Leadership Assessment: Personal Experience, Theories, and Jack Ma

This report delves into the multifaceted nature of leadership within organizations. It begins with a critical self-reflection on the author's personal leadership experiences, followed by a proposed action plan for development, incorporating insights from various leadership theories. The main body extensively explores established leadership theories, such as the Great Man theory, trait theory, and behavioral theories, and their practical applications. The report then transitions into a detailed analysis and evaluation of Jack Ma, the founder of the Alibaba Group, applying the previously discussed leadership theories to his leadership style. The analysis considers Ma's authentic leadership, vision, and the various leadership styles he employs, including democratic and transformational approaches. The report concludes with a synthesis of the findings, drawing connections between the theoretical frameworks and the practical leadership demonstrated by Jack Ma, ultimately providing a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership in a global business context. The report also includes an action plan to improve the author's leadership skills, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

LEADERSHIP IN
ORGANISATION

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
Critically reflect on own experience of leadership and suggest areas for own development with
including action plan....................................................................................................................1
Use leadership theories and concepts in analysis and evaluate leadership of Jack Ma Founder
of Alibaba Group.........................................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Leadership is the most important function in the organisation for its management and assists
in maximization profitability. In this way, efficiency also developed that helps to achieve
organizational goals. In this regard, the leader plays important that is an effective concern in
working. The leader also motivates their staff members by providing economic and non-
economic rewards to work effectively (Kossek and Buzzanell, 2018). In this consideration, the
present report includes the experience of leadership with role and action. Furthermore, it consists
of leadership theories and concepts which reflect on a positive experience. In addition to this, it
explains the leadership of Jack Ma who is the founder of Alibaba group. Different theories also
explained which is related to critical leadership. At last, arguments also explained which can be
applied to Jack Ma’s leadership.
MAIN BODY
Critically reflect on own experience of leadership and suggest areas for own development with
including an action plan
Leadership is the successful process that consists important role which direct, guide and
influence behaviour of staff members to accomplish desired results in the organization.
Leadership is also an ability which defined subordinated to work very confidential (Boyd,
Henning and Hoffman, 2017).
Great man theory
As per the great man theory, leaders are born with certain traits and abilities that can be
leading with intellect, confidence, and communication skills, etc. In this regard, it can be
suggested that within a successful organization such as Tesco best leaders are born not made.
With my experience, I had an analysis that in the organization leaders are valiant, mythic and
ordained to rise effective leadership when different situations arise (Augier and Guo, 2017). This
great man adopted at this time which is successfully implemented to develop experience. There
are several areas where development is required to implement the skills of staff members which
helps to lead effectively. This theory sees among great leaders who are destined by birth who are
become confronted and belief in an appropriate situation.
Trait theory
1

Trait theory is also similar to the great man theory. It is also founded with different
characteristics of several leaders for successful and unsuccessful as well. In Tesco, this theory is
generally used to predict effective leadership with identified characteristics that are compared
with potential leaders that determined with the likelihood to lead effectively (Uhl-Bien and
Arena, 2017). There are different kinds of characteristics from several perspectives. As per my
experience, they are focused on physiological attributes such as weight, demographics,
appearance, etc. These attributes encompass with decisiveness, knowledge, and judgment. In
order to considered a successful development program, it can be stated that leaders are focused
on analysing physical, social and mental characteristics to gain more understanding. There are
several combinations of characteristics are common among leaders (Renz and Herman, R.D.
2016). With this consideration, trait leadership theory applied with a different measurement that
is reliable with significant approach. In this aspect, many studies analyzed traits among leaders
with different responsibilities. Different characteristics are slightly intelligent and taller. Trait
theories effective for leaders so that common personality characteristics and traits.
Behavioral theories
This theory focuses on how leaders perform and behave. For example, Tesco leaders
generally dictate needs that need to be done and develop cooperation. Therefore, decision
making helps to encourage acceptance and support. This framework generally based on a
leader’s behaviour (Sweeney, Clarke and Higgs, 2019). There are different kinds of leaders such
as autocratic leaders who make decisions without consulting their teams. This style of leadership
considered without team consultancy to gain successful outcomes. In addition to this,
Democratic leaders also allow team members to provide input before making any decisions. This
style is more important in team agreement so that it can be difficult to manage with different
perspectives and ideas (Chrobot-Mason, Johnson and Kinkopf, 2016). I had seen that the
organization requires democratic leaders to allow them and provide input before making any
decisions. Different members of the organization give their suggestions and ideas in the business
which helps to handle every situation in a systematic manner. On the basis of laissez-faire
leaders, it can be stated that under the supervision of the manager. This kind of behaviour assists
to deal with effective leadership that can impact on performances. Leadership is also appropriate
which can be deal with significant advantages (Junk, Mancini and Blume, 2017).
Applying leadership theories at workplace of Tesco
2

With respect to considered trait theory, effective leadership generally depends on
possess and traits which maximise strength of leaders. Leaders of the organisation have to strive
and focus with strengths instead of weaknesses. Strengths are also vary from one leader to
another. Therefore, strong will also crucial resilient and seeing leaders in difficult times
(Montano, Reeske and Hüffmeier, 2017). There is no matter that how challenging and situation
which may be challenging situation so that leader is able to find inner strength which helps to
carry process successfully and overcomes all challenges. Decisive nature is one of another
strength that assess situation and choose one action to make right decisions. They are also learn
from their mistakes. There are different kinds of complex situational theories emphasis that focus
on several people (Braun, Schyns and Peus, 2016). It means that leaders acknowledge every
individual that emphasis on people. As an inclusive leader, it is essential that all people are
constantly includes other people in leadership program. In this consideration, delegation of more
responsibility to others people which comes in form of leadership. On the basis of different
situations, it has been analysis that many studies analysis to cover different tasks and it will be
completed with taking different people views in the business (Çelik, Dedeoğlu and Inanir,
2015).
Action plan
Strengths Goals Opportunities Weaknesses Goals Action plan
for
developments
Threats Time scale
Effective
team
management
Facilitate
effective
team with
management
practice
With the help
of effective
maintaining
task and
human
resources to
build trust and
ensure staff
development
so that
organisational
goals achieved
Poor time
management
skills
Meet with
targets within
allocated time
Improvement
in planning and
build SMART
goals
Improvement
in personal
growth with
training
Evaluation of
leadership
skills with
assessment and
feedback
Complexity
of change
process with
using
unfreezing,
change and
refreezing
Development
needs which
impact on
opportunity
in practice
which will be
accomplished
in one
month. This
will be
accomplished
till 13th
January
3

Skills
development
program with
leaders
(Opoku,
Ahmed and
Cruickshank,
2015).
2020.
Staff
motivation
and
evaluation
of services
Ensure
effective
motivation
for staff
with certain
practices
It helps and
allow staff
members for
development
and
achievement.
With the help
of
benchmarking
which enhance
services
provision
(Puni,
Agyemang
and Asamoah,
2016).
Struggles
with
delegation
and role
assignment
due to fear
tasks not
achieved.
With
improvement
delegation
skills and
maintain trust
of team
among
members in
certain
practices
(Vasilagos,
Polychroniou,
and
Maroudas,
2017).
Ensure
personal
development
so that skills
building also
support with
team members
with
responsibility
and
accountability.
Improvement
in
interpersonal
relationship
with
continuous
assessment.
Enhancement
workload
with given
fact in
process with
assign more
roles.
In order to
ensure
effective
team with
leadership, it
can be stated
that
development
needs must
be
ascertained
in systematic
manner.
Use of
leadership
styles for
multiple
purpose
Main goal in
this aspect is
to utilise
different
kinds of
leadership
styles when
practices are
necessary
This strength
assists to
attend
different kinds
of
organisational
needs that is
depend on
certain
situation with
using
Struggle
within team
management
create more
conflicts.
With the help
of developing
coping
mechanism
also create
impact which
create
pressure of
conflict
which affect
team
Ensure that
formation of
team which is
stronger in
which develop
with different
stages with
using
Tuckman.
Improvement
in
Multiple
leadership
styles create
time
consuming
weaknesses
that could be
demotivate
staff
members.
Development
needs also
create impact
so that it is
essential to
set successful
plan in which
17th January
2020
successfully
developed
4

situational
leadership
style.
management. communication
skills.
Development
of culture
openness with
honesty among
team members.
(Demirtas
and
Akdogan,
2015).
On the basis of the present action plan, it can be stated that leaders successfully operate
their functions and operations in the Tesco. With the help of different kinds of leadership styles,
it can be said that staff members share their ideas and views which assists to deal with different
conditions. Concerned people also fulfil staff member’s needs so that on the basis of different
names two categories are also divided to apply conditions.
Use leadership theories and concepts in analysis and evaluate the leadership of Jack Ma Founder
of Alibaba Group
Jack Ma is the founder of E-commerce business Alibaba and its deals with the e-
payment portal. He is now officially the richest man in China and net worth is more than any
other company. Jack Ma is a successful leader who is the founder of Alibaba group. He started a
successful business that is internet-based and he wants to make successful globalized traders in
different areas of SMEs across the world. Be an authentic leader Ma possesses a strong sense of
character that aids to build loyalty and a strong foundation in which business grows. Ma also
stated that sense of humour is most important aspect which may be charged. Furthermore, the
main leadership of Ma is dealing with see-through customers Eyes. Ma generally runs e-
commerce business and got success to view products as per customer’s eyes. This kind of quality
assists helps in business to provide best services. Furthermore, he developed a mission to
generate a sense of China so that Ma has given benefit from Alibaba’s success as well.
Ma also knew so that it possible to convince each single staff member business
partner and investor to maintain trust to listen with trying to deal get success. There common
goal uniting them under Ma supervision. This is the company’s goal instead of the leader’s goal
so that he tries to hire people with superior qualities. Hiring staff members with super skills
make the company successful. All employee are working with the technical quality so that they
can easily deal with it positive results will be achieved. Jack Ma is a successful leader in
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maintaining a clear vision. Ma also believes that success will be achieved to inspire people to
work hard to achieve the goal. There are many other leadership qualities and skills that possess
by Ma. Use your instinct and focus on the mission to know what business is develop functions
for accomplish long term vision. Breathless efforts for accomplishment are most important so
that inventing opportunities expand boundaries empowering other people (Demirtas and
Akdogan, 2015).
He follow leadership styles that assist to run the organization is successful. He is a
democratic leader so that he gives importance to staff member’s ideas. With the help of
transformational leadership style, they can empower employees and motivating to accomplish
success. As a leader, we have to cultivate visions and goals to improve the company’s outcomes
and improve the lives of staff members. With incorporate mission in culture and implement it to
promote a better world, it is essential to get success at each stride of the organization (Kossek
and Buzzanell, 2018).
Trait theory
Trait theory of leadership is a theory that implied for leaders those are born and due to its
belief people possess correct qualities and traits which is suited in successful leadership. In
Alibaba group, this theory is identified behavioural characteristics that are most common in
leaders. Ma focuses on correct qualities and traits so that this theory include intelligence, self-
confidence, determination, and integrity. In the chosen organization trait theory approach study
towards human personality (Chrobot-Mason, Johnson and Kinkopf, 2016). Primarily theorists
primarily interested in the measurement of traits that can be defined with habitual patterns of
behavior, emotions, and thought.
Behavioural theory
Behavioural theory of learning is generally based on different ideas that are
acquired to solve a particular situation. Conditioning occurs with maintaining interaction with
the environment. Behaviourists generally believe that responses within the environment which
stimuli shape and actions. Behavioural seeks with analysing antecedents and consequences that
present in each individual’s environment to acquire previous experience. This entry also
describes traditions with behavioural perspective (Behavioural Theories of Leadership, 2018).
Different classical conditioning, operant conditioning, cognitive mediated behavioural theory
demonstrate clinical applications that are derived from it.
6

Situational theory
In order to solve issues and problems, managers of Alibaba also use the situational
theory that assists to match it with a particular situation. In this regard, leadership style
successfully opts and developed that refers when the leader or manager of an organization must
adjust style that can be successfully fit the organization at the development level of followers so
that the leader is trying to influence easily. When Ma situational leader does not change their
approach which takes advantage of a particular situation. The leader simply adapt to a particular
situation that considers certain factors. In this regard, organizational structure and culture so that
goal will be accomplished. The situational approach to leadership can be successfully studied
with the basic premise that can be applied in different situations. It is demanded in different
types of leadership. The essence of situational leadership is most effective for all leaders that
tailor according to the particular situation. Telling and directing is one of the best advantages of
leaders within the organization that helps to makes decisions for informing others (Augier and
Guo, 2017). This style of leadership in Ma also referred to as micromanagement as the leader
who involved and closely supervise people who are working in the business. It is a very top-
down approach and staff members exactly work in a systematic manner. Selling and actions with
this style of leadership are some of the important considerations that must be taken in a
systematic manner. Day to day activities of the organization is also involved so that decisions
requested from the employees before it implied at the workplace. With this style of situational
leadership, staff members supervised considered typically works very well with more experience
to learn. It involves direct praise to enhance confidence and self-esteem. Participating in and
supporting the style of leadership passes several responsibilities for employers. Leaders still
provide direction so that decisions can be taken in a systematic manner. Delegating is one of the
important functions of a situational leadership style where Ma involved the least amount of staff
members. Employees are mainly responsible to choose tasks and directions that can be taken in a
systematic manner. The leader may also involve in direction and feedback purposes.
Contingency theory
Contingency the approach in management is generally based on a theory that
creates effectiveness that is contingent or dependent upon the application of management
behaviors. In other words, the way to manage must be a change that depends on certain
circumstances. With consideration of this theory, Ma following motivation and leadership that
7

are two effective examples with determining productivity, turnover and absenteeism.
Organizational behavior is one of the important examples of contingency theory that must be
taken as an important role in business.
Transformational leadership
Transformational leadership is a style that motivates, inspire and encourage to staff
members that innovate and create change to grow and shape for future success within the
organization. In this style, there are four elements such as individualized consideration, idealized
influence, intellectual stimulation and inspirational motivation. According to this kind of
leadership defined as an approach which causes change among individual and system and social.
It is ideal which creates valuable to make a positive change for the development of goals among
leaders (Kossek and Buzzanell, 2018).
Transactional leadership
Transactional leadership is one of the leadership styles where leaders promote compliance
which following by different people. In this aspect, leaders promote compliance by followers by
using punishment and rewards. With the help of rewards and punishment system, transactional
leaders who are able to motivate for short term targets. In this regard, effectiveness will be
increased by the Main positive aspects. He has several characteristics such as extrinsic
motivation, reward performances, resistant to change, etc. (Augier and Guo, 2017).
Distributed leadership
Distributed leadership is a conceptual approach that assists to understand to work
and takes place among several people in the context of complexity within the business. With the
development of leadership programs, in complex organization education research promoted in a
systematic manner. Ma develops leadership within the Alibaba group in the context of e-
commerce that includes tourism in the business. Therefore, it is important consideration that
helps to lead successfully within the organisation. Distributed leadership is primarily concerned
with different practices of leadership with specific roles and responsibilities. Collective and
extended practices that are related with leadership also build capacity to make change and
improvement (Demirtas and Akdogan, 2015).
Ethical leadership
Ethical leadership is one of the important that is directed with respect for ethical
beliefs and values to maintain the dignity and rights of other people. It is related to certain
8

concepts that help to deal with trust, fairness, honesty, etc. Ma also following this kind of
leadership for being honest and virtuous and play a role as a successful manager of Alibaba
group. There are different responsibilities and obligations of a successful manager will be
successfully setting as good example. There are different standards and expectations made
clearly which lead successfully. Different principles are also followed by Ma to maintain their
leadership such as respect, justice, services, honesty, and community. These are core elements of
ethical leadership which defined by leaders to respect others and themselves (Augier and Guo,
2017).
Critical leadership
Critical leadership is one of the responsibility of executive leadership within the
organisation to ensure that skills successfully developed inappropriate manner. In this aspect, Ma
must look to provide clear direction to involve clear vision, purpose, values, mission,
competitive advantages, etc. Employees who are work under Ma’s leadership so that clear role
and set several responsibilities which assists to look for fulfil desired results within the
organization (The Most Critical Leadership skills, 2018).
CONCLUSION
From the present report, it can be stated that leadership is one of the important function of
every organisation. In this consideration, different kinds of leadership styles must be followed
that assists to focus on effective functioning of the business. Furthermore, report summarised
different theories such as great man, trait theory, etc. must be successfully followed in systematic
manner. In this regard, action plan also must be that will helpful to attain positive outcomes in
order to gain significant advantages. Moreover, develop high performances teams at several
levels consist by manager of Alibaba Group. On the basis of leadership qualities, leader perform
several roles in the business. Therefore, in this report different theories explained such as
contingency, behavioural, ethical leadership, distributed leadership, etc.
9

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