Drivers of Change and how Leadership can affect the Organisation

A case study of British Airways

Seminar Paper , 2009 , 9 Pages , Grade: 66 Marks

Leadership and Human Resources - Management Styles

In this era of hyper-competition, significant common factors or drivers can effect a forcible change on any business. For example, in relation to British Airways (BA), the intensification of hyper-competition from other flight companies such as Ryanair and easyJet, who can produce superior goods and cheaper ticket prices, and the introduction of new technology and changing consumer preferences have resulted in BA having to redefine its business goals.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Drivers of Change in an Organisational Environment
• How These Drivers Affect British Airways (BA)
• Financial Implications
• Human Resource (HR) Implications
• Legal Implications
• How One Driver Affects BA
• What Changes are Required at BA?

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This case study examines the drivers of change within the organizational environment of British Airways (BA), focusing specifically on the impact of political, economic, social, and technological forces (PEST). The study explores how these drivers have affected BA's financial performance, human resource management, and legal compliance. The primary objective is to analyze the challenges faced by BA leadership in navigating these changes and to propose effective strategies for managing organizational transformation.

• Impact of PEST factors on organizational change
• Leadership challenges in managing change
• Effective strategies for organizational transformation
• Importance of leadership skills and attitudes
• Role of union involvement in change management

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the concept of drivers of change within an organizational environment, highlighting the PEST factors that significantly influence businesses, particularly in the context of hyper-competition. The chapter uses British Airways (BA) as an example, demonstrating how factors like intensified competition, new technologies, and changing consumer preferences have forced BA to adapt its business goals.

The second chapter delves into the specific impact of these drivers on BA, examining the financial, human resource, and legal implications. It explores the challenges BA has faced in terms of declining financial performance, potential strike action by staff, and legal pressure related to its uniform policy.

The third chapter focuses on the direct implications of political and legal drivers, highlighting the strained relationship between BA management and its staff. It emphasizes the potential for conflict and its detrimental effects on the company's working environment, long-term sustainability, and overall productivity.

The fourth chapter examines the necessary changes in BA's management style to address the challenges outlined in previous chapters. It suggests revisions in leadership skills, attitudes, and behaviors, drawing on theories of leadership and change management. The chapter proposes strategies for improving communication, fostering a more harmonious work environment, and effectively managing change within the organization.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key concepts and terms explored in this case study include drivers of change, PEST analysis, organizational transformation, leadership skills, change management, employee relations, conflict management, and union involvement.

• Grade: 66 Marks
• Author: Ivan Barjasic (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 9
• Catalog Number: V153790
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640662906
• ISBN (Book): 9783640663118
• Language: English
• Tags: PEST Drivers Affecting British Airways, Blake and Mouton’s Managerial Grid