effective leadership, highlighting the significance of the research in both personal and professional contexts.

Studying the impact of
leadership on organisational
performance and productivity
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Title:.................................................................................................................................................3
Studying the impact of leadership on organisational performance and productivity......................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Overview of Dissertation.......................................................................................................6
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................7
Research Methodology..................................................................................................................15
References......................................................................................................................................19
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Title:
Studying the impact of leadership on organisational performance and
productivity
Introduction
Leadership is defined as an ability of an individual to guide, support and influence other
people within an organization. A leader is a person who inspires others with passion and
entrepreneurial spirit in organization. Leadership plays important role irrespective of its sector
and industry, as it allow organization to have a motivated workforce those who perform various
roles and responsibilities in effective way (Shanafelt and Noseworthy, 2017). Leadership plays
important role for an organization as it creates a link between management and employees which
allow organization to retain its skilled and talented workforce for longer period of time. With the
help of a good leadership organization can have a motivated and efficient workforce through
which overall objectives can be fulfilled in effective manner. Leadership is undoubtedly one of
the most important function of an organization as it helps company to assure overall
accomplishment of objectives motivated employees. A leaders with the help of various
leadership qualities, skills and traits increases courage confidence determination and moral of
workers. With the help of good leadership organization can create a workplace environment
which helps to have a honest workforce that helps in enhancing overall growth and profitability.
In this modern business environment it is essential for organization to implement strong and
effective leadership strategies and practices in order to maximise overall growth and
profitability. With the help of taking use of leadership organization can not only encourage and
enhance performance of employees but can also satisfied customers needs and demands in
effective manner.
With the help of the leadership the performance of the company is affected and it is found out to
be essential in the growth of the company (Lichtenthaler and Fischbach, 2018). The aim of the
research is to outline the impact of leadership on the performance of the company. The company
chosen for the research is Unilever. As the goal of any company is not only to survive in the
market but to earn good profit by elevating the level of performance. Present research include
discussion on the significance of leadership on the performance and effectiveness of the
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organization. To accomplish research aims and objectives literature review has been conducted
along with best research include data analysis interpretation and proper recommended practices.
Background of company
To accomplish present research aim which is to determine the impact of leadership on
organization productivity and performance Marks and Spencer is selected. This company is
operating as a major British multinational retailer. The organization headquarters in London,
England the United Kingdom. Organization is holding specialization in offering beauty clothing
home products and food products this organization was founded in the year 1884 and offer wide
range of products and services exclusive of luxury to customers. The organization offers its
services with more than 80,000 employees and offer their products worldwide. It has been
analysed that in this modern business environment organization is facing challenges in terms of
increasing competition from other rivals. In this it is important for leaders to maximise their
skills and capabilities and implement different type of leadership approaches in order to enhance
effectiveness and performance of organization.
The company chosen for the research is Marks and Spencer which is in the business of
consumer fulfilment items in the world. It has various sectors which are related to food, personal
care and home care products (Driving superior performance with our purpose-led,future-fit
business). Along with it, It has strong portfolio which comprises of various brands globally and it
has a strong network in the form of distribution chain.
Aim and objectives
Aims of the study:
“To study the significance of leadership on the performance and effectiveness of the
organisation. A case study of Marks and Spencer organisation”
Research Objectives
 To understand the importance of leadership on the overall development of the
organisation.
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 To analyse the specific strategies to improve the leadership skills, performance, and
efficiency of the staff members of Marks and Spencer organisation
 To determine the various benefits of effective leadership on the enhancement of
organisation productivity and performance.
Rationale
The main rationale for conducting the present research is to evaluate the effect of the
leadership on the performance of the company (Li, Zhu and Park, 2018) . Leadership in
management is said to be helpful in improving the level of profitability and the motivation
among the employees in order to improve the development of business. The present research will
help the learner in both contexts that is personal and professional both. As in the personal
context, it will allow to bring better understanding for a learner about leadership and its impact
on the performance of the organisation. This will also help in examining the issues regarding the
leadership in the employee management and its impact on the productivity of the chosen
company. Along with it, it also helpful in the professional context too as it supports in enhancing
various skills as well as core abilities of the learner. Due to which the proper guidance can be
provided in relation to performing the research related activities in a elaborated manner. With the
help of conducting correct research, one can have the positive outcomes in a significant manner.
Research question
 What is the importance of leadership on the overall development of the organisation?
 Which are the specific strategies to improve the leadership skills, performance, and
efficiency of the staff members of Marks and Spencer organisation?
 What are the various benefits of effective leadership on the enhancement of organisation
productivity and performance?
Significance of research
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Overview of Dissertation
As the name suggests, it is essential part for the research which will outline the better
understanding of different chapters which will be highlighted in the research (Saha and et.al.,
2020). As the research is presented in the systematic manner in the specific area and the various
chapters are explained below-
Introduction
In this section, it will present the chapter with aim and objectives on which the search is
based . The introduction part properly explains the depth of various points that is scope,
importance, rationale related to the research. This part mainly demonstrates the overall
presentation of the research through that an investigator can identify the overall scenario or
issues with solutions.
Literature Review
Literature Review is the next part in the research which has the main goal that is to
further elaborate the topics of the research in a detailed manner. That is why the main intention
of literature review is to analyse research issues and achieving all the objectives effectively. In
order to collect the information and data in this chapter that is literature review, secondary
method of data collection are more preferred for example books, scholars, journals and source of
range on the internet (Al-Malki and Juan, 2018).
Research Methodology
This chapter of dissertation is considered to be significant in the research process as it
helps in processing the affirmative solutions in relation to the particular subject region. In
addition to this, by selecting the methodology allows to provide the elaborated analysis which
are helpful and supportive to go in the right direction with right sources of information. The
term research methodology chapter contains research philosophy, research approach, research
strategy, data collection method, sampling, research limitations and the ethical considerations
also.
Data Presentation and Analysis
It is also one of the most necessary part of the research as it highlights the information
related to the objectives and questions. That is why, the present research is settled on the primary
method of data collection in which questionnaire will be made for better understanding. The
main goal behind making use of this method is to do save time and the cost both. Due to which
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the data will be analysed by utilising the thematic analysis method in which the charts, themes
are formulated and also form the interpretation (Shet, Patil, and Chandawarkar, 2019).
Results and Discussion
This chapter of the dissertation projects the information related to the outcomes, results
and discussion on the areas which are linked to the questions mentioned in the literature review
chapter.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This chapter of research is considered to be one of the important prospect in the research
which comprises of proper research aim and objectives. In addition to this, this chapter will also
concise the whole summary of the project, various limitations in results and might be
improved. Along there will also be recom mendations formulated on the assessment fundaments.
Literature Review
Literature review is mainly defined as an overview of the previously conducted work on a
specific topic. In addition to this it has been analysed that, this is mainly defined as a
comprehensive summary of previously conducted work on a particular topic. This is mainly
inclusive of survey of books, scholarly articles and other resources associated to the particular
area of research (Alnakhli, Agnihotri and Itani, 2020). It is important to conduct literature review
in effective manner by identifying areas of prior conducted research to prevent duplication. The
main aim of literature review is to synthesise and summarise the ideas of existing knowledge in a
particular field with the help of literature review research work and fulfill overall research in an
effective manner which helps in building knowledge in the particular field. This helps in
bringing clarity and focus to research problems enhance knowledge associated to the research
topic to improve research methodology and provide efficient sources to accomplish research aim.
In context with present research on the impact of leadership on organizational performance and
productivity mentioned below literature review is being conducted.
Importance of leadership on the overall development of the organisation
As per the view point of Babalola, (2016) Leadership is mainly defined as an ability of an
individual or a or a group of individual to guide, influence and support other individuals within
organization. This concept is mainly inclusive of skills, knowledge and abilities to persuade
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others towards fulfilment of overall goals and objectives. In addition to this it has been analysed
that leadership is mainly defined as ability to motivate other individual towards achievement of a
common goal in business organization. Leader is an individual who is well equipped with
various leadership skills, qualities and traits and further direct other employees or colleagues
with a strategy to fulfil organizational needs. It has been analysed that leadership captures the
essential being able to inspire others. With the help of innovative leadership approach and ideas
and undertaking use of effective communication techniques leaders engage themselves with
others and further direct and support them to fulfil organisational objectives. It has been analysed
that leaders emphasise on innovation and inspire others by determining their needs and demands.
An effective leader is it having various characteristics such a strong communication, self
confidence, creativity, management skills, innovative thinking, willingness to take risk, openness
to change etc. which allow leaders to guide other individual in an effective manner in
organization.
 Leaders plays important role as they not only involved in creating and fulfilling vision
and further inspire them towards the same, but also involved in day to day management
and undertake their process to turn organization vision into a reality. Furthermore it has
been analyse that leadership in business is mainly defined as an organizational capability
to achieve challenging goals. In today’s time period it is essential foreign organization to
have talented and skilled leader those who possess with characteristics, traits and skill as
it allows organizations do not only overcome competitive rivalry, but also allow them to
retain employees for longer period of time (Bebbington, 2021). It has been analysed that
leadership of a direction for an organization and its employees in order to lead in a proper
direction. Leaders play essential role those who undertake their responsibility and further
guide and motivate to accomplish overall organizational objectives.
 Furthermore, it has been analysed that leadership plays important role for overall
development of organization. It has been analysed that for any organization leadership is
essential function which allow company to direct its resources for goal accomplishment
and further enhance overall efficiency. With the help of influential leader organization
can achieve success and can retain skilled and talented individual for longer period of
time. In addition to this, it has been analysed that leadership is important for overall
development of company, as a leader conduct several function which is essential for
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organization success. The main role of leader is to provide vision for the company and
further guide and motivate employees towards the same. With the help of having multiple
skill and knowledge a good leader inspire and motivate other members and with the help
of coordination and collaboration they accomplish overall organizational goals.
 In addition to this it has been analysed that, leadership is acting as a crucial element for
development of the organization. As a leader is an individual who initiate the work with
the help of taking use of effective communication. It has been analysed that leaders act as
a link between management and employees which helps employees to stay connected
with the management and generate sense of belonging among them. Furthermore, it has
been analysed that with the help of a good leader organization can have a motivated
innovative and skilled workforce through which they can overcome any challenges in
effective manner.
 Along with this it has been analysed that, a successful leader provide guidance to
subordinates in an effective way and create confidence among them which is important
factor to conduct business rules and responsibilities in this challenging business
environment. Furthermore it has been analysed that leaders also play crucial role in
development of organization as they build environment of company and develop a
workplace environment which offers positive growth to organization and employees.
Furthermore, it has been analysed that leaders is important as with the help of
coordination they fulfil overall goals and act as representative of company. Along with it
has been analysed data leaders act as a friend philosopher and guide which help them to
retain talented, skilled and potential employees in organization for longer period of time.
With the help of different type of leadership traits and skills a leader inspire others in a
well defined and effective manner (Bergstedt and Wei, 2020). In addition to this it has
been analysed that leadership takes on many dimensions and further inclusive of many
definitions. It is important for organisations in any sector to emphasise on the
understanding and importance of leadership, as it acts as a vital concept which is
important for overall success. In order to assure overall development it is essential in
organization to encourage good leadership, as a leader act as an entrepreneurial spirit
within organization who creates innovative and competent workforce which benefit
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organization to satisfy customers and assure higher profitability growth in a market
segment.
Thus, according to the above mentioned analysis it has been evaluated that without having a
good and competent leader organization have a ship sailing without a captain. In this modern
business environment it is important for an organization to understand and implement good
leadership practice within workforce (Uhl-Bien and Arena, 2018). This will not only allow them
to overcome digital technology transformation but also benefit company to satisfy customers
needs and demands. Leadership plays important role within company as it influence employees
fulfil their needs and solve internal conflicts. A competent and good leader also nurture future
leaders, build morale, motivate employees enhance their performance and many changes
effectively. With the help of effective decision making, skills and talent a leader facilitate
organization to assure long term growth and sustainability for longer period of time.
Specific strategies to improve the leadership skills, performance, and efficiency of the staff
members of Marks and Spencer organisation
According to the viewpoint of Hurduzeu, (2015) a leader is defined as an individual who
communicates organization plans and policies to employees in order to accomplish
organizational goals. A successful leader motivate employees by providing them financial as
well as non-financial incentives and further motivate them to accomplish overall objectives in an
effective manner. It has been analysed that Marks and Spencer is operating as a major British
multinational retailer headquartered in London, United Kingdom. This organization is operating
in the retail sector which is highly competitive. In this Marks and Spencer is facing competition
from Zara, H&M and another organizations. Along with this due to digital transformation
company is facing challenges to increase performance and efficiency of employees. In this there
are certain strategies through which leadership skills can be improved in order to enhance
efficiency and performance of staff members within organization:
 It is important for organization to have proper communication network. In this leaders
plays important role to execute communication which acts as one of the most important
factor that contributes in overall team productivity. It has been analysed that without
having a proper and effective source of communication business can fail to accomplish
overall objectives. Absence of communication lead towards miscommunication that
affects overall aim of a company (Sheninger, 2019). In order to successfully thrive in this
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business environment it is important for leaders of Marks and Spencer to assure effective
communication. In this with the help of taking use of virtual communication strategies
leaders can fill the communication gap which can overcome the issue of multiple
confusion. In this leaders of the company can take advantage of dropbox, zoom calls
another social networking and online collaboration and productivity platform to
encourage, web conferencing tool as well as video conferencing tools. With the help of
assuring strong communication leaders can enhance performance and efficiency of
workers communication helps in overcoming delay in work and miscommunication.
 It has been analysed that each and every individual perform their work in order to feel
appreciated and valued. In this competitive business environment it is important for
organization to encourage employees by providing them various rewards and incentives
and rewards in effective manner, as Marks and Spencer is operating in highly competitive
business environment there other rivals like H&M Zara are taking use of various rewards
strategies to retain talent employees and further attract new candidates from the market.
This increases competition in order to conduct roles and responsibility and satisfy
customers (Jiménez, Winkler and Dunkl, 2017). In this Marks and Spencer leaders with
the help of taking advantage of encouraging recognition can make employees work
beyond expectation that will help in fulfilling overall result. With the help of recognition
and celebration Marks and Spencer leaders can excellently increase production volume
by reducing the stress. With the help of taking use of incentives in monetary and
nonmonetary manner such as increase in wages and salary, providing competitive
promotion and recognition, praises, fringe benefits, providing free vacations, healthcare
benefits, insurance policy etc. leaders can enhance overall performance and efficiency of
employees. It has been analysed that if employees feel valued it increases their sense of
belonging is towards company. With the help of this strategy improvement in leadership
skill along with the staff members efficiency and performance can be assured by the
company.
 To overcome challenges and changes in business environment, it is important for
organisations to focus on growth in education of employees. This is one of the most
effective strategy which not only help leaders to enhance efficiency and performance of
employees within workplace structure but also aid leaders to create future leaders as well
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as managers. With the help of emphasising on providing education training and
development opportunities leaders within company can enhance employees current level
of skill, knowledge and capability that will help them to perform roles and
responsibilities in better way (Shanafelt and Noseworthy, 2017). This will also help
leaders to identify weakness and strength of employees and further enhance them with
the help of providing professional education courses. This will help in providing support
and guidance to employees that will further benefit them to face difficulties. With the
help of this leaders can retain employees for longer period of time and can undertake use
of their unique skills to satisfy customers needs and demands in more efficient manner.
 In today’s business world digital transformation has changed the manner of conducting
business environment. Marks and Spencer is operating in retail industry which is highly
influenced by technology. In this with the help of taking use of technological to leaders
can enhance efficiency and performance of workers and can maximise leadership. With
the help of taking use of smartphone, computers, artificial intelligence, virtual reality,
cloud computing and other software leaders can encourage team engagement as well as
collaboration (Katou, 2015). In this with the help of working with technological
professional leaders can provide opportunities to employees to increase their skill. With
the help of undertaking advantage of this strategy leaders can improve efficiency and
productivity of workers. This will also allow employees to enhance their educational
level which allow them to deal with customers in more effective manner.
Thus according to the above mentioned analysis it has been stated that it is important for
leaders to develop their skills in order to maximise efficiency and performance of staff members.
As Marks and Spencer is operating its roles and responsibility in retail industry which is facing
aggressive competition. In this with the help of taking advantage of above mentioned strategies
such as implementing technology, focusing on encouraging communication, providing rewards
and recognition to employees they can enhance efficiency and effectiveness of employees. In
addition to this leaders with the help of conducting team building exercise, taking advantage of
product management tool, giving constructive feedback can encourage performance of
employees in effective manner (Patiar and Wang, 2016). Along with leaders and managers with
Marks and Spencer with the help of analysing performance metrics of employees can enhance
their overall efficiency and effectiveness to perform their roles and responsibilities in a better
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