Critical Analysis of Leadership and Management at Premier Inn, UK

This report delves into the concepts of leadership and management, using Premier Inn as a case study. It explores the roles and characteristics of leaders and managers, differentiating between their functions and responsibilities. The report analyzes various leadership theories, including situational, participative, and contingency approaches, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. It examines the application of these theories within Premier Inn, considering the impact on operational management, decision-making, and the business environment. The analysis covers key approaches to operations management and the influence of leaders and managers on operational efficiency, concluding with a critical evaluation of the chosen strategies. The report also discusses how the business environment impacts the community.

MANAGEMENT AND
OPERATIONS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
LO1..............................................................................................................................................................3
P1 Roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager..........................................................................3
M1 Differentiation between the role of a leader and function of a manager .........................................4
D1 Critically analyse different theories and approaches of leadership ...................................................5
LO2..............................................................................................................................................................5
P2 The role of a leader and the function of a manager in different situational .....................................5
P3 Different theories and models of approach........................................................................................6
M2 strengths and weaknesses of different approaches..........................................................................7
D1 Critically analyse different theories and approaches of leadership....................................................7
Task 2...........................................................................................................................................................8
LO3..............................................................................................................................................................8
P4 key approaches of operations management and the role of leader and manager ...........................8
P5 Importance and value of operations management ..........................................................................11
M3 Evaluate how leaders and managers improves efficiencies of operational management ..............13
P6) The impact upon operational management and decision-making by Leaders and manager..........13
M4 Different factors affect the business environment and their community.......................................14
D2 Critically evaluate application of operations management..............................................................15
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................17
INTRODUCTION
A leader and a manager are the two major personal responsible for the smooth management and
enthusiastic environment of the company. The significant aspects of operation management and
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the relation between the different levels of the hierarchy are discussed in this project. Premier Inn
is the largest hotel brand and hotel chain in the UK. As it has 72,000 rooms and 785 hotels all
over the globe. It is owned by the British multinational hotel and restaurant company Whitbread
plc. The focus is on the difference between leadership and management of an organisation what
are the roles and responsibilities of leaders and managers in the chosen organisation.
LO1
P1 Roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager
A leader is the one who inspires people to work selflessly towards the common goal whereas a
manager is the one who uses his authority to work for him. A leader needs to be a charismatic
personality so that people can find and inspiration to work towards the common goal.
1 .Role of the Leader
A leader is the one who is followed by people sharing a common goal. He carries a charisma and
values which are respected by his/her followers.
A good leader inspires his/her followers to work for the common goal. This involves the
betterment of each and also of the team as a whole. A leader influences and motivates his
followers to achieve a shared goal.
He applies different leadership approaches to keep his followers inspired and working.
A leader gives preference to people oriented leadership where he values the individuals in his
group.
A good leader can be a good manager.
2. Function of Manager
People work for the manager. He is the one who uses his authority to get the work done.
He carries authority, so he is obeyed by the people working for him.
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A good manager dictates his team to work for the corporate goal, which benefits the organisation
more than it does to the employers. A manager divides the task into his team and makes sure that
the work gets done till the deadline.
A manager applies different management approaches to get the job done. He gives preference to
task oriented management style where he provides more preference to the completion of the task
(Berry, et. Al. 2016).
A good manager can’t necessarily be a good leader.
M1 Differentiation between the role of a leader and function of a manager
A leader is the one who uses inspires people to achieve a common goal. He is usually a strong
character who encourages his followers. According to the situational theory of leadership a
leader analyses the situation thoroughly and measures the pros and cons of his actions before
acting. According to the participative method a leader gives equal opportunities to his team
members for putting forth their point of view (McGrath & Bates, 2017).
A manager is the one who works for organisational goals and makes sure the timely
accomplishment of the tasks by assigning it to different members of the team. According to the
task-oriented management theory, a manager focuses more on the task rather than the employees
(McGrath & Bates, 2017).
Role of a leader
The role of a leader is to direct followers towards the right direction, to motivate people to deal
with the crisis so that they can emerge from it quickly, to provide a goal to the followers, to
maintain high morale among his followers.
Functions of a manager
Function of a manager is to use his authority for getting the work done on time, to check and
maintain the day to day operations in the company, to assign tasks to the employees, and to
maintain collaboration within the teams, to manage the discipline and punctuality within the
organisation.
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D1 Critically analyse different theories and approaches of leadership
LO2
P2 The role of a leader and the function of a manager in different situational
The role of a leader applies in the process of transformation of the organisational goal into a
common goal where all the employees consider them a united body and hence work hard to
achieve the common goal. A leader is like a role model, and his role comes into play whenever
there is a need for motivation, direction, and building morale of the employees. During the
situation of any brand crisis, a leader holds up the organisation together. A leader takes the
responsibility of maintaining the brand image in the market.
For example, if any crisis happens within Premier Inn, the manager will exercise control over the
employees, and he will keep the important processes running inside the organisation. A leader
will try his best to prevent the crisis by gathering information and formulating strategies with the
crisis management team. The leader will engage with the PR team and will motivate the team to
minimise the effects of the crises upon the brand image. The manager will handle the internal
goings-on, and the leader will face external threats to the organisation.
Behavioural theory. Critical Analysis
According to the behavioural method of leadership, it is believed that leaders made rather than
born. It is based on the notion that leadership is a learned behaviour rather than an inborn talent.
It also states that leadership can be learned by observing the behaviour and actions of great
leaders and their followers.
This theory works by observing the reactions of leaders to a particular situation. This leads to the
formation of pre-sets for a different situation. The same action can’t be taken in different
circumstances. Every case needs to be differently dealt with. So observations doesn’t work well,
and the theory fails at any points(Amanchukwu, 2015).
Participative Theory. Critical Analysis.
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This theory states that a good leader takes inputs from his followers in the process of decision
making. Hence making the leadership a participatory one. Which in turn gains him the full
support of his followers. This approach to leadership leaves the leader with lesser power, and it
also makes the decision making process long and slow(Lee, 2016).
Situational Theory.
Situational Theory suggests that leaders should first analyse the situation and then they should
choose the best approach for dealing with the situation. It states no single theory is sufficient for
all situations.
P3 Different theories and models of approach
Situational leadership is like a mix of all the leadership. It is the best approach because it
suggests what type of leadership approach should be adopted to deal with a particular situation.
So it is a flexible and highly adaptive approach. It can be adopted at the time of any crisis
because it gives us the power to deal with complex situations.
Leadership approach in the system leadership tries to create the conditions which can be used to
enhance the productivity of the employees. It involves the behavioural analysis of the employees
and the testing of their skills so they can be assigned tasks best suiting to their skill set. This type
of leadership can be best applied at the time of employee turnover. As it will slow down the
effects of the turnover by increasing the productivity of the existing employees.
Contingency leadership states that a particular style of leadership is most effective when it best
matches the situation. So in this kind of leadership, the leader's style is evaluated against a
specific situation using LPC to the situation. This theory reduces the amount of expectations
from the leader and tries to match the leader with the task.
The transformational leadership theory is another theory that can be used by the management of
Premier Inn where the leaders can identify the weak points in their organization and use
adequately developed strategies to improve such weak areas by developing and implementing the
change strategies. Managers on the other hand ensure that the employees understand the change
that is desired and the reason behind it thus simplify the overall process at Premier Inn.
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M2 strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
The advantages to situational leadership are that it is flexible; it is a blend of all the styles and
emphasises on the choice of the best. This approach to leadership works in all kind of situations.
The situational leadership stresses on the adjustment of the leadership style to fit the needs of
the employers. So if a leader becomes more oriented to this approach he might become focused
on constant adjustment. In this scenario, the organisation can lose its structural stability (Yasir &
Mohamad, 2016).
System leadership is capable of dealing with complexity. It takes a holistic view. It is highly
adaptive, and so it can easily manage change by interacting with the environment. It is easy to
improve because it utilises feedback. The disadvantages of this theory are that it is too abstract
and so it is difficult to apply in a practical situation. It does not provide tools and techniques for
practising managers.
The contingency theory suggests the chaotic nature of any environment, and it suggests that all
the situations are not under human control. It states leadership is circumstantial. The major
disadvantage of this theory is that not every variable is considered in decision-making and it is
very difficult to include all the variables.
D1 Critically analyse different theories and approaches of leadership
Premier Inn uses the situational model of leadership as it has many competitors in the
market. So it needs to adopt different leadership styles according to the changing market. As
while launching new hotel chains and other sub-brands it uses the contingency model of
leadership because the launch of a new product includes risks which can only be eliminated it
uses the contingency approach. Hence, weighing the pros and cons of each strategy and
analysing the possible threats in the market.
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that leadership and management are two
vital parts of the business industry and there is a fine line of differentiation between them. To be
successful in the market a company needs to adopt different models of leadership and
management. A good leader is the one who can inspire others to work for the common goal and a
good manager is the one who can get the work done on time.
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Task 2
LO3
INTRODUCTION:
This learning outcome will be discussing the necessary approaches which can make a
change in the role played by the operations managers and also how it can make a change in the
decision-making processes of the Premier lodge. How operations managers can make an impact
on the effective and efficient use of the labours.
P4 key approaches of operations management and the role of leader and manager
Operational management is a very important phenomenon in the management context
and it is been used to monitor the tasks in multiple manners. The companies have the two main
important tasks involving services and products (Get smarter, 2017).
The term operations management has developed from a broadening of the concept of production
management, which, as the name implies was primarily concerned with the management of the
conversion of raw materials into finished products for sale(R. L. Galloway, 1996).
The services are more important in context with the value of a brand in comparison with the
production field and operations management is more used in the service sector of Premier hotels.
The paths through which operations management can be achieved or can be used in:
1. Effort and applicants: These involve all the outer concepts like the capitals,
Recruitment and proper knowledge in the field you are working. Reliability is very
important and certain demands by the consumers can be meet up. The enterprise is a good
way for any customer to make a demand or need. Feedback is important to be sent to the
suppliers of the raw materials whether their needs are been fulfilled or not. There are
many benefits of this kind of approach as it will make a very good revenue and also this
path will help to secure investments(Cleverism, 2016)
2. Modification the system of management: These paths are very much effective to make
an efficient environment. The accounts and the production departments are the two main
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major concern for these kinds of paths. This method of important and very helpful in
developing and improving the knowledge and human behaviour.
3. Declaration scheme: In every task and work good communications is required with
proper feasible way importantly in the operational scheme. The external environment of
the company and the communications with between the internal and external
environment is important (Getsmarter, 2017).
Responsibilities of operations management
Operations managers have some responsibilities for all the activities in the organization
which contribute to the production of goods and services.
The direct responsibilities :
 Understanding the operation’s strategic objectives;
 Developing an operations strategy for the organization;
 Designing the operation’s products, services and processes;
 Planning and controlling;
 Improving the performance of the operation.
The indirect responsibilities:
 To inform other functions of the opportunities provided by the operations
capabilities;
 To discuss with other functions how plans might be modified for the profit of both
functions;
 To encourage other functions to suggests ways in which the operations function
can improve the service to the rest of the organization(John Cunningham Wood,
Michael C.Wood, 2005).
Total Quality Management(TQM)
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TQM is an amalgam of the ideas evolving from Deming, Juran, Crosby, and others. TQM
is the management philosophy that focuses on fulfilling customer expectations by providing
quality services and products(John Cunningham Wood, Michael C. Wood, 2005). The leaders
ensure that the reason behind applying TQM is made understood to the employees and the
managers evaluate that whether the employees have adequate knowledge regarding
implementation of the TQM and when they face any difficulties, managers must be available to
assist them.
Craft Manufacturing
Craft manufacturing details the entire process through which the skilled workmen
produce the desired goods or products. This operational management technique is generally
applicable on the craftspeople who are skilled and the operation level is usually at a small scale.
Manager through the craft manufacturing ensure that the future personnel who is expected to
carry out or utilize the skills further are adequately trained as these kind f technique is passed
from one generation to another. On the other hand, the role of leaders is to ensure that the person
who is being trained for such skills are motivated and have the capability to learn the skills rather
than learning them forcibly.
Mass Production
Under this the production is done in a bulk and the characteristics of the goods produced
is similar i.e. the goods produced are homogenous. Leaders can ensure that the efficiency of the
production is not compromised with and the manager supervises the entire production process.
Modern Period
Modern period specifies the time that is taken in the entire production prices and how
quickly can it be completed. The leaders ensure that the period is not unrealistic and the
managers also manage the efficiency of workers in such a way that targets one set can be
achieved accordingly.
P5 Importance and value of operations management
The productions management, planning process and the management department come
under operational management. The basic and the most important part operations management
involved is to develop the outputs from the inputs given. The operations managers are very
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important officials in Premier lodge and it is helping the premier lodge to convert the inputs and
to achieve the goals.
Operations management is the most versatile field of management and the value of
operations management is quite clear. The operations manager is involved in every important
department of the organisation and hence, it is involved in the operations in the department
mainly to give output to the company.
Importance of operations management
 These are the flexible management processes and depends on the kind of work involved
in the Premier lodge. These operations management is involved in every department of
the Premier lodge (Cleverism, 2016).
 The process involved in the conversions of the input part in the company to the output it
produces the Operation manager maintains all these vital processes.
 It gives good efficiency for the hotels like Premier lodge.
 The needs of the customers are the most important context any hotel should be worried
about, and hence operations managers monitor those.
 The most fund of the Premier lodge is consumed in the service sector and hence it gives
an efficient way of maintaining this management.
Premier inn is multinational organization which offers services to customers across the world.
Operation management plays vital role in various sectors i.e.
Globalization of Economy
Operation management gives significant values in global economy because it introduces
various strategies which helps company to generate high revenue over the time. For example
operation management helps organization to offer room services on affordable price across the
world. It manages customers reviews about and address company to improve their lodge services
which gives values to each customer around the world. Thus, kind strategies helps to generate
net income within organization.
Total quality management (TQM)
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Total quality management has goal to offer high quality products or services to public which
influences their values. Premium lodge involves TQM for improving quality of services. TQM
act as audit for other department who monitors various function of departments. TQM organizes
strategies while operation management takes in action and assigns tasks to each employees
within company. It leads dedication in employees for their job, and they review overall
operations which are conducted for achieving aim of company. Thus, operation management
supports TQM to maintain services quality within premier lodge.
Empowerment
Operation management empower employees within organization by offering training and
development classes. It helps employees to learn new tactic which improves their working
efficiency at workplace. By the T&D classes, employees makes them potential for gaining
rewards. Thus, organization leads satisfaction in employees for the job by the helps of operation
management.
Technology
Technology development plays essential role in company because it supports to take competitive
advantage in competitive market. Operation management aware employees about new
technology and trains them how to operate. Thus, management improves employees skills and
makes them efficient for achieving economical benefit in the company. Technology development
influences Premier lodge services and assist to generate high revenue within company.
M3 Evaluate how leaders and managers improves efficiencies of operational management
A manager or a leader working in the premier lodge will work in an effective way in such ways
explained below:
The value of the employee in any organization especially in Hotel lodge should be known to the
operation manager of the firm. Working in a good collaborative environment for the employees
is very important and feedbacks taken from the consumers or visitors of hotel premier lodge
should be known and customers should be satisfied (Cleverism, 2016).
If we take an example: If the operations manager understands the current production system of
the Hotel premier lodge and the services provided by the premier lodge is going down and
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