Sir Richard Branson Case Study
Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd.
Assignment 4
Case Study
Aria N. Porter
Dr. W. D. Wilkerson
BUS 520: Leadership and Organization Behavior
STRAYER UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON, DC
23 August, 2012
Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd
This paper will describe Branson’s leadership style and evaluate the likely effectiveness of that style in the U.S. today. The paper will recommend a different leadership style that would make Mr. Branson an even more effective leader. How Branson would develop and lead a global team working on a major project will also be determined. Finally, the paper will discuss how I can incorporate some of Richard Branson’s leadership qualities into my role at work.
Sir Richard Branson’s Leadership Style
Sir Richard Branson’s leadership style is transformational. “Transformational leadership involves anticipating future trends, inspiring followers to understand and embrace a new vision of possibilities, developing others to be leaders or better leaders, and building the organization or group into a community of challenged and rewarded learners” (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011, p. 329). Branson’s belief that happy employees will improve a company by developing more innovative ideas and producing better products directly supports his practice of putting the employees of Virgin Group LTD before customers and stakeholders. Richard empowers employees to make decisions and he creates intellectual stimulation. Intellectual stimulation is”The degree to which the leader challenges assumptions takes risks and solicits follower’s ideas” (Hellriegel and Slocum, 2011, p. 331). Under Sir Richard’s leadership philosophy Virgin employees are encouraged and expected to openly present new and innovative ideas to Branson and voice their grievances. Sir Richard often visits his various companies to get direct feedback from employees and customers. He uses this feedback to improve his businesses. Sir Richard is
Assignment 4
Case Study
Aria N. Porter
Dr. W. D. Wilkerson
BUS 520: Leadership and Organization Behavior
STRAYER UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON, DC
23 August, 2012
Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, Virgin Group, Ltd
This paper will describe Branson’s leadership style and evaluate the likely effectiveness of that style in the U.S. today. The paper will recommend a different leadership style that would make Mr. Branson an even more effective leader. How Branson would develop and lead a global team working on a major project will also be determined. Finally, the paper will discuss how I can incorporate some of Richard Branson’s leadership qualities into my role at work.
Sir Richard Branson’s Leadership Style
Sir Richard Branson’s leadership style is transformational. “Transformational leadership involves anticipating future trends, inspiring followers to understand and embrace a new vision of possibilities, developing others to be leaders or better leaders, and building the organization or group into a community of challenged and rewarded learners” (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2011, p. 329). Branson’s belief that happy employees will improve a company by developing more innovative ideas and producing better products directly supports his practice of putting the employees of Virgin Group LTD before customers and stakeholders. Richard empowers employees to make decisions and he creates intellectual stimulation. Intellectual stimulation is”The degree to which the leader challenges assumptions takes risks and solicits follower’s ideas” (Hellriegel and Slocum, 2011, p. 331). Under Sir Richard’s leadership philosophy Virgin employees are encouraged and expected to openly present new and innovative ideas to Branson and voice their grievances. Sir Richard often visits his various companies to get direct feedback from employees and customers. He uses this feedback to improve his businesses. Sir Richard is
References: Branson, R. (2012). Entrepreneur. Richard Branson’s 5 rules for good Business. Retrieved from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223979?fb_ref=fbrec Branson, R. (2010). Entrepreneur. Richard Branson: Five secrets to business success. Retrieved from http://www.entrepreneur.com/ Crush, P. (2010) Exclusive: Sir Richard Branson talks to HR magazine about leadership Retrieved from http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/hro/features/1018119/exclusive-sir-richard-branson-talks-hr-magazine-leadership Hellriegel, D., & Slocum, Jr., J. W. (2011). Organizational behavior (13th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. NPR.Staff (2011) Richard Branson: Time To Rethink ‘Business As Usual’. Retrieved from http://m.npr..org/news/books/143011768?page=2#menu Walenius, M. (2011). The Leadership Style of Sir Richard Branson. Retrieved from michale.walenius.com/?p=141