Leading Change: Strategies for Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tours Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leading change within organizations, using Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tours as case studies. It explores the impact of change on organizational strategy and operations, comparing the two companies across various factors. The report delves into internal and external drivers of change, such as customer preferences, technology, and government policies, and their effects on leadership, team dynamics, and individual behavior. It also examines strategies to minimize the negative impacts of change, including communication, planning, and employee involvement. Furthermore, the report discusses barriers to change and their influence on decision-making, along with different leadership approaches for managing change effectively. The conclusion summarizes key findings and emphasizes the importance of proactive change management in a dynamic business environment. The report highlights the need for flexible strategies, effective communication, and employee engagement to successfully navigate organizational transformations.

Understanding and Leading
Change

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Comparison between two organisations with impact of change on an organisational
strategy and operations...........................................................................................................1
P2. Ways through which internal and external drivers of change affect leadership, team and
individual behaviour...............................................................................................................3
P3. Measures that can be taken to minimise negative impact of change on organisational
behaviour................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4. Different barriers of change and their influence on decision making..............................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5. Different approaches of leadership while dealing with change.......................................8
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Business environment is impulsive in nature and will alter as per the time passed. Thus, it
is required for the manager to formulate flexible strategies so that effective results will be
achieved by organisation (Anderson and Anderson, 2012). It is important for the superior to
comprehend changes in an appropriate manner so that they will manage operational activities in
an effective manner. Present assignment is based on Thomas Cook which is a tour operator and
operating their business in many locations. Comparison of this association is done with Cosmos
Tours which is running business at a small scale. If changes are done appropriately in the firm
then, they will easily increase their production and profits. This will help them to take benefits
from competitors in the marketplace. Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tours are providing the best
services as well as items to people which assist to satisfy them effectually. Certain barriers are
going to highlight in this report which will affect decision making procedure.
TASK 1
P1. Comparison between two organisations with impact of change on an organisational strategy
and operations
Change in organisation portrays alteration in process, strategies and framework as well as
in operational activities of the firm. This will either in a positive or negative term and must be
comprehended by administrative department of enterprise effectively. Therefore, the best
outcomes will be achieved. Organisational modification describes about the change in business
procedures as well as structure of management. This will assist them to take benefits from
competitors in marketplace and attain success as well as growth (Aslan and Reigeluth, 2013).
In an enterprise, there are distinctive sort of change will identified which will associated
with people, strategy, technology, policy and so on. Modifications amongst them has to be
comprehend by superiors and thus, the best results will be achieved. Plan will be formulated by
the manager so that they will easily deal with these elements. Along with that, necessary changes
are required to be applied with the help of of relevant model. There are two popular tour
operators i.e. Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tours who are operating their business in the United
Kingdom. Thomas Cook is running their business at a large scale with many outlets. Whereas,
Cosmos is regulating the firm at a small scale. Henceforth, it has been examined that risk in large
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association is high in comparison to small. Fundamental changes amongst both companies are
described as beneath (Bingham and Main, 2016):
Basis Thomas Cook Cosmos Tour
Change in external factors If there is any sort of
modifications in policies of
government, client's needs, etc.
then, this will provide
influence to strategies of
organisation. Hence, this will
be necessary for the manager
of enterprise to alter their
policies.
As they are operating their
business at a small scale,
modifications in extrinsic
factors will not provide
influence to them in huge
manner.
Structural change This kind of change will not
cater influence to them as they
are already following a
particular hierarchy into their
business; therefore, they will
easily accept the changes in
framework and do their tasks
accordingly.
Firm is not following a
specific structure to complete
their work. If any type of
modifications will take place
then, employees will resist to
accept it which will affect the
operational activities of firm
adversely.
Emerging technologies They are working at a large
scale and so, it is essential for
them to use the latest
techniques into business. This
will help them in
improvisation of operations.
Along with that, they will
easily accept changes which
will be take place.
Cosmos Tours is a small
affiliation and thus, they are
not having sufficient finance.
Therefore, it will not be
possible for them to utilize the
latest methods into business.
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Manager of organisation needs to formulate proper strategies so that they will be very
much capable to face any kind of situation and transform negative circumstances into positive
(Branson, 2014). Strategy: Modifications in company will affect them either positively or negatively.
Therefore, it is fundamental for the superior to develop strategies in an appropriate
manner so that they will motivate the workers regarding work. It has been examined that,
extrinsic components will affect an enterprise highly; therefore, they will conduct PEST
investigation to examine the same.
 Operations: It is required for the leaders to improve their operational activities in an
effective manner. For this, they will utilize new and the latest techniques; as a result,
positive results will be achieved (Carrington, Deppeler and Moss, 2015).
Henceforth, it is required for Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tours to make an effective
presence at marketplace so that they will easily face changes without any issues. Along with that,
they will make some strategies also to deal with negative circumstances.
P2. Ways through which internal and external drivers of change affect leadership, team and
individual behaviour
Change management describes determining and applying methods and tools at business;
therefore, if there is any alterations at working surrounding then, this will be accept easily. As a
result, by adopting opportunities firm will enhance their revenues. It has been analysed that, any
type of modifications will provide impact to leadership and behaviour of persons. Thus, it is
required to manage extrinsic as well as intrinsic drivers effectually so that influence of change
will identified (Doppelt, 2017).
Therefore, there are some external components which will provide impact to leadership,
team and individual behaviour: Customer led drivers: Clients are considered as an end user of any goods and services. It
is must for manager of firm to provide them items according to their preferences as well
as tastes. Hence, it is needed for Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tour to taken them into
under consideration so that appropriate strategies will get developed. Technology led drivers: It is essential for firm to use latest techniques into business
operation as this will help them to take benefits from competitors at marketplace. Along
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with, they will be able to get positive results in an effective and efficient manner
(Finnigan and Stewart, 2012). Investors led drivers: As number of investors are increasing; thus, it is must for company
to maintain their performance to make them more satisfied. Competitors led drivers: In modern era, rivals are enhancing quickly; therefore, it is
necessary for Thomas Cook and Cosmos Tours to make an appropriate strategies to
compete with them at market.
 Government led drivers: If there is alterations in rules and laws of government then, this
will affect activities of business directly or indirectly. Thus, by PEST investigation
manager will formulate effective strategies for business.
Rather than all above described drivers which are associated with change, Cosmos Tours
and Thomas Cook will utilize some adequate techniques so that they will be easily deal with any
kind of situations. In context of this, to manage extrinsic element PEST analysis will be conduct: Political: It is required for both organisations to determine this kind of components as it
will help them to manage business in an appropriate manner. If there is any alterations in
policy of regulatory bodies then, superior of company need to modify business strategies
accordingly (Fullan, 2014). Economical: This type of element will provide impact to the behaviour of person, if
purchasing power of people get improved then, nation's economy will get better. Along
with, an appropriate salary of person will motivate him to buy any kind of items. Social: Lifestyle, attitude etc. of an individual will change as per time. Therefore, it is
fundamental for manager to determine their needs and wants to accomplish it within
limited time span so that they will be able to take benefits from their rivals at
marketplace. For this, organisation needs to maintain an effective communication with
customers.
 Technological: It is must for an enterprise to utilize latest tools and techniques into
working procedures so that they will take benefits from competitors and survive at
marketplace for longer period of time (Fyke and Buzzanell, 2013).
Management needs to create strategies as per internal drives; therefore, they will get
positive results:
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 Strengths: Thomas Cook is operating their business at large scale so that they are having
proper assets which will aid them to business expansion and to deal with adverse
circumstances. Whereas, Cosmos Tours re running their business at small scale so that it
is not easy for them to face every situations proficiently. Weaknesses: Latest techniques and tools are changing on continuous basis which will
provide harm to operational activities of company. If there is modifications in political
factor then, manager needs to formulate strategies for firm again. Opportunities: Thomas Cook is working at wide level so that they need to fulfil needs
and wants of each individuals. By doing this, they will be able to increase profits and in
addition take benefits from rivals at marketplace. Whereas, Cosmos Tours will able to
fulfil requirements of local persons (Hintz and Bahia, 2013).
 Threats: The foremost risk for every kind of company is their national and international
competitors, which will harm their profits.
Burke Litwan model has to be utilized by administrative division of company as it will
aid to manage intrinsic as well as extrinsic drivers effectually. This will comprise:
Input and output element: It is required for superior to determine this kind of factors so
that they will prepare appropriate strategies. It is must for them to examine working performance
of person as it assists to improve their skill as well as abilities (Inozu and et. al., 2016).
Transformational element: It is associated with higher authority and as per this, it is
needed for leader to opt suitable style of leadership so that they will be able to deal with change.
To get best result effective mission and vision need to be formulated. Henceforth, it is required
for Thomas Cook to consider this factor as it aids them to get best results.
Transactional element: Regular modifications will provide impact to operational
activities of business in huge manner. Therefore, it is essential for superior of firm to motivate
staff members so that they will accomplish requirements of persons within limited time duration.
P3. Measures that can be taken to minimise negative impact of change on organisational
behaviour
Change in organisation will be supportive or harmful in nature. Therefore, main
responsibility of superior is to examine it appropriately so that they will reduce its adverse effect.
It is also must for manager to evaluate psychological effect of alteration on the mind of person.
In association, there will be some staff members who resist to change. This will restrain success
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and development of affiliation. Hence, there are certain steps which need to be used by
management so that they will reduce adverse effect of change on organisational behaviour:
Creation of pathway: It is required for superior to maintain an effective communication
at workplace so that staff members will share required data and information with each other
without fear and hesitation. To update every detail, manager will organise meeting (Nahavandi,
2016).
Explain about plans: Employer needs to describe entire plans to employees as it works
as motivation for them. As a result, they will be able to accomplish entire work with maximum
effectiveness. Additionally, coveted targets and goals will attained within limited period of time.
Participation in meetings and seminars groups: It is must for employer to improve
involvement level of staff members into firm and for this, they will take assistance of some
methods, like meetings. If it is done is an appropriate manner then, workers will easily manage
alterations at workplace.
Manage planning and its implementation: It is required for manager to determine that
individual who are having requisite skills and knowledge so that he will entire activities at
workplace effectively. Along with, it is must for him to apply things at procedures properly to
gain positive outcomes (Thomas and et. al., 2013).
Implementation of plan with suitable goals and targets: This is the final step under
which strategy need to be applied with modifications. Therefore, desired targets will get attained
and in addition adverse impact will be reduced.
Henceforth, it is required for Thomas Cook to apply strategies as well as policies in an
appropriate manner to manage each things efficiently. Burke Litwan model will be utilized by
company to describe change and effective relations amongst dimensions of organisation. To
acquire positive results, extrinsic elements need to be evaluated by manager.
TASK 2
P4. Different barriers of change and their influence on decision making
This hypothesis is provided by Edger Schien professor of management Emeritus which
discussed about influence of organisational leadership as well as culture. It has been examined
that barriers at workplace will raise due to distinctive cultures. Rather than this, there are some
other issues which are associated with internal components, bureaucracy, external surroundings,
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clashes and so on, which need to be manage by superior so that they will be able to take
judgement in an appropriate way (Van der Voet, Kuipers and Groeneveld, 2015).
When employer of firm is taking decision regarding item development, price, new tools
or methods, supply chain etc., at that time they need to examine that they will survive at
marketplace with these alterations. Sometimes this will take time to adopt new methods; as a
result, company will lost many opportunities at marketplace.
Self-efficiency perceptions and resistance to change:
In an organisation, executive is required to make necessary modification in system
through which they are able to direct business activities which are in accordance to market
conditions. Every employee have different viewpoint on changes, as they want to work in same
working procedure which they were in pass time. They perceive it as negative force which will
hinder them to move up in the career, hence this affect their functionality (Anderson and
Anderson, 2012). Subordinates know that if improvement are made in machines then they will
have to learn skills and knowledge. Therefore, administration is required to convince them and
transform their negative perception to positive one.
Manager is required to conduct sessions to make them learn about working of updated
techniques. As a result, they will be able to perform tasks in better way and thereby accomplish
targets within specified time.
Force field analysis:
This hypotheses is provided by Kurt Lewin which support the change in culture. But,
some unfavourable judgement will develop at that time. Pioneer will do some struggle when they
need to take decision on tough circumstances. Instead of this, some obstacles will create in other
ways, such as loss of staff overtime, fear of using new tools and so on.
Case study:
As indicated by this, if leader is going to conduct research at marketplace then, they need
to arrange a group for this and various kind of case studies need to be given to each staff
member. Therefore, they will compete their competitors at competitive world. With assistance of
distinctive case studies different thoughts, idea or opinion will be gathered. Therefore, it is not
easy for manager to determine suitable judgement so this is major disadvantage of this method
(Aslan and Reigeluth, 2013).
Situational resistance to change:
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Change in company will take place as per working and target which they need to
accomplish within certain period of time. But many time, in this sort of working environment
workers will not be able to set themselves (How to Overcome Resistance to Change in an
Organization, 2018).
TASK 3
P5. Different approaches of leadership while dealing with change
Theory of situational leadership was propounded by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard in
the year 1970. This hypothesis basically depends on two kinds of behaviour where one is
directive and another is supportive. It can be described through some levels: Telling: Leader represents high directive action and low supportive behaviour Delegating: Leader demonstrates low supportive as well as directive behaviour
 Selling: Leader shows both elements high (Bingham and Main, 2016)
In the modern era, no leader wants to stick to one style of management, they want
flexibility in this terms. According to situational theory, an individual is having significant
capability to execute work appropriately and thus, he will accomplish the targets within limited
time frame. Henceforth, it has been understood that as Thomas Cook is growing quickly so that
they will adopt the style of situational leadership in their business. This will assist them in the
completion of entire work effectually.
If there are any major changes in firm then, this will be considered as the biggest
challenge for leader as they have implemented new strategies, policies and practices at
workplace. This will provide both kinds of impacts i.e. positive or negative.
 Superior is required to provide complete information about system working to investors
and acquainting them about requirement to do transformation. They should also tell about
the whole procedure they are going to carry forward through which they will be able to
do improvement in tools and techniques. Thereby, managers of all departments should
communicate the changes that are made in market strategies to employees. Leader is required to sort out problem faced by any single worker and provide them
appropriate solution through which they will be able to adopt changes easily. They should
coordinate efforts of all staff members so that they will perform tasks properly and lead to
accomplishment of goals (Branson, 2014).
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Kotter's 8-step change model: This will be stated as beneath: Increase urgency: As per this, manager needs to make staff members aware about the
urgency of adopting changes and therefore, they will easily gain support from them. It is
necessary to communicate them all things so that opportunities as well as threats will
easily be determined. Build guiding team: It is important to develop an effective group so that by making
appropriate coordination and cooperation, they will complete their task within limited
period of time. It is essential for the superior to provide work to subordinates as per their
skills and knowledge as it works as a motivation for them (Carrington, Deppeler and
Moss, 2015). Develop the vision: It needs to be developed appropriately and thus, this will be attained
by staff members within limited time span and coveted targets will be achieved
significantly. Communicating for buy in: Leader of team is required to consider subordinate’s
perspective and reaction before making any vision of firm so that they will be able to
apply easily by informing their employees. Empower action: Superior is required to provide tasks to staff members and also
eliminate all hurdles which are interrupting worker’s performance.
 Create short term wins: Superior should provide small targets to various teams so that all
members will perform activities through which desired outcomes will be attained.
Thereby, this will help in the fulfilment of organisational goals and objectives. Don't let up: As in this case, manager focuses to accomplish all goals instead of a
particular plan.
 Make change stick: At last, they try to make transformation in a system which is easily
manageable (Doppelt, 2017).
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Illustration 1: Kotter's 8 Step Model
(Source: Business management change, 2016)
CONCLUSION
From the above assignment, it has been comprehended that if an individual is having
leadership qualities then, they will manage all business activities in an effective manner. It is
essential for them to possess significant knowledge about change models so that they will apply
them at workplace effectually. In this assignment, there is a description about internal and
external drivers which are needed to be assessed by the superiors so that they will acquire
opportunities which are accessible for them at marketplace. This will aid them to take benefits
from competitors. Furthermore, many obstacles will arise during decision making process and
thus, superiors need to formulate proper strategies to cope up from them.
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