INTRODUCTION
British Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. It has grown by its own
leadership qualities and unique culture. Bob Ayling, Chief Executive implemented changes
in the organization without getting support from its employees. He thought a change is
necessary, even when BA was making record profit, because in the long run some decision
has to be made. On one side he tried to raise staff morale by reinventing training
programmes and by building a hotel at Heathrow just for staff members and on the other
side he outsourced departments like maintenance, engineering and information technology
to developing countries. This paper reviews leadership issues with reference to motivation
and culture. This paper concludes with a significance that Bob Ayling strategies and plans
for change were in the right direction, but the way he carried out to achieve his objective
were not accepted by employees or people around him. We take the impact of the
leadership and management style of Bob Ayling and look at this in relation to motivation
of employees.
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality
(Warren G Bennis 1995; cited by K Aswathappa, 2004)
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Leadership is interpersonal influence exercised in a situation and directed through the
communication process, towards the attainment of a specified goal or goals
(Tannendaum et al 1961 ; cited in K Aswathappa,2004)
Leadership styles and implications
Leadership style is the typical approach a particular person uses to lead people. Stated
differently, the behaviour the leader exhibits during supervision of subordinates is known
as leadership style. Style is to comprise of 2 distinct elements- The leader assumptions
about subordinates, and the leader actual behaviour while interacting with the
subordinates.(Luthens,1973).Leadership and management are two opposing styles of
employee supervision . Between leadership and management, which one is most effective
and what is the difference between the two? Both styles (leadership and management) are
analyzed as they are applied within a team-based work environment. Now it is necessary to
describe a team-based work environment and demonstrate what can be accomplished
within that setting by using leadership.(supervision,2006) .The influence of leadership
style on job performance, satisfaction, stress, and turnover intention has been well
established. While leadership style has an impact on organizations, departments, and
teams, as well as work climate and atmosphere, leaders who want the best results should
not rely on a single leadership style (Goleman, 2000).
There are mainly 4 different types of leadership styles:
1. Style based on amount of authority retained by the leader.
