Tesco's Leadership: Theories, Management, and Program Evaluation

This essay provides an analysis of leadership and management theories, specifically within the context of Tesco, a British retail chain. It differentiates between leaders and managers, highlighting the importance of leadership in organizational function. The essay delves into trait theory and behavioral theory, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, and how they apply to Tesco's leadership selection and development. It also evaluates a leadership development program for minority groups within the company, emphasizing the benefits of such programs for achieving competitive advantage and long-term sustainability. The essay concludes by underscoring the significance of understanding and implementing effective leadership strategies in a business environment.

ESSAY

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
Leadership and Management Theories...................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
Evaluation of Leadership Development Programme.............................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
An art in which one person brings together a team of people to work towards a common goal
is called leadership. Whereas, manager is someone who is in charge of things and take actions to
fulfil those. In companies’ managers are allotted different departments. They take all the
necessary decisions in an organisation. It is their job to plan, organise, lead, co-ordinate, execute
and control things in an organisation (Jayawickreme,, Zachry and Fleeson,2019). Leaders are
important for an organisation as they play an important role in functioning of an organisation.
There are various differences between a manager and a leader. Leader takes risks whereas
manager controls them. Leaders take care of long term whereas managers focus on their short-
term objectives only. Leaders are coach for others and managers are just like other employees in
an organisation. Leaders are unique and managers can be made similar. Leaders are said to have
inborn quality. A leader makes his own rules and guide others. Whereas, a manager has to follow
the rules set up by organisation or their superiors. They work according to the predefined policies
and procedures of an organisation. Managers fear change and leaders work to bring change in an
organisation. These differences help us to understand importance of a leader for an organisation.
In the following report discussions are made on a retail chain in United Kingdom named
Tesco. It is a British firm which have a number of supermarkets all over world. Following essay
contains discussions regarding leadership, training as well as development is done. There is also
a leadership programme managed by company mentioned in this essay. This is a training
programme for minority groups present in a business organisation. There are a number of
benefits for business through this programme. Organisation focuses on such programs in order to
attain competitive advantage as well as long term sustainability in market place.
TASK 1
Leadership and Management Theories
In this essay important managerial functions which are taking place in an organisation exist
due to lack of proper guidance. There are a number of leadership concepts which were
introduced in market in order to take care of these problems existing in an organisation. All these
leadership have been developed overtime by a number of great philosophers in order to bring in
most effective leaders in an organisation. These theories and concept of leadership have been
evolving overtime. There have been a number of changes and modifications been made on

traditional leadership style since the introduction of this concept. More focus is provided to two
theories in which traits as well as behaviour of a leader are given importance. There are also a
number of other theories such as one-dimensional, contingency, influence power etc. Two
theories related to leadership followed in Tesco are mentioned below-
Trait Theory:
This theory gives importance to particular traits of a person or a leader to be specific.
These traits help to determine a leader and a non-leader. Some of these major traits are stress,
knowledge, skills, energy, participation, achievement etc. This theory also takes into
consideration personality traits such as height and weight.
There are various set of skills required for different type of jobs these days. There are a
number of such traits which requires basic sets of characteristics, demand of various situations,
they need to take care of cultural aspect as well (Bush, Bell and Middlewood 2019).
There are a number of positive as well as negative factors related to this theory. This is
an effective theory but no scope for generation of these traits are mentioned in this theory. Below
mentioned are some advantages as well as disadvantages of trait theory:
Advantages of Trait Theory:
Pleasing theory- This theory is a pleasing one to hear. This theory tells about all the good
characteristics and traits which are to be in a good leader. In short, this theory discussed about all
the positive points which are to be present in a leader. No negative trait is discussed in this
theory. This just tells what a leader should do. If a person has good traits to be a leader than all
his negative traits can be ignored as per this theory (Olcaysoy Okten and Moskowitz, 2020). It
gives chances to a number of individuals to be a leader.
Detailed Knowledge- In this theory detailed knowledge about traits can be understood. This
explains job specific leadership role as well. When considering traits in supermarkets like Tesco
traits will be very clearly specified by the leader. With the help of this theory it becomes easy for
a company or an organisation to choose their leader. Detailed knowledge of trait may also help in
finding out leaders from a group of individuals.
Valid Approach- this approach is said to be a valid approach as it considers a number of points
related to presence of various traits. It does not create any difference or this theory is not biased
on the basis of cast, creed, colour or sex. Pure qualities to lead a group of individuals is only
studied in this theory.

Applicable at every level- One more benefit of this theory is that it can be applicable at every
level in an organisation. Be it lower level, middle level or upper level, this trait theory can be
applied. It is not just limited to any one level. Although, the set of traits for every level may vary
in this trait theory. But it takes into consideration every level. Even shareholders as well as
executive level can be included in this theory.
Relevant data- When talking about data required for this theory it is very clear that only relevant
data is used for this theory. It does not depend on hypothesis. In order to apply this theory a
number of researches are done. This research is usually first hand research. This is because
getting data which is secondary or already present in market for this research is not possible.
Personality traits- Another benefit of this theory is that it takes into consideration personality
traits as well. It is seen that personality of a person have a great effect on influencing people.
Thus, this theory helps to identify those personality traits as well which have an effect on
individual and those personality traits which helps an individual to follow a leader.
Disadvantages of Trait Theory:
Complex- This is considered to be a very complex theory as there are a number of traits. When
sitting to list these traits there can be more than thousands of traits.
Disagreements- This theory can also sometimes create a number of conflicts as well as
disagreements as required traits may vary from person to person. Traits important to one might
not be as important to other.
Long List of traits- there are a number of traits which could not be found in a single person. Due
to this it is sometimes very difficult to apply this theory.
Physical traits- Including physical traits in it is wrong as some people might get defensive due to
it. Also, a person might have all required traits except physical appearance than it will be unfair
towards them if considering these physical traits.
Not universal- the traits which are necessary may differ among various organisations, industry,
country, culture or even department (Ng and et. al., 2020). So, there are no set of traits which can
be applied everywhere.
Development of trait-Another major drawback of this theory is that only traits which are present
in an individual are considered. It never talks about how can an individual develop those traits.

This theory is incomplete without description on how those traits can be developed in an
individual.
Following description clearly states importance of trait theory. In context of Tesco, this
theory is applied to choose a leader who can lead organisation towards success. It is very
important to look for traits such as motivation, team work, communication skills and goal-
oriented for a leader in Tesco.
These are various factors through which this theory can be clearly judged and its affect on
Tesco can also be seen. There are some important traits such as team-work, communication
skills, motivation and goal-orienteers for those related to Tesco.
Behavioural Theory: In this theory function, role and work of a manager and leader is
described. The kind of behaviour a leader needs to have towards team, customers and
organisation is mentioned in this theory. Employees rate leaders in this theory and only then are
leaders judged. Task, participative, production, relationship etc are various parameters on which
leaders are judged. A good leader can be chosen with the help of analysis of their behaviours.
Different organisations may have different set of behaviours required for leaders of their
organisation. Below mentioned are advantages and disadvantages of this theory.
Advantages of Behavioural Theory
Change in behaviour- This is an advantage in behaviour theory that behaviour of an individual
can be brought to change with effective training and learning. This was a disadvantage in
learning of trait theory as it cannot be learned or taught. It is easy to make effective leaders and
teach them something they are lacking in. Thus, through using this style of leadership Tesco can
easily choose a leader for their organisation. They can also alter some skills in the chosen leader.
This will help them generate an efficient leader which can prove to be a competitive advantage
for company in long run.
Self-Belief- Behaviour theory has another benefit that it helps in building self-belief in people.
When a person knows that he has all the required behaviour to be a good leader this generates
effective self-belief and the person tries to better himself. This works as a great motivator.
Confidence-This theory is also very helpful in building self confidence in people. People who
have behaviours of a leader are always motivated and also try and motivate other. This is very
helpful for a leader. In this way behaviour theory has a number of benefits for a leader as well as
an organisation.

Advantage over other- When talking about behavioural theory it is found to have a number of
advantages over various other theories and therapies. (McSharry and et.al., 2019). There are a
number of modification procedure present in this theory through which behaviour of a person
can be affected to make them a better leader.
Disadvantages of Behavioural theory
Mental process-When talking about a number of mental processes which are involved in learning
are totally ignored in behavioural theory. This is a major disadvantage associated with this
theory. It is important to consider learning and other processes in this theory in order to make it
an effective one. Considering mental processes in a leader as well will help in enhancing this
theory of leadership.
Biological factors- Biological factors are also not considered in this theory. It is important to
understand the role of biological factors in a human behaviour. Biological factors may have a
positive or a negative effect on an individual behaviour. Thus, consideration of this factor stays
very important which is not done in this theory making it a disadvantage of this theory.
(Morrissey, 2020).
Narrow description of personality- The description of personality which is require din an
efficient leader is not effectively done in this theory. Personality of a leader needs to be strong as
it has a first impression on followers. If a leader does not have a strong personality it becomes
difficult for a leader to attract the employees and get work done from them.
Heredity- Heredity is given a lot of importance on a number of points. But here in behavioural
theory heredity does not plays any major part. It is said that heredity is not having any change in
behavioural, social, cultural learning of a human being which is wrong. Behaviour of any person
is highly influenced by heredity. So, considering heredity may help philosophers to improve this
theory.
It can be hence concluded how behavioural theory can be applied in Tesco. It will help
company to choose a good leader for them. This leader might lead groups in organisation for
better. It is important in order to achieve all the required goals and objectives. It is important to
attain employee satisfaction which helps in optimum productivity and help in achieving aims of a
company.

TASK 2
Evaluation of Leadership Development Programme
Importance of leadership training & development for organisation
A quality of a person to direct others in an organisation towards a goal is a leadership
quality. A leader is helpful for a company to attain its goal in a given time frame. Leadership is
important for every company and every team in an organisation. Tesco have leaders with
excellent communication skills who can effectively communicate goals and objectives of
organisation and steps to attain them (Xu, 2019). They help in growth of their followers who are
usually the team members they are guiding along with the growth of organisation. It increases
productivity in an organisation, which results in revenues of company. Increase in revenues will
ultimately result in increase of profits for company. Tesco spends a lot of thought before
choosing their leaders as leaders have direct impact on growth of the organisation.
In order to increase productivity of employees in an organisation training and
development are provided. It increases quality of work provided by employees to an
organisation. When taking Tesco into consideration company provide regular training to its
employees. It’s the duty of leaders in company to take care of it and provide employees with
required skills for their jobs. Leaders also encourage employees to take part in decision making
processes. This provides employees with sense of belongingness and also motivates them to
come up with innovations and new ideas for organisation. It becomes easy for employees to get a
hold on shortcomings as well as advanced technologies introduced in market and adopted by
company (Ng and et. al., 2020).
Major effect of this can be seen in customer satisfaction. It increases customer
satisfaction as well as profitability in an organisation. Employees are made capable enough to
handle risks on their own without taking help from their superiors. This provides them with self-
confidence and self- belief. Company can also create a healthy and positive environment through
this which is good for employees and reduces employee turnover in an organisation. A motivated
and satisfied employee is a great asset for any organisation. When employees are satisfied, they
do not focus much on their individual goals and rather focus on goals and objectives of company.
The employee retention rate of company also increases as no employees think of leaving the
organisation. Organisation can also gain new employees whenever required as due to the

promotion with the help of programme new talents are always ready to work with them.It
enables overall growth of company, its employees and all other stakeholders altogether.
Reciprocal Mentoring for Inclusion Programme
This is a reverse mentoring programme in which senior level employees are
mentors, who are mentored by junior level mentees. This can take place within an organisation
or between organisations in a same industry (McSharry and et. al., 2020). This is specifically
designed to guide those employees who belong to minority groups such as LGBT, Asian, BAME
and disabled. This helps in judging norms of an organisation and changing it for benefit of both
employees as well as organisation. Below mentioned are its benefit to both:
INDIVIDUALS
Mentor Benefits This helps mentors to show their actual talent to those at top level. Mentors come in
touch with higher level executives which is beneficial for them in growth as well as
promotion aspects. Mentors can take advantage of experience of those at top level and learn from them. They
learn a number of things from executives while working as their mentor in this
programme. Mentors can also take advices from those at top level in order to get more efficiency and
work for their future growth perspective. They come to know about growth aspect in
organisation as well as in the industry. It is beneficial for them in long term. They come to know about better understanding on how things are carried out in an
organisation. They come to know about proper functioning and working in an
organisation which they were earlier unaware of. They can contribute towards work in organisation which brings a sense of belongingness
in them. They feel belonged and they then align their individual goals to the goals of
organisation as well. Employees find better future opportunities through this programme. It helps them to
greatly enhance their communication skills. It is a great way of training and development.
A number of skills which were earlier lacking in them can be gained with the help of this
programme. They can engage customers in a better way at Tesco and also retain
customers for the organisation.

 Along with their own organisation they also learn about how things work in other
organisation in the same industry. It is very beneficial for mentors as they can take
effective decisions this way. They gain knowledge of their organisation as well as other
organisations from the mentees who are from same industry but a different organisation.
(Reid and Ellsworth-Krebs, 2019).
Mentee Benefits Mentee comes to know how actual working is conducted in an organisation. They come
to know deep knowledge about organisation which they were earlier not knowing. They
work at base level which is very effective for them. This will help them to take future decisions in benefit of organisation. As they now know
the organisation from core and inside out. It is beneficial for organisation in long run. This helps them to judge working in an organisation from a whole different perspective.
They come to know about a new angle from which work is performed in an organisation. They can take advantage of this opportunity to encourage employees and make them feel
important in organisation. They encourage and motivate employee through this process in
order to increase their productivity which at the end benefits organisation itself. This also helps them to change their belief and behaviour towards employees. Many a
times due to lack of personal communication grievances or misunderstandings arise. This
programme may help them solve any such conflicts. The different perspective gained by managers will help to formulate better strategies for
organisation. It will help them improve their reputation amongst subordinates. The future
aspects of communication with the subordinates is also improved for them. This will
create a better path for them to quickly resolve any issue as they now have knowledge of
organisation better. Also, employees will feel free sharing their views with superiors and
helping them in decision making process. This may give birth to a number of innovations
in organisation.
 It helps them to enhance ability and guide those in junior levels towards organisational
goals making them feel that they are in charge (Sultan and et. al., 2019). They align
individual goals of employees towards the organisational goals and perspective which is
beneficial for both company and mentee.

 A great opportunity is provided to learn from another organisation as well. They can
adapt positive behaviour of other organisation in same industry and apply it on their own
company to gain optimum utilisation of resources. They also come to know about
strategies of other organisations and can use them in their organisation.
ORGANISATION
 This helps organisation to bring satisfaction in employees, make them feel important and
thus result in reducing employee’s turnover (Muchiri, Shahid and Ayoko, 2019). Through this companies can change required set of processes and policies which are no
more favourable and apply some of the favourable ones. In changing environment, it is
important for business to keep up with trends in order to stay in market. This will bring in focus various things which are invisible or left unnoticed earlier. All
these are the small factors which may have great impact on organisation. Taking care of it
in time may save business from losses as well. It will help to raise goodwill of the firm in market. Brand image is a necessary factor for
every organisation. Through this business can increase their brand image. This
enhancement will directly help organisations to gain trust of its customers. It will have a
competitive benefit also. With the help of this programme promotion of business is also
done automatically. Businesses do not need to spend much on development of business
through promotions once adopted this programme. Through this organisation can discover needs which were never focused on earlier.
Fulfilling these needs of employees will help to increase productivity in an organisation
resulting in increased profits for business.
 This empowers a business and it can make allies in industry with other organisations in
the industry (Kraiger and et. al., 2020). These allies can be beneficial for organisation to
grow in future. It is a great opportunity for business. This also helps organisation to bring equality among employees of the organisation.
There does not occur any biasness between employees from organisations side.
Tesco is effectively using this mentoring programme in order to satisfy its employee who
belong to minority classes. They feel belongingness towards the organisation and are not left out.
It also reduces conflicts due to cultural differences. This is essential to guide employees towards
a better future and growth in organisation as well as in personal life. There have been a number

of benefits to organisation as well as employees through it. It provides companies with long term
sustainable growth opportunities (Lu, 2019). It helps organisations to align the individual
objective with organisational objective. Organisation needs to focus on such mentoring
programmes as it provides benefits to minority class. It will also work as a kind of corporate
social responsibility for company. This will help company to enhance its brand image in market.
Through this companies can also attract employees towards them without investing too much on
recruitment processes. Thus, it can be said that mentor, mentees and organisation all have a
number of benefits through it. Following it will help organisation to grow and increase their
goodwill in market.
CONCLUSION
This essay describes importance of leadership and management in an organisation. It also
discusses about difference between both of them. There is then a discussion on two theories
which are popularly followed in Tesco. Trait theory and Behavioural theory of leadership. Both
of these are mentioned along with their advantages as well as disadvantages. These are the
behavioural theory which are followed by many organisations throughout the world. It is
important for organisation to choose perfect leadership style for their organisation which will
help in organisational growth.
In second part of essay the importance of leadership, training and concepts in an
organisation are discussed in detail. A programme selected to be applied on Tesco is also
discussed. Tesco is following reciprocal mentoring programme in this context. In this
programme a senior level executive is mentor and an employee at lower level becomes his
mentee. This programme specifically takes into consideration the employees who belong to
minority classes. These employees are usually looked over by a number of organisations. They
are not given importance due to their regions and their beliefs. After the description of this
programme following report also discuses about its benefit to mentor, mentee as well as
organisation. It helps company in satisfying its employees, motivating them, reducing employee
turnover and also increasing productivity in an organisation.
Thus, it can be concluded that leadership has various advantages for a number of
businesses throughout the world. Leaders in an organisation play an important role in completion
of task by a team. It also makes sure that all the objectives and aims set up for a business are
achieved in a given time frame. An effective leader will directly move an organisation towards

growth and development. They help in encouraging employees towards work and motivating
them as well. They have direct effect on employee retention, employee motivation, productivity,
revenues as well as profits in any organisation.

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