Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study
Assignment 4: Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd. Case Study
Leadership and Organizational Behavior Bus 520
December 1, 2012
Introduction
Sir Richard Branson is the chairman and founder of the Virgin Group. The Virgin Group is a multibillion-dollar global conglomerate that consists of approximately 200 companies in various countries. The company has approximately 50,000 employees and over $20 billion in sales annually (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). Sir Branson is a true visionary and inspiring leader willing to take risk, but has experienced his share of setbacks. He gladly admits his mistakes, but views them all as a learning experience. Sir Branson feels his success is in the people he employees and their mutual desire to please the customers and the stockholders of the organization.
Branson’s leadership style
Sir Richard Branson’s leadership style reminds me of transformational leadership. This type of leader anticipates future trends, develops future leaders, inspires others of their future possibilities and builds an organization or group into a community of challenged and rewarded learners (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). Transformational leaders are mindful of future trends and how they will relate to the environment, the organization and stockholders. This form of leadership style consists of four components which are individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation and idealized influence. Individualized consideration is when the leader acts as a mentor or coach, listens to the employees concerns and attending to their needs. Employees are encouraged to have open communication with the leader. For example, Branson goes to various locations within the organization with his pen and notebook to make sure he is keeping track of any issues that need immediate action concerning staff and customers. He also maintains an open door policy for employees to send emails concerning any
Leadership and Organizational Behavior Bus 520
December 1, 2012
Introduction
Sir Richard Branson is the chairman and founder of the Virgin Group. The Virgin Group is a multibillion-dollar global conglomerate that consists of approximately 200 companies in various countries. The company has approximately 50,000 employees and over $20 billion in sales annually (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). Sir Branson is a true visionary and inspiring leader willing to take risk, but has experienced his share of setbacks. He gladly admits his mistakes, but views them all as a learning experience. Sir Branson feels his success is in the people he employees and their mutual desire to please the customers and the stockholders of the organization.
Branson’s leadership style
Sir Richard Branson’s leadership style reminds me of transformational leadership. This type of leader anticipates future trends, develops future leaders, inspires others of their future possibilities and builds an organization or group into a community of challenged and rewarded learners (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011). Transformational leaders are mindful of future trends and how they will relate to the environment, the organization and stockholders. This form of leadership style consists of four components which are individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation and idealized influence. Individualized consideration is when the leader acts as a mentor or coach, listens to the employees concerns and attending to their needs. Employees are encouraged to have open communication with the leader. For example, Branson goes to various locations within the organization with his pen and notebook to make sure he is keeping track of any issues that need immediate action concerning staff and customers. He also maintains an open door policy for employees to send emails concerning any