Analysis of Managerial and Leadership Roles at Unilever PLC

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of managerial and leadership roles within Unilever PLC. It explores the key characteristics of managers and leaders, highlighting the differences in their functions and responsibilities. The report examines the application of these roles in various situations, such as introducing new business projects and implementing training programs. It delves into different leadership theories, including situational, system, and contingency leadership, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. The report also analyzes the practical implications of these theories within the context of Unilever PLC, offering insights into how these approaches can enhance organizational efficiency and productivity. Finally, the report concludes with a summary of the key findings and provides references to support the analysis.

Management
and Operations
TASK 1 &
2

Table of content
• Introduction
• Roles and characteristics of managers and leaders
• Difference between role of managers and leaders
• Application of role in different situations
• Leadership Theories
• Strengths and Weaknesses
• Analysis
• Conclusion
• References

Introduction
It is a set of principles relating to the functions of planning,
organizing, directing and controlling the applications of various
principles in an organization so that goals and objectives are
achieved efficiently and effectively. This project report is based
on Unilever PLC and consist information in relation to roles and
characteristics of a leader and a manager. Role of leader and
functions of a manger with various leadership approaches.

Roles and characteristics of managers
and leaders
Managers are the individuals who are responsible for the process
of getting activities completed efficiently with and through
other peoples. Manager helps in achieving organisational
objectives through performing basic functions such as planning,
organising, leading and controlling. A good manager must
possess characteristics such as knowledge, time management,
reliability, communication skills. Manager of Uniliver PLC will
play role as defined by Henry Mintzberg that are as follows-

Role of a Manager
Fingurehead: A manager is socially,
ceremonially and legally responsible for all
the activities that are performed in
organization under managerial control.
Liaison: Manager plays a role of communicator
among internal and external contacts to that
effective communication channel is
established in Unilever PLC.

Continued...
Monitor: As a manager information
regrading organization and industry is
acquired so that changing environment
can be adopted efficiently.
Spokesperson: In this role managers are
responsible for transforming information
regarding to organization and its goals to
the people outside of organization

Role of a Leader
Leaders are the individuals who are defining and exhibiting moral and
ethical courage and setting an example for everyone working in
Unilever PLC. Leaders helps a business to move towards achieving
organizational goals and objectives. A leader must be honest,
inspire others, accountable, creative, passionate and possess
decision making capabilities while working in an organization In
Unilever PLC a leader will play the following roles-

Continued...
Strategist: As a leader planes for the company
and team member to attain business
objectives is designed by leaders. These
planes are based on strategies based on
goals, past experience and future
requirements.
Communicator: Communication is the a key
for effective leadership.

Continued...
Innovator: A leader in an organization must implemented
innovative skills to perform work so that organizational
activities can be performed in most productive manner to give
desired results.
Coach: A leader must play a role to its followers and provide them
opportunity to shine and perform in the best manner. Employees
of Unilever will be guided in such manner that they can grow
and thrive in their roles.

Difference between role of manager and
leader
Basis Managers Leaders
Nature A manager possess
operational nature for
performing activities that
helps in managing
business operations.
Nature of leader is of
motivator and innovator
they tends to provide
new and attractive ways
to get things done in
business.
Role A manager plays effective
role in planning all the
business activities that
supports objectives.
Role played by a leader
is to motivate others to
accomplish goals by
working hard and using
best methods.

Continued...
Directions Managers provide
directions to employees
regarding activities to be
performed.
Leaders directs a team
and guide them in a
direction to achieve
objectives.
Communication Managers in an
organisation are
communicated first
regarding organisational
policies.
Leaders are provided
with information through
managers and than it is
implemented in the
team.

Application of role in different situations
In Unilever PLC while performing business activities leaders and
managers plays important role to complete each activity in most
productive manner. Some of the situations and their individual roles
are defined as-
Introduction of a new business project
Unilever PLC is one of the largest organization operated globally and
there are several projects initiated by the company on regular basis
so that business can become competitive and expand its operations.