Organisational Behaviour Report: Ryanair's Culture and Power

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Ryanair's organisational behaviour, focusing on its culture, power dynamics, and their impact on team and individual performance. The report begins with an introduction to organisational behaviour and its importance, followed by an evaluation of Ryanair's organisational culture using Handy's typology, identifying power, role, task, and person cultures. The report then examines the nature of power within the organisation, applying French and Raven's five forms of power (coercive, reward, legitimate, referent, and expert). Furthermore, it explores the political behaviour of managers within Ryanair, utilizing Chanlat's characteristics of behaviour. The report also discusses the application of content and process theories of motivation to enhance individual and team performance, and analyzes the characteristics of effective and ineffective teams within the firm. Finally, the report concludes with a summary of findings and references.

Organisational
Behaviour

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1) Evaluate how organization 's politics, culture and power has influenced team and
individual performance and behaviour...................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
P2) Examine how process and content theories of motivation and techniques enables effective
management of goals in an firm. ...........................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
P3) Understand what makes effective team opposed to ineffective team in an firm. ...........9
P4) The philosophies and concepts of organizational behaviour within an firm ................13
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Organisational behaviour is the analysis of human behaviour in an organisation. It is the
study of performance of individual as well as groups which includes field of research to promote
innovation, motivate leadership, enhance job performance and increase in job satisfaction. It is
important in the organization as it is very helpful in managing human resource effectively.
Ryanair is an airline company of low-cost which was set up in 1985 by the Ryan family. The
company became the largest low cost airline in Europe and reached its profitability when
Michael O'Leary became the new CEO. Organisational behaviour is the foundation of human
resource management and its development. The factors which influence human development are
studied under organisational behaviour. This report aims at critical analysis of the organisational
culture, nature of power and political behaviour of Ryanair management. Also, how these culture
affected the feeling and behaviour of staff and performance of Ryanair. The assignment also
describes the use of content and process theory of motivation to enable individual and team
performance and help Ryanair to succeed.
TASK 1
P1) Evaluate how organization 's politics, culture and power has influenced team and individual
performance and behaviour.
Organisational culture is system of behaviour and values that contributes to the
psychological and social environment of the firm. Here is the Handy's typology theory which
defines the organisational culture of Ryanair. This theory consists of four classes of culture -
 Power culture – An organisation with power culture states that the power is in the hand of
few persons who have the right to influence all the members working in the concern. The
control emits from the centre. Power culture constitutes of few rules and regulations. The
individuals having the power, only can decide what should happen. The fast decisions
made should be followed by all employees within the organisation. No matter, whether
the decisions made are not the best for long run of the company. Thus, the culture of
power is a powerful one (Alvesson and Sveningsson, 2015). If firm uses the power
culture than organizational goals can be achieved by motivating all the employees as well
as huge market share can be achieved in the global market. According to Handy model
culture is more of job oriented, it can be fond in bureaucratic organization in the market

as well it is well known by the name of Apollo culture. Ryanair is highly influenced by
the culture of O'Leary and the CEO is trying level best to strengths the emotional and
cognitive elements of a group and addressing a shared understanding of culture. While
analysing Ryanair corporate culture the former analogy become more prominent. This
firm corporate culture is focusing more more on airline company and is representing the
Irish culture like, reliable, kindly and organize.
 Role culture – Structure is already defined in this culture. Power is initiated by
considering the position of the person in the structure of the company. Organisation with
this culture is based on rules. These rules are controlled by everyone in the industry
according to their responsibilities. Role cultures are made on organisational structure
which are in horizontal form with big chain of orders. But, decision making in these
culture is very slow and these culture contains hierarchical bureaucracy. Because of
these, the industry does not like to take risk. Different firm has diversified culture to run
their business and maximize profits. Diversified culture helps to explore business at
wider level. Ryanair is airline firm and deals with diversified people daily. The cultural of
the business is diversified which is helping the customers to meet the customers needs on
time as well as attract customers because of open diversified culture. In airline business
role of culture is very important to sustain and survive in the market.
 Task culture – In these culture, Teams are formed so that the problems of the organisation
can be solved or progress projects can be addressed. Task is the essential element of this
culture. So, the power of the team members will be used, depending upon the problem or
the project. The firm can increase profitability and attain its objectives by leveraging the
skills of the team members (Azeem and Zubair, 2015). Ryanair firm has various team for
different task and they solve the problem or conflicts on their own base. Task culture is
the base of firm success in the market as no conflicts leads to more productive results. In
Ryanair the task culture is also more on Irish which is helping the firm to grow
worldwide. According to the Handy model task culture is basically result oriented and is
well known by Athena culture. The employees of the Ryanair wanted to complete their
task on time to meet the set goals. The staff members has trust and faith in their own
capabilities and colleagues ability while performing the task. Coordination depends task
and the project while Flexibility and Expertise are central requirements.

 Person culture – In business with person culture, individual believe themselves to be
superior in the business. This culture constitutes of person who are involved in the
business with similar background, training and expertise. An organisation with person
culture is just a combination of people who exists simply to work. Power lies within
every group. Ryanair revolve around person culture as it is airline business every one
should work peacefully to achieve targets importance of small business on UK economy
on time and customers can be satisfied as well. According to the Handy person culture
are often seen in professional firms where the employees are educated, independent and
work with their own expertise.
Thus, Ryanair uses the task culture from its organisational culture when the market is
competitive and product or service needs constant innovations. This culture has affected the
performance of the firm in a positive way. As, teams are formed in the organisation and the work
is divided between the team members according to their skills and ability. Individuals who are
expertise in particular field, the work are allotted to them accordingly. Ryanair thus enhances the
power of its employees which leads to increase in productivity and helps to build its brand
image.
Nature of power -
Organisation consists of individuals who exercise less or more degree of power. The
French-Raven's five forms of power are introduced with the extent of observability and to which
level power is based on structural conditions. The following are the five forms of power -
 Coercive power – This form of power is dependent upon coercion, which means
that individual is forced to do something which is against their will. Coercive
power leads to problems, bad behaviour and dissatisfaction in work (Barry and
Wilkinson, 2016). Firm is working to satisfy customers not to satisfy themselves.
To get effective results nothing can be done against their needs and preferences
for better outcomes do things that favour customers demand. Ryanair is a low cost
airline they do not use coercive power to resolve the problems of the customers.
They deal with more patiently with the customers so that they can be pull
towards their airline service.
 Reward power – This type of power includes the capability of an employee to
delegate the work to others which they do not wish to do and give them reward

against it. If the workers are getting something against the work done, they will be
willing to complete the task given to them. These rewards includes promotions,
incentives, compliments etc. The power of such rewards are weakened when it
does not worth the value to others. Employees will loose their effectiveness, if
they are rewarded daily. If timely rewards are given to the employees of Ryanair
than more better outcomes can be seen as it indirectly motivates employees to
perform task well. Ryanair is rewarding the customers according to their
performance in the business. Rewards can be monetary and non monetary so that
employees gets motivated to perform better. Ryanair has launched it's first flyer
programmes and the customers who are the members of £199 are rewarded
with fast track security, free seating choice, priority of boarding on every
booking.
 Legitimate power - It is a traditional form of power. Individuals traditionally
follows the person having power which is based on the position of the person in
an organisation. This power includes appraising and punishing employees by their
leaders. Legitimate power can be weakened easily as the person loses its title or
position because it depends on role (Chmiel and Sverke, 2017). Ryanair firm
should use legitimate power to increase profitability ratio in the market ans to
satisfy customers needs and demands timely basis. Ryanair is following all the
laws and regulations and legitimate power so that better services can be offered to
the customers and brand recognition can be framed. Ryanair cabin crew are
required to sell out eight scratch cards per day so that functioning can de done
effectively.
 Referent power – This power is about the capability of an individual to be
accepted by the management importance of small business on uk economyas the
role model in the organisation. It is the leader who has the power and thus, is liked
and appreciated by the workers. Referent power consists of high respon
importance of small business on uk economysibility. One rumour or bad work can
lead to loose the power from the leaders so they must be honest when they lead
their team. Ryanair company should referent power for smooth functioning of the
organization as well as for better results. Ryanair firm are very efficient and

effective that is the reason it is growing at a rapid scale in the cut throat
competitive world. Organization is continuously appreciating it's employees to
work towards the betterment of the service.
 Expert power – This form of power relies on expertise, in-depth knowledge and
information. They are the leaders who must be highly skilled and intelligent.
They must have the ability to play various roles and responsibilities. The expertise
have the power to influence their co-workers who admires them so that they can
motivate the employees to complete the task for them. This type of leadership is
highly appreciated. Ryanair company uses experts view to uplift the business in
the global market as well as can capture huge market share of other business
running in the market. As Ryanair is the first non-coal company and is the first to
join the top 10 carbon emitters. They hire a solution partner called At Internet
which help the business to handle all it's online intelligence.
Ryanair applies the expert power from the French-Raven's five form of power. As the
organisation has the leaders who encourages their co-workers at regular intervals. They solves
the problems faced by the employees while working. The leader of Ryanair is intelligent and has
great knowledge and believes in teamwork and gives proper training to the employees whenever
required. The manager provides incentives to the best performer at regular intervals. This power
of the leader help to enhance the inherent qualities of the workers, which contributes to the
growth of the company (Gupta and Lawley, 2016).
Political behaviour of manager – Political behaviour is defined as the sub set of human
behaviour which includes politics and power. Ryanair must use the theory described below -
Chanlat's characteristics of behaviour
These theory states the political behaviour of an individual. The person should have
sufficient knowledge, interest and understanding in political matters.
The manager of Ryanair should apply this theory of behaviour so that it can solve the
political matters of the firm. Leader should have appropriate knowledge about the political
system so that political instability can be minimised and the company can run smoothly.
Organisational Politics-
It is concerned with informal way of using the power within the respective
organisation that greatly impacts the organisational culture and working practices within

the organisation. As per the views of Chanlat, there are different types of political
behaviour within Ryanair. Thereby impact of politics on teams and individuals are as
follows-
 Decrease in productivity- It is concerned that employees within the respective
organisation who are engaged in politics have less concentration towards the work.
This leads to decrease in the productivity of the organisation.
 Spoils the organisational Culture- When there is a high influence of politics on the
respective organisation it disturbs the organisational culture and reduce the
individual performance within the organisation.
Therefore organisational politics have a greater influence on the individual and team
performance and affects the profitability within the organisation.
TASK 2
P2) Examine how process and content theories of motivation and techniques enables effective
management of goals in an firm.
Content theory of motivation
Content theories is related with the factors which motivates people. It also deals with the needs
and goals of individuals. The theory which Ryanair uses is given below -
Maslow's hierarchy of need - This theory focus on the most basic individual needs to be met
before they achieve higher level needs.
 Physiological needs – 1556174007 (1)It is the physical requirement of
individual's survival. Humans need to fulfill these needs in order to gain
satisfaction at higher levels. These needs are food, water, shelter etc. Ryanair
fulfils all the basic needs of it's employees so that employees can be satisfied and
can retain in the firm.
 Safety needs – After satisfying the physiological needs, the safety needs of
individuals become prominent. If a person do not feel safe, they will find safety
before meeting higher level of needs. These includes financial security, personal
security, emotional security, health safety etc. Ryanair covers all the safety needs
to feel employees secure regarding their jobs and they can provide better
outcomes to the organization.

 Social needs - It is the third level of human needs. These needs involves feelings
of belongingness. Social needs includes friendship, family, intimacy etc. Ryanair
is helpful in satisfying social needs of the employees and encourage them to work
effectively.
 Self-esteem needs – These needs relates to ego or status needs. Every individual
living in a society requires self esteem needs such as recognition, status,
importance as well as respect from others (Martin, 2017) .
 Self-actualization needs – This need is the desire to achieve everything that an
individual can. It includes parenting, mate acquisition, achieving goal, seeking
happiness etc.
The Maslow's hierarchy theory is very important to be applied by Ryanair because with the help
of this theory, every employee will feel motivated. They will be able to fulfill all their needs
from basic to higher level which will increase their level of satisfaction. If the workers will be
satisfied, than they will put all their efforts to serve to the companies success. This leads to
attainment of the pre determined goals and maximisation of firm's profit.
Process theory of motivation
Process theory is concerned with ideas that explains how the development and changes in
entity occurs. Ryanair must use the following theory of motivation to enable individual as well as
team performance -
Cognitive evaluation theory – This theory is made to explain the impact on internal motivation
of an individual by external consequences. Cognitive evaluation theory involves the following
two system of motivation.
 Intrinsic Motivators – It is the motivation that comes from within, that is, the internal
interest of the work. Intrinsic motivation includes responsibility, competence and
achievement (Namada, 2018) .
 External Motivators – It is the motivation which is controlled by someone else. External
motivation includes promotion, pay, working conditions, feedback etc.
Ryanair should use the cognitive evaluation theory so that it can appraise the performance of its
employees. If the manager of the company pays the amount which the worker deserves, than it
increases the motivation of the employee to work with interest. Thus, it will lead to success and
will flourish the growth of the organisation.

TASK 3
P3) Understand what makes effective team opposed to ineffective team in an firm.
Functional solving team: Ryanair Is dealing in airlines and provide it's service across the
globe. Functional team is made by various vertical organizational hierarchy who's task is to
perform organizational functions. Business associates has hired typical team to examine both
internal and external operations of an firm to have better understanding about the customers
demand and preferences. Generally Marketing, Accounting etc. are some of the examples of
functional team. Example: A small landscaping based out of of Arizona and Phoenix is in The
Weeds landscaping. Here, Curt the owner is liable for maintenance department and Sean is liable
for design build division. Sean's design build team while Curt focus is on maintenance and rest
employees follow their own task accordingly this both are the examples of functional team in
The Weeds landscaping.
Project Solving Team: Ryanair is a airlines company which provides smooth and
comfort service to it's customers. Here, lot of projects related issues can be seen in the airline
industry. To resolve this obstacles a team of collaborative is hired to solve the problem (Newman
and Zhu, 2016). Firm should use diversity of experience, knowledge and complementary talents
to the obstacles solving process. Airlines also faces projects related issues while providing
smooth and comfort services to it's customers, the problems can be solved by finding out the
main points of issues which are as follows:
 Define the problems
 Find out the major cause of the problem.
 Discover new ideas to resolve the problems.
If organization look into this following obstacles to resolve the project related issues it
can turned out to be more productive results in very short time duration.
Virtual problem solving team: Small and big firm both suffers from virtual challenges
in organization, it leads to miscommunication and trust between employees are on stake while
performing for better customer services at global level. Some of the virtual team challenges are:
 Lack of social interaction between employer and employees (Pradhan and
Kumari, 2016).
 Diversified multi culture teams put forward their respective ideas to resolve the
problem.

If firm on initial stages solve all the issues than business of airlines can be flourished and more
profits can be generated from the satisfied customers.
The difference between effective team and ineffective team are as follows:
Basis Effective team Ineffective team
Meaning Effective team means a group
of people who work together
to achieve a common goal in
positive manner.
Ineffective team means lacking
behind certain characteristics
which does not allow the team
to function more effectively
and productively.
Listening In effective team members
listen to each other and a best
idea or solution is generated
by listening carefully.
In effective team staff
members do not listen to each
and ignore the idea and are
over ridden many times.
Decision making In effective team decisions are
made by a form of consensus
in which it assures that
everybody is in general
agreement.
In ineffective team actions are
taken prematurely before the
real action is examined.
Style diversity Effective team uses style
diversity for making the team
success.
Ineffective team does not uses
style diversity so they are
perform ineffectively.
b) Belbin's, Tuckman and Jensen's model used to make Ryanair company more effective
and efficient.
Belbin team is used to examine the behavioural strengths and weaknesses at workplace. It
provides the language to ensure that teams , groups or individuals communicate and perform task
together with better understanding. Here are nine cluster's of behaviours which are discussed
below:
Resource investigator: As Ryanaria is airline industry if resource investigator is done
than firm will be benefited with certain strengths like, outgoing, explores opportunities,
enthusiastic etc. which help to attract customers for long term. While some weaknesses faced are
over optimistic, lose interest once initial enthusiasm has passed due to which customers can be
declined.
Teamwork: It directly helps to gain target on time. The main strengths is cooperative
nature which in airline industry proves to very helpful to satisfy customers according to the

services. But some of the drawback is that sometime in adverse condition they tend to avoid
confrontation which makes customers unsatisfy and market ratio decline.
Coordinator: To satisfy customers according to the service offered to them there should
coordination among employees so that service can be smooth served on time. Good coordinator
strengths is that it clarifies goals on time so new targets can be set for other competitors (Roos
and Von Krogh, 2016).
Plant: This cluster is used to solve the problems in irregular ways related to creative, free
thinking etc. Company should find a way to solve each and every problem in their own way but
some time they turn out to be negative for the firm as ignore incidentals, too preoccupied to
communicate etc.
Monitor evaluator: In airlines company it act as logical eye and focus on customers
views and try to turn them in positive results like sober, strategic and discerning. Organization
lack market ratio due to lack in drive and ability to inspire other customers for the service
designed for the customers.
Specialist: It directly provides in-depth information about airlines company to its loyal
customers due to which customers are more keen to visit the service. It also help to broaden the
knowledge of self starting , single minded people across the globe.
Shaper: Ryanair use the tools shaper to encourage the employees to focus on goals and
does not lose momentum at any stage of service. Shaper strength are, thrives on pressure,
dynamic etc. helps the business to overcome the obstacle and explore in the market. But some
tine it offend customer's feelings which indirectly create loss to the business associates and raise
employees turnover rate.
Implementer:It is used by airline Ryanair firm to carry out strategy in effective manner
so that customers are attracted at a large scale. With reliable , efficient, practical etc. are the key
role for the upliftment in the market. But in adverse case implementer is it inflexible and react
slow to new opportunities as it take huge risk as well as finance to implement it.
Completer finisher: Ryanair company use this tool to polish and scrutinise the omission
in service so that customers retain till the end. By continuously using, painstaking, anxious they
can uplift their good image in the customers eye. If finisher is omitted properly it will lead to loss
of loyal customers.