Case Study: Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair
LEADERSHIP & ORGANISATIONS
COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT TUTORIAL
Leadership & Organisations
6BUS1001 – 0901
Semester A (2012-13)
Case Study: ‘Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair’
Question:
Using relevant leadership, management and motivation theory, compare and contrast the leadership styles of Richard Branson and Michael O’Leary. Critically discuss the state of affairs in the two organisations that are created or impacted by their leadership styles and behavior.
Word Count: 1700 Your Name and Student number: Nathaniel Bryan 09199612 Date of submission: 3/11/2012
1 Introduction
Leadership and management style have proven to be important factors in the effectiveness and development of an organization. (Blake, 1991) argues that leadership and management style influences levels of motivation, performance and commitment within a business. This essay using Richard Branson and Michael O’Leary as case study examples, aims to discuss how the state of affairs within an organization can be attributed to different leadership styles and behavior.
There are many definitions of leadership (Smith et al, 2012.) There is however some ambiguity among definitions of leadership as researchers have drawn focuses from a perspective that most interests them. As a result, categorizing an individual within leadership theory can distort the view of what makes a ‘perfect’ leader in a broad sense because of the narrow approach to leadership style within studies.
2 Richard Branson Leadership style
2.1 Contingency and situational Leadership
Richard Branson is a figure head for virgin as a brand, (Avolio, 2010) defines charismatic leaders as “Those who could energize followers through their use of symbols, images, stories, and rhetoric to perform at extraordinary levels.” He is highly charismatic and willing to take risks to push boundaries, frequently uses himself, in media communications to promote his brand. Richard
COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT TUTORIAL
Leadership & Organisations
6BUS1001 – 0901
Semester A (2012-13)
Case Study: ‘Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair’
Question:
Using relevant leadership, management and motivation theory, compare and contrast the leadership styles of Richard Branson and Michael O’Leary. Critically discuss the state of affairs in the two organisations that are created or impacted by their leadership styles and behavior.
Word Count: 1700 Your Name and Student number: Nathaniel Bryan 09199612 Date of submission: 3/11/2012
1 Introduction
Leadership and management style have proven to be important factors in the effectiveness and development of an organization. (Blake, 1991) argues that leadership and management style influences levels of motivation, performance and commitment within a business. This essay using Richard Branson and Michael O’Leary as case study examples, aims to discuss how the state of affairs within an organization can be attributed to different leadership styles and behavior.
There are many definitions of leadership (Smith et al, 2012.) There is however some ambiguity among definitions of leadership as researchers have drawn focuses from a perspective that most interests them. As a result, categorizing an individual within leadership theory can distort the view of what makes a ‘perfect’ leader in a broad sense because of the narrow approach to leadership style within studies.
2 Richard Branson Leadership style
2.1 Contingency and situational Leadership
Richard Branson is a figure head for virgin as a brand, (Avolio, 2010) defines charismatic leaders as “Those who could energize followers through their use of symbols, images, stories, and rhetoric to perform at extraordinary levels.” He is highly charismatic and willing to take risks to push boundaries, frequently uses himself, in media communications to promote his brand. Richard
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