Business: Leadership and Workers
8
Management and leadership
Revision case study 1 (page 152) Leadership styles at McNuggets
1
Which style of leadership/management seems to be used at McNuggets? Justify your answer. [4]
Despite there being discussion and consultation, workers are not allowed to take decisions; this suggests that the style is paternalistic. This view is further supported as there is reference to reasonable rates of pay, free uniforms and meals and the payment of bonuses.
There is regular discussion of branch performance and workers are encouraged to air their views. This suggests a democratic approach. However, it is apparent that the discussion does not lead to change. The style of leadership is predominantly autocratic. Workers are given very precise instructions and methods of working may not be changed from those laid down by head office.
Management seem to have a ‘Theory X’ view of workers.
2
Using your knowledge of leadership styles, how would you account for the apparent low levels of motivation at McNuggets restaurants? [8]
There are a number of reasons why motivation appears to be at a low level:
• Worker views, although requested, are ignored.
• Workers have no influence over their working day. They must follow set procedures without any deviation. There is no delegation of decision making.
• There is no opportunity for workers to show initiative.
• Workers specialise in just two tasks. This may contribute to jobs becoming too repetitive and, therefore, boring.
Organisations that use paternalistic or autocratic styles of leadership frequently find that workers have low motivation. Workers become disillusioned at the lack of participation in decision making.
3
Discuss how the leadership style could be adapted in an attempt to improve motivation of staff within these restaurants. [8]
A more democratic approach may be effective in raising motivation. If head office delegates more decision making to the individual restaurants, then
Management and leadership
Revision case study 1 (page 152) Leadership styles at McNuggets
1
Which style of leadership/management seems to be used at McNuggets? Justify your answer. [4]
Despite there being discussion and consultation, workers are not allowed to take decisions; this suggests that the style is paternalistic. This view is further supported as there is reference to reasonable rates of pay, free uniforms and meals and the payment of bonuses.
There is regular discussion of branch performance and workers are encouraged to air their views. This suggests a democratic approach. However, it is apparent that the discussion does not lead to change. The style of leadership is predominantly autocratic. Workers are given very precise instructions and methods of working may not be changed from those laid down by head office.
Management seem to have a ‘Theory X’ view of workers.
2
Using your knowledge of leadership styles, how would you account for the apparent low levels of motivation at McNuggets restaurants? [8]
There are a number of reasons why motivation appears to be at a low level:
• Worker views, although requested, are ignored.
• Workers have no influence over their working day. They must follow set procedures without any deviation. There is no delegation of decision making.
• There is no opportunity for workers to show initiative.
• Workers specialise in just two tasks. This may contribute to jobs becoming too repetitive and, therefore, boring.
Organisations that use paternalistic or autocratic styles of leadership frequently find that workers have low motivation. Workers become disillusioned at the lack of participation in decision making.
3
Discuss how the leadership style could be adapted in an attempt to improve motivation of staff within these restaurants. [8]
A more democratic approach may be effective in raising motivation. If head office delegates more decision making to the individual restaurants, then