The Developing Manager: Analysis of Skills, Leadership & Objectives

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of management styles, leadership structures, communication processes, and organisational culture within British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. It compares autocratic and laissez-faire management styles, discusses transactional and democratic leadership, and evaluates communication effectiveness. Furthermore, the report includes a SWOT analysis of Clayton Crown Hotel, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, alongside setting and prioritizing objectives. It also explores team motivation strategies and how managerial skills can support career development, culminating in a personal development plan. Desklib offers this document to aid students in their studies, providing access to various solved assignments and resources.

The Developing Manager
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Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
LO1............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Compare different management styles.............................................................................4
1.2 Discuss the leadership structure.......................................................................................5
1.3 Evaluate communication processes in selected businesses..............................................5
1.4 Analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses..................................6
LO2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Assess own management skills performance...................................................................7
2.2 Analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.................................7
2.3 Set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential..................................9
LO3..........................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective.................................10
3.2 Justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or objective
and recommendations for improvements.............................................................................11
LO4..........................................................................................................................................12
4.1 Explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development......12
4.2 Review career and personal development needs, current performance and future needs
to produce development plan................................................................................................13
Conclusion................................................................................................................................15
References................................................................................................................................16
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Introduction
The following analysis will compare the different styles of management in two different
organizations. The first part of the analysis will compare the autocratic style and laissez flair
style of management in British Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airlines in United Kingdom. It
will also tell us about the different leadership characteristics followed by the two airline
companies. The selected processes in the two selected organizations will also be analysed.
The analysis will study the culture of the two organizations. The second part of the analysis
will do a SWOT analysis of Clayton Crown Hotel. This part of the study will set and
prioritize the objectives of Clayton Crown Hotel. The third part of the analysis will elaborate
the process of motivating a team for achieving the agreed objective. The fourth and last part
of the analysis will show us how the managerial and personal skills of a manager can support
carrier development. This part of the analysis will also show us how to produce a
development plan by reviewing the personal development needs and future needs of the
organization.
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LO1
1.1 Compare different management styles
The management of British Airways follows the autocratic style of management as well as
leadership. The managers of the British airways unilaterally took the decisions without any
consultation with their subordinates. But with the change in time, the autocratic model has
shifted to a personalized model. More attention is paid to the training module and coaching of
the employees to make them capable to effectively handle the issues within the organization.
The management of the organization is now managing the mutual relationship between the
managers and the subordinates. It put more pressure on the empowerment of the employees
of the organization so that they can contribute to the achievement of the organizational goals.
The managers of the organization are heavily contributing towards the empowerment of the
employees for increasing the capabilities of the employees to take decisions in the non-
standard situations. The managers have become flexible towards the decision making process
and the managers have become optimistic for upgrading the support system.
In comparison to this, the management style used in Virgin Atlantic organization is called
Laissez faire style. This kind of management style is not at all casual but informal in nature.
Virgin Atlantic has reached the peak of success by seriously approaching towards the
business risks and the entrepreneurial management. The capability of the managers in
communicating with workforce and forwarded thinking in a novel way has proven that the
managers of Virgin Atlantic are the biggest assets of the organization. The Virgin Atlantic’s
dedicated and loyal management follows the collaborative structure. In this structure, the
employees and managers are regarded equally and they are involved in the decision making
process for making effective and significant decisions in the organization’s favour. The
workers of the organization are encouraged by the management of the organization to
become innovative and to participate in the decision making process (Biggs, 2010).The
hierarchical structure of the Virgin Atlantic is the secret behind its success as the workforce is
looked upon as the foremost priority that is chased by all the consumers and shareholders of
the organization. On the contrary, the British Airlines follows the traditional structure of
hierarchy. In this structure the main focus is on the share holder satisfaction followed by the
satisfaction of the customers and the workforce at last.
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1.2 Discuss the leadership structure
There are basically three kind of leadership structure that most of the tourism and hospitality
organization follows. They are transactional, democratic and autocratic leadership. The
democratic structure of leadership has proven best in case of British Airlines. The democratic
structure of leadership increases the participation of the workforce and also improves their
decision making capabilities. It also helps in diminishing the transforming resistance. Task
oriented approach can be implemented to improvise the behaviour and leadership style of the
British Airways. The Laissez faire leadership style is not widely used by British Airlines as
because it gives birth to the leaders of informal groups due to the presence of low group
performance in this style of leadership. Democratic style of leadership ultimately leads to the
outstanding development of the organization as because it allows the employees of the
organization in taking part in the decision making processes. This encourages the employees
in expressing their thoughts to the managers and leaders of the organization and this helps the
employees in gaining mean incentives and supporting the motivation (Holloway and
Humphreys, 2016). However this high quality leadership style is only present in theory, in
reality this slows the process of strategy execution and outcomes are affected due to this.
On the other hand, the Virgin Atlantic organization uses the transactional structure of
leadership for improving the process of decision making and the process of management.
This structure includes several motivational concepts such as promotion, raise, shift change in
accordance with the employees, better quality performance review, new responsibility
standards, etc. This is basically done for the employees to get the ultimate job satisfaction and
to maintain the interest of the employees regarding the task that is provided to them (Cardy
and Leonard, 2014). In this particular leadership style, the prime motto of the leaders is
sustainability. The best factor that this leadership style evaluates is behaviour.
1.3 Evaluate communication processes in selected businesses
For any organizational function to be carried out smoothly and successfully, communication
is very essential. The messages are amplified within the business with the help of
communication. A variety of shapes that range from virtual to verbal discussion can be taken
by communication. Enhanced communication helps the organization to reduce the service
glitches. This will certainly help the guests to improve their knowledge. The complications
and problems that are faced by the managers of British Airlines as well as Virgin Atlantic are
often required to be recommended to the employees and team members. These problems may
include the past performances of the firm and the difficulties that are faced by the
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organizations in relation to the work endeavours. With work stuffs, often comes stress that
led to the creation of work related problems. The stress is also the major developer of health
problems if it is not administered properly. The influence of stress differs from person to
person. There are some people who have god gifted capabilities to handle the stress while
there are some people who don’t have this capability. There can be chaos in the team due to
extreme stressful situation and this may affect the capability of the organization to perform in
accordance with the target of the organization (Kovačić et al., 2015). Due to this very reason
the workers are motivated by the managers. This motivation plays a significant role in
cultivating a positive viewpoint of the duties of the employees.
On the contrary, the employers of Virgin Atlantic organization use a psychological
contract in the communication concept. This psychological contract is basically a spoken
contract. An employer always want to be respected by his team and the team members or the
employees look forward to grab the best working condition and earning the employer’s
respect. A psychological contract is unwritten or oral or spoken but the foundation of the
organization is strengthened by this contract upon which exists the professional relationship.
1.4 Analyse organisational culture and change in selected businesses
A change in the organizational culture has been experienced by the British Airways. This
change is been handled well by the organization for producing vivid outcomes. Some of the
major benefits that are brought forward by the changeover of culture are increased profits,
employee’s satisfaction, gratification of greater client and shareholder happiness. This
changeover made by the British Airlines in their organizational culture is the first large scale
transformation that has taken place in the history of corporate sector. This transformation
encouraged many travel and hospitality organization including Virgin Atlantic to do some
changeovers in their organizational culture for becoming successful and earning profit. The
culture of an organization is something that neither can be taken apart from the organization
nor can it be copied. In the airlines industry, success can be yielded by improvising the
customer courtesy and workforce culture. This can lead the organization to reach new levels
of success and profits. Both British airlines and Virgin Atlantic airlines have reached the top
position in the aviation market of United Kingdom by transforming their organizational
culture (Robinson et al., 2013). The main reason due to which this change is adapted by the
organizations is the absence of customer friendly environment and presence of work
endeavours that are disorganized.
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LO2
2.1 Assess own management skills performance
There are different personal goals of every organization and with the objective of fulfilling
those goals the organization’s management applies different strategies. Among these
strategies are the marketing strategies that help the organizations like Clayton Crown Hotel in
meeting the customer’s expectation level. The development rate of a business is persuaded by
the organizational culture. This directly affects the effectiveness of the organization.
Performance is the most significant factor that verifies the organization’s success.
The developing economy of United Kingdom is directly dependant of the total
number of organizations that are successful in the country. It doesn’t depend on the
organization’s size but on the rate of success. The performance of the organization is
basically the organization’s productivity. According to some famous economists, it is the
performance of the organization that increases or decreases the position of the organization.
The financial structure of the country is impacted by this and it ultimately affects the
common people’s life in the country.
The divisional structure of British Airlines as well as Virgin Atlantic runs and
systematically functions the organization. In order to boost up the company’s performance
the employees of both the organization are helped by the managers that are appointed at the
top position in each group. Along with this, the implementation of advanced technologies is
also encouraged by the professionals for enhancing the organization’s effectiveness. The
hierarchical system of the organizational culture of both the organizations affects the
performance of the company in both positive and negative way (Yukl, 2013). It helps in
creating a working atmosphere inside the organization. If there is an optimistic working
environment in a company then the employees of that organization can work effectively and
give their 100 percent to get the job done and achieve all the organizational objectives.
2.2 Analyse personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
The Clayton crown Hotel is a part of the Dalata Hotel group situated in London. It provides
an enhanced customer experience to its customers at their premises. Many high quality
services are provided to its customers such as gym, spa, sauna and a lot more. The hotel
group has won several awards for its high quality services that are provided to its customers.
Strengths
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This section of the SWOT analysis helps to understand the main business areas where the
organization has beaten its competition and has acquired a competitive advantage. The
strengths of the organization are basically its core competencies.
1. Brand acknowledgement – The brand recognition of the Clayton crown Hotel is very
high due to its presence in several nations across the world (Liu et al., 2015). This has
established a positive perception in the minds of the customers of the brand.
2. Interesting and quality item – The world class management of the Clayton crown
Hotel brings continuous innovative ideas in process for retaining the existing
customers and attracting new customers.
3. Solid relationship with the customers – The management of this hotel extensively
executes customer relationship. Each and every customer’s preferences are recorded
and the same set of preference is delivered to the customers accordingly (Page and
Connell, 2010). This helps the organization in establishing an emotional bondage with
its customers.
Weaknesses
These areas are basically the pain areas of the company where there are no skills and
resources in the organization. These are the main areas within the organization where they
need to work.
1. Not much-developed network - The Clayton crown Hotel doesn’t have enough
number of networks in North America and Europe for contending with the various
five-star hotels of those areas.
2. Highly dependent on the proprietors - The Clayton crown Hotel is highly dependent
on the proprietor organizations.
3. Issues in other countries - The Clayton crown Hotel is having issue in operating in
different nations like China. The representatives of China rely on the operational rules
(Liu et al., 2015).
Opportunities
This section of the SWOT analysis helps to understand the things that can be done by the
organization with its current resources and skills. It helps in identifying the areas where the
organization needs to expand and diversify its business.
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1. Relationship management –This strategy helps to prepare program offices for
planning the first-in-line representatives. This helps the organization to enhance the
relationship with the customers using their basic leadership skills.
2. Procurement of neighbourhood inns – The local hotel groups can be acquired by the
organization for gaining the ready base of customers and eradicating the local
competition (Kossek and Lautsch, 2012).
Threats
This helps the organization in recognising the areas where the business can be impacted in
future. Thus it can handle the marketplace threats. One major threat for every organization is
the increasing number competition.
1. Exceptional rivalry – The large amount of competitors in the current market poses a
huge threat to the organization in terms of customer base and revenue.
2. New entrants – Neighbourhood hotels are planning to enter the international business
by shaping with the global brands
3. Increasing salaries – Huge compensation weight has increased the problems of
employee satisfaction. This has added to the hiring cost and training cost for the new
staffs.
2.3 Set and prioritise objectives and targets to develop own potential
With the help of the SWOT analysis I will become capable of understanding my weaknesses
and shortcomings that can impact my career. The most important work that is to be done to
achieve respect and growth in the organization is setting of objectives and goals in
accordance with the objective of the organization. In order to do so, I am required to map all
the opportunities and align them with the strengths that are analyzed in the SWOT analysis.
The strength of the organization can be used for grabbing these opportunities and dealing
with the external threats.
I am also required to learn team work and acquire team building skills. Along with this the
managerial concepts are also required to be implemented by me. I will separate myself from
my weaknesses (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). I need to develop myself professionally and
personally for getting more confidence while speaking in front of an audience.
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LO3
3.1 Lead and motivate a team to achieve an agreed goal or objective
Let’s suppose that the employees of Frankie & Benny's restaurant are not staying in the
organization for long period of time. They are not satisfied by the job in this organization and
therefore they leave the organization when they get a better opportunity. No employer loyalty
leads to the rise in cost. The following motivational theories can help in achieving customer
motivation and satisfaction:
For the growth of the organization it is very important to have employee satisfaction.
Employee satisfaction can lead to a healthier environment in the workplace. With the growth
of the organization the employees want their own growth too. Hence they are required to
satisfy the customers and this satisfaction of the customers will lead to the achievement of
organizational goals (Karadakis et al., 2010). In order to utilize the skills of the employees to
100% potential it is very important to satisfy the staff members.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:
This theory of motivation is the most popular and widely used theory. This is basically based
on the behaviour of the humans. It is considered that every man have several needs. The five
stages of needs are:
1. Self-actualization
2. Esteem needs
3. Social needs
4. Needs of safety
5. Psychological needs
The foremost needs is the basic psychological needs including the needs of proper salary,
staying place, food, lunch breaks and many more. The next important need is the need for
safety of the employees. The social needs come after the needs for safety. The social needs
are the needs to maintain the social standard. The salary paid to the employees help in
fulfilling the social needs. Hence the organization is required to provide salary hikes to its
employees at regular intervals of time. I, as a general manager can use Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs for generating better results.
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3.2 Justify managerial decisions made to support achievement of agreed goal or
objective and recommendations for improvements
Without any justification, no decision can be taken by the general manager. In order to
implement any decision on the structure of the organization, the general manager needs to
make a proper planning and research. The impact of the decisions should be analyzed on the
stakeholders. It is required to be noted down whether the decisions are giving positive or
negative outcomes. According to me, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is the best methods for a
general manager to innovate and satisfy the employees. The employees should be given
promotions periodically. It is very important to train the employees to be a better team
member. This will lead to a conflict free and smooth functioning.
Another important method for satisfying the customers is by coaching and mentoring.
The employees should be provided with opportunities for developing their skills. The
communication and interpersonal skills of the employees should be encouraged to improve it.
The issues and concerns of the employees are required to take care of by setting up
regulations and policies. The employees should be trained on the required skills (Goeldner
and Ritchie, 2012). The professional needs of the employees are required to be found out.
The employees can be provided with proper coaching and mentoring in order to encourage
them.
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LO4
4.1 Explain how own managerial and personal skills will support career development
My aim is to build my career in PKF Hotelexpert, which are the most famous travel and
tourism industry of UK. This company will give me numerous opportunities and scopes to
make profits and attain higher position through spending a lot in organisational cultures of the
industry by following the process and direction proposed by the management of PKF
Hotelexpert. For this, it is important for me to get some knowledge and skills of managerial
factors in order to spend and gain the identification of higher management. Some of the
managerial skills are as follows:
Communication skills- with a purpose to operate with the travel and tourism industry, I
surely have to be excellent in communication skills in order to communicate and interact with
the internal and national tourists as it performs the most significant role. As per self-
evaluation, my verdict is that I have better and amazing command over the non-verbal and
verbal communication that will definitely support me in interacting with the people in large
number (Cardy and Leonard, 2014). Communication skill is the main portion of personal and
professional development because it establishes the connection at the working environment to
maintain the position. Despite of it, I also have to improve my verbal communication to deal
with the international visitors or tourists. For this, I can learn numerous types of languages
that will surely enhance my skills.
Leadership- for the purpose to gain and enhance the major position and acknowledgement of
higher management, I definitely need the skills of leadership. However, I have knowledge of
leading the team because I have completed my training on projects with the teams and also
managed them excellently. This skill also helps my career to get the power and knowledge to
execute and impose the decision to the team members. Moreover, a manger must have the
talent to maintain the working environment effectively control the staffs and other resources.
Time management- In recent circumstance, time management plays the most significant role
in the personal and professional development, travel and tourism industry such as PKF
Hotelexpert considers everything timely from developing the package to delivering the
services to the customers in order to achieve the aims. If I talk about myself, I lack in the
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