What are the main contributions that individuals, leaders and stakeholders make in creating and executing the mission and vision of an organization?
Assignment Brief
Part 1 - Reflective Statement (PowerPoint Presentation) : 1000 Words
- Why do aspiring leaders need to have a clear understanding of leadership theories and organisational behaviour?
- What are the main contributions that individuals, leaders and stakeholders make in creating and executing the mission and vision of an organization?
- Why do aspiring leaders need to understand a broad range of potential leadership strategies (and specifically change management strategies) in order to maximise organisational potential in a variety of different business contexts?
- Why do aspiring leaders need to be able to critically evaluate a range of motivational (employee engagement) theories within a specific organisational context?
Complete the attached ‘Potential Leadership Style’ Questionnaire and answer the following questions:
- How would you define your potential leadership style? What are your key strengths? What are your key challenges? What personal development do you need to undertake in order to develop your leadership ability?
Sample Answer
Reflective Statement: Leadership, Motivation, and Organisational Behaviour
Understanding Leadership Theories and Organisational Behaviour
Aspiring leaders must have a clear understanding of leadership theories and organisational behaviour because leadership is not simply about giving orders but about influencing people, managing change, and creating environments where individuals can thrive. Leadership theories such as transformational leadership, situational leadership, and servant leadership provide structured ways of understanding how to lead effectively in various circumstances. By studying these theories, future leaders can choose approaches that best fit their organisation’s goals and culture.
Organisational behaviour is equally important, as it explores how people interact within a workplace, including factors like team dynamics, motivation, communication, and organisational culture. Leaders who understand these dynamics are better prepared to manage conflicts, support team development, and align individual efforts with strategic objectives. In short, leadership theories and organisational behaviour together provide aspiring leaders with essential tools to manage people effectively and achieve business success.
Contributions of Individuals, Leaders, and Stakeholders to Organisational Vision
Creating and executing an organisation’s mission and vision is a shared responsibility. Leaders play a central role by defining the strategic direction and motivating others to commit to that vision. They must communicate goals clearly, lead by example, and support others in aligning their daily work with broader organisational aims.
Individuals (employees) contribute by engaging with their roles, bringing their skills, creativity, and commitment. When employees understand and believe in the organisation’s vision, they are more likely to go beyond basic job requirements and contribute to innovation and continuous improvement.
Stakeholders, such as customers, investors, community partners, and suppliers, also have a role. Their feedback, expectations, and support shape organisational priorities. Engaging stakeholders in the vision-creation process helps ensure that the organisation remains relevant, sustainable, and ethically grounded.
Importance of Understanding Leadership and Change Strategies
Aspiring leaders need to understand a wide range of leadership and change management strategies to manage diverse challenges in today’s complex business environment. For example, Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model or Lewin’s Change Theory offer clear frameworks for leading change, from creating urgency to embedding new practices.
In different business contexts, such as growth, crisis, restructuring, or digital transformation, leaders must adapt their approach. A one-size-fits-all leadership style is unlikely to be effective. In a start-up, for instance, a more entrepreneurial and flexible leadership style may be needed, while in a large corporation, structured and data-driven strategies could work better.
Understanding different strategies allows aspiring leaders to maximise organisational potential, manage resistance to change, and ensure that transitions are smooth and sustainable. It also enables them to be proactive rather than reactive, which is essential in maintaining a competitive edge.
Evaluating Motivational and Engagement Theories
Employee motivation is critical for organisational success. Aspiring leaders must be able to critically evaluate theories such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, and Self-Determination Theory, and apply them to specific organisational contexts.
For example, in a manufacturing firm where work may be repetitive, leaders might focus on Herzberg’s hygiene factors (e.g., working conditions, pay) to reduce dissatisfaction, while in a creative agency, they might emphasise intrinsic motivators like autonomy and recognition.
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