Factors that Influence Fear of Crime

Factors that Influence Fear of Crime Introduction Today, fear of crime has become a very prevalent and burning issue in the society. There are many people today who express their fear and anxiety over crime and, their concern for being victimized. There are certain factors that shape the level of fear of crime and being victimized of the people. It includes gender; age; any past experience related to crime that an individual can have which could have happened where one lives; ethnicity, etc. There are different ways in which people react to crime. These ways include protecting themselves, avoiding crime, and trying to prevent victimization by not holding anything for which they could be victimized (Will and McGrath 1995). The media also plays a vital and critical role in shaping the amount that people hold of fear of crime. This is due to the reason that media cover crime stories in a very extensive as well as disproportionate way. Although not everyone is a victim of crime but criminal acts touch everyones life (Gray et al 2008). Gender is a significant factor in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. It is a known fact that women fear crime more than men. The amount of fear also varies with the age of the individuals, location, social context, TV viewing habits, neighbourhood structure of the individual, and ethnicity. The research problem for the study is to understand the influential factors that shape the view that individuals hold of fear of crime including protection and precaution methods. The research also sheds light on the difference in perception of men and women regarding the fear of crime and what influences that difference. Significance of the research Fear of crime has a huge and profound impact on any society. The choice of people regarding where to live, socialize and shop depends on their relative perceptions of the safety of their neighbourhood, towns and cities. There are different scenarios related to crime against the person of which people are fearful of. The most fearful scenarios differ for men and women. Women are more fearful of crime and being victimized rather than man (Jackson 2006). The research identifies the role of social construction that influences the perception of men and women regarding the fear of crime. Fear of crime can be a result of the latent influences and perception of the individual that he forms of the surrounding environment. The research is significant in terms of these perceptions and factors that influence people, both male and female regarding their personal safety and fear of being a victim of the crime. The research will help in gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of these influentia l factors for fear of crime, and differences in fearing crime by men and women. Research Questions The research questions for the research study are as follows: What different influential factors shape the perception of fear of crime and being victimized of both male and female? Do the social construction surrounding men and women impact their perception and degree of fear of crime? What are the measures used for avoiding or preventing of crime and being a victim and difference in these measures for men and women? Pertaining to the above mentioned research questions, the objectives of the research are framed as follows: To identify different influential factors shaping the perception of fear of crime among men and women. To understand the social construction around men and women, and its impact on their perception of fear of crime. To identify the precautionary measures taken by people for preventing or avoiding crime and difference in these measures for men and women. Review of the past research Fear can be defined as the term that involves a variety and a mix of confused feelings, estimations of risks, perspectives, and thus have different meanings and applications for different people. Crime is a natural phenomenon in the society and the latter cannot be freed from it fully at any time. Fear is a natural response from society and people towards crime. Wynne (2008) mentions the increasing importance and concern for fear of crime in past few decades among criminologists, media, policy makers and general public. There is parallel growth in sensitivity for being a victim of crime and fear of being a victim of crime. Influential factors in fear of crime Scott (2003) mentions that crimes that have an immediate effect on people living in society, such as burglary, robbery, etc. creates a higher degree of fear among individuals rather than the crimes done on a larger scale and on long-term basis. There is no universal definition for fear of crime. It can be defined in various ways, such as a sense of personal security in the society or the community, an emotional response to possible crime that could be violent or any physical harm. Doran and Burgess (2011) argue that constraining daily activity patterns by people due to fear of crime highly influences quality of life. All those affected by fear of crime have the chances of succumbing to the exclusion or social isolation. There is a consistent finding for the relationship between fear of crime and gender. Women are more likely to suffer from fear of crime in comparison to men. There is different meaning of fear of crime for men and women. Men are most likely to be fearful of assaults; women have the highest fear of crime about sexually motivated harm or attack. Shadow of sexual assault is a concept that explains the fear of crime of females. Undoubtedly, women are most concerned about rape and sexual assault, but according to Ferraro (1995), women are fearful of other offences that could occur as a consequence. For instance, women are more fearful about burglary into their home than men; the reason being the probability of occurrence of a sexual attack (Wynne 2008). Furthermore, Gabrosky (2008) claim that rape is considered as a high profile attack that attracts extensive media coverage. This can have a shadowing effect on the perception of women for other kinds of crime against the person. The author led to the conclusion that in order to reduce the fear of crime among women, there must be reduction of fear of being raped. Another influential factor for the fear of crime among individuals is age. There are contradictory findings for the relationship between fear and age. Moore and Shepherd (2007) argue that while previous studies showed elderly people as the most fearful people in the society, recent studies are reporting the opposite of the earlier findings. This shows contradictory findings for the relationship between fear and age. Scott (2003) mentions that older women are less fearful than the younger women for sexual attacks. Moreover, since old people avoid going outside more at night, they are less exposed to fear of crime than their younger counterparts as the young generation spend more time out of their house, and thus are more fearful of assaults. However, elder people are most afraid for mugging and breaking into the house. Physical and social limitations of elderly make them feel vulnerable to the crime. Being a victim of burglary or robbery creates a high level of fear among people of all age (Farrall 2008). Wynne (2008) states that perceived risk of fear of crime has also a relation to the neighbourhood incivilities. Drunken behaviour and alcohol consumption publicly adversely affect the inhabitants of the place. Individuals leaving in an area of neighbourhood incivilities have more constrained daily life activities and behaviour. There is reduced natural surveillance in these areas which increase the level of fear among people and make them adopt constrained life behaviour. Zebrowski (2007) argues that there is also a significant relationship between fear and risk. If an individual thinks of anything that can expose him to the chance of being a victim of a crime, then the perceived risk is high. The chances of being a victim and the assessment of the crime rates in a particular situation and at a particular place evokes fear and perceived risk of being a victim of crime against the person. However, risk is not objective and is shaped by the social and cultural influences. Farrall (2008) sheds light on the role of media, interpersonal communications and knowing a victim in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. There is significant effect of hearing stories from people regarding events of crime, media coverage and personal knowing of victims in raising the level of fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization. This leads to an increase in anxiety and the fear of crime. The indirect experience rather than the direct experience plays a more critical role in increasing worries and anxieties about victimization, and fear of crime because media as well as interpersonal communications are obvious resources of getting access to second hand information about the crime. Gender differences in fear of crime Kinsella (2011) states that the patriarchal ideology and the subordination of women are the factors that contributes to the high degree of fear of crime among women. Characteristics, such as independence, autonomy, etc. are considered as inappropriate for women and in the eventuality of a women becoming a victim of crime, these ideas are further mobilized. The above-mentioned characteristics also frame the socialization process for women and the fear of crime among women is related ideologically to the characteristics of feminism that they are being taught in the society. However, Fetchenhauer and Buunk (2005) have stated in their study that women have a higher degree of fear of crime than men, while the rate of victimization among women is less in comparison to their fear of crime against the person. Females are more fearful of every event ranging from burglary, rape, sexual assault, mugging in the street to any kind of physical injury. These gender differences can be attributed to the sexual selection which favours status and risk-taking fights among men, and protection and caution among women. The power control theory assumes that the men are educated to be risk-taking and fearless, while women are educated to be risk-avoiding and fearful. However, the more level of fear of crime in females cannot be attributed to the social stereotypes of male and female. It is the sexual selection of characteristics that leads to the gender differences in fear of crime. Research Methodology Research methodology is an important part of the research report as it gives the explanation of the methods used for the collection of data and the logic behind these methods. Following sections determine the research methodology for the study. Research Approach Deductive research approach is selected for the research study so as to accumulate large volume of qualitative data in respect of the perception of fear of crime among men and women and influential factors that shape the level of fear of crime among individuals. Deductive research approach is helpful in collection of more specific data about the research objectives. It is also helpful in coming to the specific outcomes from generalized results (Crowther and Lancaster 2008). Research Design It assists in identification of appropriate set of research methods that meet the identified research approach well (Creswell 2003). It signifies the base of the research methods used for collection of information related to the topic of the research. It refers to the overall strategy which is chosen to conduct the research and integrate different components of the study. It acts as the blueprint for the research study collecting, measuring and analysing the data. In order to make a comprehensive research, primary and secondary data from the identified and selected resources is taken into consideration. Exploratory research design is the design type selected for the study as it explores the influential factors and social construction behind the fear of crime among individuals. It leads to obtaining background information on the research topic and explain the existing concepts. Research methods Research methods help in collection of relevant data for the study. Both primary and secondary research methods are used for the research study. Primary research method includes semi-structured interviews of sample. In semi-structured interviews, respondents are given the chance to feel free about what is important to her rather than what is important to the interviewer. The interviewer also remains flexible and adaptable to the situations in which he is interviewing the sample (Bryman and Bell 2007). The secondary research method selected for the research study is review of the past research. The data is collected from authentic and reliable sources from internet including journal articles, books and other authentic sources over internet (Cooper 1998). Sample selection Appropriate sampling is essential for organizing the collection of data in an effective way. It has to be based on unbiased approach so as to justify the approach for data collection and improving the reliability and validity of the collected data for reaching final results (Denzin and Lincoln 2000). Interview Respondents: A convenience sample was adopted for the research study, consisting of 3 men and 3 women for analyzing the influential factors in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. Six persons residing in the capital city of Australia were invited to participate in the study. The researcher chose to utilise a sample from a singular geographical location so as to reduce the potential for a skew in reporting on the fear of crime due to divergent crime statistics and experiences in different geographic locations. The interviews were conducted via telephone, using a semi structured interview technique (Fink 2005). Another semi-structured interview was conducted with 3 men and 3 women face-to-face from same geographic location of Australian capital city for identifying the differences in perception of fear of crime among men and women and gender differences in concern. Data Analysis Approach The data collected from the semi-structured interviews is analysed qualitatively by recording the interview and transcribing the data into transcripts so as to analyse the data and arrive at findings of the research (Jackson 2008). Analysis of the collected data is done by explaining the findings and factors theoretically with the help of use of transcripts of both the interviews. Reliability and validity of the data In order to make the research reliable and valid, voluntary consent was obtained from respondents so that they can actively get involved in the research process. The personal information of the respondents is kept confidential other than gender and age as these are crucial for finding and analysis of the collected primary data. The credibility of the analysis is maintained by recording the data while interviewing the participants and maintaining the confidentiality of the participants without including personal bias in the analysis section of the research study (Bergh and Ketchen 2009). Findings and analysis The findings are analyzed with the help of use of transcripts and coded data so as to attain the objectives of the research in light of the research problem and questions, and enabling the researcher to get an idea about the influential factors in fear of crime and gender differences in perception of crime against the person. Analysis of the interview questionnaire In regards to the question regarding currently adopted measures for making the house and oneself secure, most of the respondents used deadlocks for doors and kept windows and doors locked when they are out of the house. Those having kids are more concerned about the security of their kids. Use of alarm and living in a good neighbourhood preferably an apartment are other methods used by them to make them secure. As one respondent said, I live in an apartment block and deliberately chose one where you have to get buzzed in through an intercom system. I think that living in an apartment with neighbours around means that if something happens to me people will be around to help, it is obvious fact that neighbourhood provides natural surveillance. Similarly other response, I live in a secure apartment complex. I chose this complex because it has secure car parking. It also has a security system that stops people getting into the common areas indicates the same influential factor of good ne ighbourhood and natural surveillance. Fear of particular crimes All the female participants had the highest fear of being raped and sexual assault followed by home invasion which is again an outcome of being vulnerable to any kind of physical injury or assault by the invader. As said by one female respondent, I would be scared if someone broke into my house, because you never know what they are going to do to you if they are confronted. You are so vulnerable in your own home in that situation, shows sexual assault is most fearful scenario for women. For men, home invasion and mugged in the street are particular crimes they have fear of. In home invasion too, the fear of rape of daughter or wife is high rather than stealing of things or valuables as is evident from this response, I am worried about my wife and kids being attacked and raped. Age and fear of crime It can be analyzed from responses that there is a relationship between age and fear of crime and fear of type of crime varies with age, especially women. Young women are fearful of sexual assaults while elder individuals both male and female are worried and anxious over someone breaking into the house and being mugged in the street. As said by one old-age respondent, We are seen as easy targets for young people. What also surprises me is the willingness of young people to use violence and weapons in crimes, it can be analyzed that age-old people are fearful of crime because of their social and physical limitations. I dont worry that much about it happening to me but I really worry about the kids- this particular response by a middle-age women also shows they become less fearful of sexual assaults but have other worries for being a victim of the crime. Middle age individuals also worry about their growing age and, thus growing vulnerability of being a victim of crime as can be observe d from this specific response: They like to target all old people but they do horrible things to older women. Role of media in perceived risk of being a victim All the respondents said that the stories they hear of the crime, media coverage and knowing the victim personally have influence their thinking of likelihood of being a victim of crime. Specific responses, such as, I read the news on line and watch the TV, so I am pretty conscious of what is happening with people being attacked in the city, my girlfriend getting attacked really scared me, I am pretty involved with my kids school, so I hear a lot of stories through there, Im scared of all this because the world is just so crazy these days and so much bad stuff happens and I hear about it all the time, throws light on indirect experiences as a major factor in influencing the fear of crime of individuals. Relationship of neighbourhood and fear of crime Most of the respondents were in agreement that a good neighbourhood provides natural surveillance and they are comparatively less worried due to living in a good area. One of the respondents gave specific answer: Say if you lived in a neighbourhood where crime is off the chain then yeah, you would be scared of it whether you were a man or woman. But like me, I live in a pretty chilled area where not much bad stuff happens. It can be analyzed that living in a good neighbourhood lessens the fear of crime in both men and women. Likewise, a bad neighbourhood increases fear and anxiety as mentioned by one of the female respondents, When I take my dog for a walk around the neighbourhood, I often see youths hanging around in groups drinking and smoking and get quite scared that they might try and mug me. Gender differences In regards to the query whether women are more fearful than men, all three female respondents agreed that women are more fearful; the reason is social construction, more expression of feelings and concern by women, and physical limitations. Male respondents also agreed to the point which shows that females are more worrisome than males. For the question of impact of stereotype of women being weak on fear of crime, all female respondents agreed that it is a fact and it has an impact on their level of fear of crime. One male respondent was neutral and said that anybody could defence in that situation, while two of them said that men can face the situation more bravely. It can be inferred from the responses that social construction and stereotype of women being physically weak contributes significantly in framing the level of fear of crime. For the question of likelihood of being a victim of crime, both male and female respondents said that they do not continuously think of being a victim, but females showed concern for being more careful and cautious when going out alone in night as can be observed from the following responses: I dont think it is that likely. I am quick to add that I dont think it is likely if I avoid places and things that increase my risk of being a victim, said by a male respondent, My work requires me to work long hours, so I guess the risks are a little bit higher because of that, I tend to go out a lot more on my own to meet up with friends; so yeah there are times I think I am more likely to have something happen, said by female respondents. In response to the question for reason for different behaviour of women and men over fear of crime, most of the respondents said that the social construction and the masculine factor of not admitting fear even when one possesses it makes women express more about the fear of crime than men. However, one of the respondents mentioned the role of ones education, set-up and kind of person one is, in holding different behaviour of fear of crime. It can be analyzed from the above responses that societal construction and difference in behaviour of men and women regarding being manly and feminine are influential factors for gender differences in fear and crime. Discussion and conclusion From the analysis of the primary responses and secondary research, it can be inferred that there are certain influential factors in shaping the fear of crime among individuals. As identified from the responses, good neighbourhood reduces the risk of being a victim of crime, while the same is enhanced in vice-versa situation. Wynne (2008) has also mentioned the significance of natural surveillance and neighbourhood incivilities in shaping the level of fear of crime among individuals. Fetchenhauer and Buunk (2005) throws light on women fearing more of crime than men arising from the sexual selection that favours risk taking behaviour men and protective behaviour of women. Primary research also confirms the fact that women worry more of fear of crime than men and is due to the natural attributes of male and females. Primary responses also shed light on gender differences in worst case scenario for occurrence of crime. While men are mostly concerned of home invasion and being robbed or mugged in street, women were most fearful about sexual assaults followed by burglary. Zebrowski (2007) supports the finding stating that women also feel worried due to consequence of other crime scenarios, such as burglary, where woman could also face a sexual attack. Role of media and other indirect experiences of crime increase the level of anxiety among individuals as mentioned by Farrall and Lee (2008). Primary research supports the finding as it is analyzed that most of the responses pointed towards media stories, heard stories and personal knowing of a victim having influenced their level of fear of crime. Patriarchal ideology of society and subordination of women to men leads to women fearing more than men (Kinsella 2011). Findings from the responses are in coherence with the secondary research as most of the respondents agreed that women stereotyped as being weak and subordinate contributes to their level of fear of crime. As Moore and Shepherd (2007) speak of older women being less fearful than younger women of being sexually assaulted, findings from interview also points on more likelihood of young women being victimized due to sexual assault or rape. However, social and physical vulnerability increases in old age leading to more fear of crime, which is also supported in the study by Doran and Burgess (2011). It can be concluded from overall research that influential factors in the framing of fear of crime among individuals include age, neighbourhood, gender differences and stereotypes, and indirect experiences of crime through media, interpersonal communications and knowing of a victim of crime. Fear of being victimized is higher in females than males and this can be attributed to the societal construction and natural sexual selection that favours risk-taking attitude of men, and risk-avoiding and protective attitude of women. Limitations of the research The research study is confined to a single geographic location due to which the results cannot be generalized to other societies or geographies. The comparison of the responses of one geographic location with another was not done. Personal judgment of the respondents and variation in individual opinions while responding was another limitation of the research. The primary data is collected by using interview method. In this research work, the interview has been conducted with only 12 individuals in Canberra. This is another point of limitation as this would create problems in driving relevant findings and generalizations. All in all, the limitation involved in this research is low sample population for interview purpose. Future Recommendations There should be inclusion of more than one geographic location so that comparison can be made between geographies regarding the fear of crime which can also help in generalization of the result. To collect more and more precise data about the research problem, it is recommended to use only authentic and reliable sources to collect general information and further use this information for finding specific outcomes in more appropriate way. The sample size should be selected taking into consideration the purpose of the research so as to arrive at more authentic findings and results in respect of the research problem.

Kotu Fashion Accessories Shop

Vietnam was positioned in 23rd among 30 countries for owning one of the most attractive retail markets globally. The total retail value for clothing and accessories sector in Vietnam was 7. % and held 72. 9% of share in 2009. From 2004 to 2009, there was a growth in the number of clothing and accessories retailers in Viet Name. As predicted in 2010, the number of goods and services would grow 18-19% in 2011.Along with this growth, the rate of retailing goods in 2011 was quite slow compared to previous years due to a decrease in consumption and economic difficulties. However, retailing market like accessories and clothing markets still continued to be the most attractive market ever. According to the Global Retail Development Index (201 1), clothing and accessories retailing is a attention business in Vietnam and stands at a vital position in the market, which influences not only private retailer but also the government's attention.The government has tended to pay more attention to th e local retail market. To be more specific, they have encouraged people to increase the use of local products, which urges the local market to improve. For instances, many campaigns were emerged by the government with the purpose of developing the industry potentially such as the recent campaign named Vietnamese people buy Vietnamese goods'. According to Ministry of Industry and Trade (2010), a report in September ‘Industry and Trade' in 2011 showed that in the first 9 months of 2011, the total sale of goods and services rose more than 17%.Nevertheless, this was still a low percentage compared to previous years, which tended to grow more than 20%. In 2010, the total retail grew to 24. 5% compared to previous year. This shows that Vietnamese demands for accessories have been rising and are more likely to be an upward trend. Hence, the opportunities for an accessories retailer to enter the market and increase the number of customers are very significant. RESEARCH QUESTION How ca n SOOT Shop attract more customers and increase the number of loyal customers?METHODS In order to effectively respond to the team's research question, the research team have examined both primary and secondary research. For primary research, in order to clearly understand the shop owner's problems, on 6 March 2013, the research team visited and had an interview with the owner of SOOT Fashion Accessories Shop, Mrs.. Maim Then Then (See Appendix A). On 5 April 2013, the research team visited Qua Tang shop, one of the most popular accessories shop among the area to observe ND compare SOOT Shop with its neighboring competitors.In addition, the research team visited a competitor's accessories page named V;C on 5th April 2013. Furthermore, a survey was conducted randomly including 10 males and 10 females respondents on 10 April 2013 (see Appendix C). The data was clearly identified with a table of survey results, proportions, bar graphs and pie charts. Finally, on 14 April 2013, the team members had met with Ms. Unguent NCO Line, an online shop owner who has five years experience in doing Internet advertising (See Appendix B).Then, he research team interviewed the expert Do Truing Tuna, an owner of a grocery shop on 15 April 2013 to find out more about special offer strategies (See Appendix B). And on 12 April 2013, the team interviewed Mrs.. Cacao HTH Hung, the owner of Gardenia Hotel in Dalai City about her specialize on membership program (See Appendix B). For secondary research, the research team have searched on REMIT Online Library, government documents, and Google Scholar to find out about the possible problems as well as solution regarding social networking sites, special offer and loyalty program.Figure 1 . Gender of respondents FINDING Social Networking Sites (An) In the interview on 6th March 2013,the owner of Soot shop, Ms. Maim Then Then claimed that she would like to increase the number of customers by using Faceable which she has not had any experienc e in the previous time. Based on the survey that the research team conducted on 10 April 2013 on randomly adolescents a young adults (See), seven out of ten respondents research on Faceable before purchasing (See). On 14 April 2013, in a meeting with Ms.Unguent NCO Line, an online shop owner has five years experience, emphasized that social networking sites are opportune for business to increase customers (See). After researched and visited on a competitor's accessories page named V&C on 5th April 2013, the research team noticed that they often stay online to quickly answer customers' question about the products and have separated albums for each kind of products. Bankcard (2011) indicates social networking sites help to connect nodes and branches.The author states that social networking sites contribute to increase sales, services and brand the products as a major hub. According to the Thou Tree News (2012), there was a growth of approximately 200% from 2. Million to more than 8. 5 million in the number of Faceable users in Vietnam. Unguent (2012) adds that the majority users' ages in 2011 are from 15 to 34 years old which is similar to the target ages of the business. Unguent also represents that Faceable has the highest rate of number users and a large gap comparing to Vietnamese social networking sites in 2011.Special Offer (That) Ms. Then, owner of SOOT shop states during the interview on 6 March 2013 that she has considered using special offer to attract more customers to her shop (see Appendix A). A survey was conducted on 10 April 2013 (see Appendix C), in which 9 UT of 10 respondents would choose to buy goods from accessories shop, especially, which offers them several gifts or discounts. 50% of those like to make purchases on special days if this shop offers ‘5-10%' discount and another 50% refers buying if the shop applies ‘buy 2 get 1 free' (see Figure 1).The expert Do Truing Tuna, a owner off grocery shop states in the interview on 15 April 2013 that special offer is a sales promotion tool which is extremely important for any small business, as it can help the business gains its reputation, prestige and therefore, attracts more customers to grow the profits (See Appendix B). According to David K and John M (2000), special offer is a tool to keep loyal customers and satisfy new customers. The authors claim that a retailer can apply special offers for different customers by recognizing loyal or new customers digitally via Kiosks, Internet and mobile devices.By using it, business can conceive different offers for different customers based upon their historical purchases and preferences. On 5 April 2013, the research team visited Qua Tang shop, one of the most popular accessories shop among the area, which also is a strong competitor of SOOT shop (see figure 2). The team found out that Qua Tang hop offers discounts and other sales promotion strategies frequently. For instance, the shop offered ‘buy 2 get 1 free in the woman day last month and it was high appreciated within new and loyal customers (see Appendix C).According to Wend (2012), some small businesses are now considered special offer through email marketing promotion as an effective way to get more attention of the customers. Special offer can be a way to motivate customers to buy products, it can be occurred with many forms as well, for instances, ‘buy and get discount on the second product', ‘buy one get one free' and free shipping. In order to create an efficient email advertised offer, Wend mentions four advices.Firstly, a business should understand the need of the customers and offers them products with perceived value. Secondly, business has to be well defined their goals, why they do an offer. The reason they make the offer should not be because their competitors do. Thirdly, firms should be clear about their ability, which meaner that they have to make sure they can afford the offer. Finally, a successful busi ness should think about partnering with a non-profit making organization in order to position the business's name in the mind of customers.According to Jim (201 1), some businesses have mistaken the true meaning of special offers, which caused irreparable damages to a company's reputation. He expresses some main ideas help firms to understand more about special offer. One of the most common mistakes that most of small business makes is training the marketplace to wait'. For example, a seminar business applies an early-bird discount to persuade customer to book promptly although customers still buy tickets with the actual price. Then, when the seminar' s date gets close, he offers X% to sell his tickets quickly.Eventually, the business loses it reliability. Secondly, Jim found that famous brand companies are often successful with their special offer strategies. The reason is that big companies often spend quite a long time for their wide research and receives advices from their profe ssionals. Membership Card (HTH) Ms. Maim Then Then, the owner of SOOT Shop stated in an interview on 6 March 2013 that she wants to apply sale promotion strategies, which can effectively attract more customers and improve the shop's loyal customers (See Appendix A).The research team's survey on 10 April 2013 shows that 9 out of 10 respondents are attracted to the idea of having a membership card for an accessories shop (See Figure 3) and they would like to make more purchases if the shop provides promotions (See Appendix C). In an interview on 12 April 2013, Mrs.. Cacao HTH Hung, the owner of Gardenia Hotel in Dalai City, implies that membership card is one of the most important promotion tools to keep the loyal customers on track (See Appendix B). However, there are many firms failed to run the customer loyalty programs effectively.She also states that in order to run the customer loyalty programs efficiently, businesses should do surveys and market researches on customer urchin's behaviors and then create an adequate reward for loyalty. According to Dowling and Uncles (1997), a European investigators researching business-to- business marketing in the sass stated that a firm is mostly profitable from their loyal customers. This is because of seeking more profits by lower servicing costs, less price sensitivity and suggestions passed on to other potential customers by loyal purchasers.On 5 April 2013, the research team visited Qua Tang shop, one of the strongest competitors of SOOT Shop and noticed that Qua Tang Shop has paid special attention to improve their customer loyalty programs such as patronage rewards and membership cards. They offered membership cards with different colors and designs aiming to different valued cards. According to Little&King integrated marketing group (n. D), businesses should be aware of the mentality â€Å"one product fits all† because not all of the customers' needs and wants are always the same.Therefore, a hierarchy of valued consumers should be released such as diamond, premium and gold membership cards. Furthermore, ‘lapsed' members, who signed for a membership card, but only use it for one time and never use it again, are also problems dealing with membership cards and challenging almost all genuineness. If the shop provides membership cards for those who will probably ‘lapsed', the shop will not only waste their efforts to maintain the customers, but also suffer from loss of resources such as the cost to make the membership card.According to a survey of professor Worthington (2009), although membership cards often attract widespread customers' interests, they are still likely that it has a large amount of ‘lapsed' members. There is no accessible information that could show the percentage of membership cards that are ‘lapsed' or ‘active'. Nevertheless, professor Worthington survey outcomes indicate that the most frequent reason for not participating in membership p rograms are not attracted by the prizes and a slight rate of people who cited ‘privacy' reasons.RECOMMENDATION Social Networking Site (An) On the survey conducted by the research team, nine out of ten respondents like purchasing accessories on Faceable. The expert, Ms. Unguent, said that having an efficient controlled Faceable page could help to increase the number of customers. Noticed by the research team, the competitor, V&C shop, also had a Faceable page, which had well decorated picture albums and quick service.Bankcard (2011) asserts that by directly using a social networking site and connecting with the customers could collect positive reviews and high reputation as return since customers feel that their feedbacks are important and they are cared. The Thou Tree News (2012) reports that the number of Vietnamese Faceable users increased of around 2 times within one year. Unguent (2012) adds that the significant Faceable users' age are from 15 to 34. Therefore, Soot shop s hould create a Faceable page, which is easy and inexpensive, to increase the potential customers.The expert, Ms. Unguent, advised that the shop should have 2 Faceable pages, which are a personal page and a fan page. The shop can update the information and pictures related to their products, notes, and feedbacks from customers and use the personal page to share this information and add friend. In this way, the shop can be active in increasing the number of users they want to transfer information because users do not randomly like the page unless the shop has a big brand name or high products' prestige. Ms.Unguent also recommended not tagging the customers in the pictures to avoid disturbing them, except the owner's friends if they do not mind. Ms. Unguent added that the pictures should have clear descriptions and be similar to the products because if the products and picture are not matched, the shop could lose their prestige. The most impressive aspect on the competitor's Faceable p age is they have separated albums for each kind of products; this could help customers to save their time for searching purposes. Soot shop should consider this aspect.The most important thing that V&C shop cannot efficiently manage is that there are many other shops' advertising on the page and the host also updates personal statuses and emotions. This could get bad reputation in return and the customer could click on the other's pages, as a consequence, they might lose their customers. Hence, Soot shop should not post any personal activities onto their business pages. On the survey administered by the research team, service is the most importance to the female customers and the second importance to the male customers.In addition, the competitor shop also has the order service for the products that they do not have. Therefore, Soot shop should try often stay online to quickly response to customers. Their strength is to make handmade accessories hence producing stuffs that customers order is also possible. Special offer (That) The research team administered a survey and pointed out that there are 9 out of 10 respondents would like to buy products from accessories shop where offers them gifts or discounts (See Appendix C).Half of the respondents like to make purchases on special days if this shop offers ‘5-10%' discount and another 5 respondents refers buying if the shop applies ‘buy 2 get 1 free' (See Appendix C). The research team observed a well-know accessories shop named Qua Tang, which is one of a SOOT shop's competitor. Qua Tang implements sales promotions strategy frequently to acquire more customers. The latest is ‘buy 2 get 1 free' offers on woman days and it is widely popular among the area. According to Wend (2012), special offer through email marketing promotion is now extremely important to small business.She informs that special offer indeed can be an effective way to prompt customers to buy products. In order to attract custome rs by special offer, Wend argues that a firm has to understand the need of customers and offers them products with appropriate value. Moreover, business needs to know their specific goals and abilities to make a healthy offer. Jim (2011) states that not every business understands clearly the true meaning of special offers, which leads them to several inevitable losses. He mentions an example regarding to his one customer that losses its reputation due to misunderstanding of special offer.According to David K and John M (2000), special offer is an efficient strategy to fulfill loyal customers' and new customers' expectation. The authors infer that a retailer can know more about customer's buying powers and preferences using modern tools such as Kiosks, Internet and mobile devices in order to manage different offers for each group of customers. The positive aspects of special offer are obvious; every customer refers to receive discounts and gifts when they make purchases. Thus, if SOO T shop wants to increase the number of first-time customers and preserve the number of membership, sales promotion as special offer is essential.However, special offer is quite popular among other accessories shop, many competitors also apply special offer to attract more customers such as Qua Tang shop. Therefore, SOOT shop also has to make sure the reason for offering, who to offer, what and when to offer. For example, shop can offer ‘5% discount' for new customers and ‘10%' discount for loyal customers on special days such as Valentine and Mother days. In addition, in order to prevent unnecessary losses, Ms. Then needs to know clearly the ability to offer.If she offers a product value 10,000 vend and sells it 12,000 vend after discount, she would be suffered because she still has to pay money for employers, electricity, and many other fees. Membership card (HTH) A survey released by the research team on April 2013 indicated that 90% of respondents are interested in ha ving a loyalty card for a fashion accessories shop (See Appendix C). Mrs.. Cacao HTH Hung, the owner of Gardenia Hotel in Dalai City, mentions in an interview on 12 April 2013 that one of the most significant promotion tools to maintain the loyal customers is offering membership cards (See Appendix B).Nonetheless, there are not many companies can succeed in implementing the loyalty programs. She goes on to suggest that considering the evaluation of customer purchasing behaviors and then generate the accurate rewards of loyalty are the most important factors to maintain loyalty customers. Dowling and Uncles (1997) refer to a research, which was found by European researchers studying business-to- easiness marketing in the sass. The research claimed that loyal customers are the main contribution to a company's profit.It is due to its lower expenses by lower servicing costs, lower advertising costs and advices passed on to other potential buyers by loyal purchasers. It will cost much mo re to persuade a new buyer to make a purchase in the shop than to make a current shopper to purchase again. Hence, SOOT shop should focus more on their current customers and often remind them about the shop through providing promotions and running membership programs. The research team visited one of the competitors, Qua Tang shop, on 5 April 2013 ND noticed that Qua Tang Shop has fully concentrated on improving their membership programs.They provided different colors and designs cards, which distinguished between levels of card members. Little;King integrated marketing group (n. D) states that companies should notice the mentality â€Å"one product fits all†, because there are always differences between every customer's needs and wants. Therefore, a hierarchy of valued consumers should be released such as diamond, premium and gold memberships. Thus, SOOT shop should apply membership cards to its customers (See Figure 3). The differences between membership cards allow the hop to serve a certain type of persons based on their standard of membership.To illustrate, the system can automatically find the names of customers, their mobile phone numbers, email addresses and save their previous purchases when they use their membership cards to make a purchase. Through that process, the shop can easily classify the customers' interested items and clothes in order to introduce different kinds of items, clothes to different types of customers. In addition, the shop can efficiently inform different types promotion information to different types of buyers through their mobile phones or email addresses. One of the difficulties of providing membership cards is ‘lapsed' membership card. Lapsed' member meaner customer who applied a membership card and only use it for one time. According to a survey of professor Steve Worthington (2009), it always has a large amount of ‘lapsed' members in every business. There is still lack of available information that could show the percentage of membership cards that are ‘active' or ‘lapsed'. Yet, professor Worthington examinations results imply that the most common reason for not taking part in membership programs are because they are not attracted by the rewards and a small proportion of respondents who cited ‘privacy' reasons.Thus, SOOT Shop must be aware of their responsibilities to its consumers in satisfying the redeemable prizes and customers' information to remain customers' beliefs. In order to do so, firstly, SOOT Shop should pay more attentions to members who ‘lapsed' through classifying members' last purchases. And then try to find out the customers' reasons of not taking part in the membership programs. Finally, inform different types of promotions to different customers. For example, a shop finds out that a small umber of their customers quit being the shop's loyalty customers because of the low membership cards' benefits.The shop may apply different type of promo tions to those particular members. The shop may send a message to those customers that they fortunately won a randomly contest of the shop and they will receive double points in every purchase by membership card. CONCLUSION In conclusion, SOOT accessories shop should apply the use of social networking sites such as Faceable in order to attract more customers. It should consider launching a Faceable page, which has well decorated products' albums and information because Faceable takes no cost to create and advertise.It also should strike up friendship with Passbooks users to advertise products widely. Moreover, it should stay online over time to answer customer's questions and feedbacks. By that way, customers will probably feel that they are respected and it helps the shop to improve its reputation. The shop also has to make sure that the quality of products is similar to the pictures that it has on Faceable to earn customer's belief. However, SOOT shop should manage to avoid irrita ting people by tagging them every hour with pictures.In addition, most of people like to make purchases when there is a discount or gift offer. Thus, SOOT shop should apply special offer to get new customers as well as to preserve loyal customers. Nevertheless, other accessories shop also apply special offer, so SOOT shop should be considered when applies this sales promotion tool. To be more specific, SOOT Shop should clearly understand the reason for making the offer, who to offer, what and when it should offer. SOOT shop should not forget their ability to make an offer because if it gives customers more than what it can afford, the shop will face difficulties.Furthermore, SOOT shop should be concentrated on keeping loyal customers by reminding them via membership programs because it will save the services and advertising costs. Providing membership cards have different colors and designs can help SOOT shop to easily classify each type of customer through their names, phone number s email addresses and purchasing powers. Therefore, the shop would be able to know more about customer's wants, interests and preferences. One of the difficulties of membership program is that there could be many ‘lapsed' membership cards.Unguent NCO Line, who has a successful online cosmetic shop named Rim Catnap Skincare, to ask for comment on my recommendation for the business that my research team currently working on. An: Hello Line. Thank for spending time to meet me. I'm An from research and report writing class. As I told u before that today I want to interview you for advice on my project. Ms. Line: Hi An. So how far have you been doing? And which problem that you want me to give advice on? An: Ah. The business that I'm working on is a clothing accessories store. The owner wants to increase the amount of customers.The subtopic I'm doing is social networking sites. However it seems totally new to the owner, her shop doesn't even have a Faceable page which is now quite familiar to the teenagers and young adults. Ah one more thing, teenagers and young adults are her target customers. That's why I suggest her to have one. Ms. Line: Oh I see, you are right that Faceable is now getting more popular and it can help to increase sales. But let me ask u this, have u ever been tagged by an online shop in its pictures. An: Yeah, a lot. Ms. Line: How do u feel about that? An: A little bit annoying.At First, I Just ignored them, but there were many notifications and that disturb me. Therefore, if any shop tags me, I will block them or report as spam.. Ms. Line: So why do you suggest the owner to have a Faceable page? An: Ah I'm going to ask her create a fan page. Can you tell me how to increase the â€Å"like†? Ms. Line: k, because she and I work on different kinds of business so you may apply in some ways but not exactly the same k? I suggest having 2 pages, one is a personal page and one is a fan page, because the customers do not randomly like your page unless you have a big brand name or prestige of your product.An: can you please explain in more details? Ms. Line: for the fan page, you update all the product' details there such as pictures, notes, feedback from customers, etc. For the personal page, all you have to do are adding friends and share what you have updated on the fan page. Because the customers are afraid to be annoyed therefore we have to be active by adding friends with them and remember not to tag them, I think you already know why, huh? Maybe you could tag some of your friends if they don't mind. And sharing the stuffs that you updated on fan page that mean the information is transferred to the users twice.An: Ah I got it. Ah I also want to recommend on the pictures that she is going to post on Faceable, it must be clear, close enough to see what the product made from. What else do you think I should suggest her? Ms. Line: ah it's good to do that but you should put the description for the pictures, because pi ctures sometimes are not clear and that could cause misunderstanding about raw materials. Ah it reminds me that the real products and pictures have to be the same because you may lose prestige if the products look different.You could describe in the pictures that the products may slightly different because of the light. And you could also create an album of customers wearing your products on Faceable, which could help to increase the loyal customers and increase sale from your customers' relatives since the products is ore reliable when it is introduced by friends. If you are lucky, your customers could be some hot girls or models etc. , you know, stuffs are worn by beautiful girls maybe look more beautiful (laugh) and their fans could come to buy as well.An: k, it sounds good to me. Thank you very much for meeting me again. I would go back to work on the recommendation. If there is any problem, don't you mind if I call you to ask? Ms. Line: Call me as soon as you have questions. I' m very glad that I can help you. k see way. An: Thank you. Audio script of the interview on 11 April 2013 with Mr.. Do Truing Tuna, owner off rockery shop for over 20 years to ask for some advices for the business That: I m working on a small accessories shop and I intend to ask you some advices for my sub topic which is special offer.Tuna: so its about loyalty program? That: yes and also attract first-time customers Actually, I plan to recommend this shop to apply discount on special days like Valentine and Woman days, specifically, ‘20% discount', what do you think? Tuna: well, on special days? Mum†¦ I think that it s not a good idea. Firstly, every shop especially small shop should not apply more than 5 to 10% on special days because they can ell more of their products within those days; some shops don't even have enough stuff to sell, so why then they apply discount?Why do you choose special days to offer? That: I think that special offer will attract more customers, maybe new customers. Many people don't usually buy products unless it is special days. Those days, they are encouraged to buy something for their friends and family right? Then I think I can focus on new customers Tuna: I think that you should balance between loyal and new customers, I mean it s more about services. If you offer discount for ewe customers the same amount you offer for the old one, they must be upset. Why don't you separate the offer?I mean decide different offer for different customers? For example, offer 5% for first time customers and 10% for old customers. That: but how can we realize who is the new and who is old customer? Tuna: I think the shop should have been applied some of the other sale promotion tools which can help you to recognize customers such as membership card. There are many way to recognize them, I suggest you to research more about how to realize customers digitally through the internet since the internet is necessary for all the business.

Analyze the Impact of European Colonization on Africa’s...

SCHOOL OF DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DIPLOMACY COURSE: NORTH-SOUTH RELATIONS CODE: DIR 413 QUESTION: ANALYZE THE IMPACT OF EUROPEAN COLONIZATION ON AFRICA’S SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SYSTEM INTRODUCTION During the colonization of Africa, which was at its peak in the 18th and 19th century, the European powers of the time indulged in activities that changed and still continues to have multiple effects on the continent By 1875 European possessions in Africa consisted of some forts and trading posts along the coast and a few tiny colonies. Between 1880 and 1910, however, Africa was divided up among the Europeans. For the next 50 years decisions affecting Africa†¦show more content†¦Many people did not know which of these they were. The Belgians decided that anyone who owned more than ten cows was Tutsi. The Tutsi got the best education and jobs. Soon the Hutu were resentful, and a violent conflict began. In 1994, the conflict between the Hutu and the Tutsi escalated into a brutal civil war. The Tutsi were victorious and formed a new government in Rwanda Colonial rule therefore meant the effective eradication of African political power throughout the continent. b) ECONOMIC In economic terms, Africa was denied the opportunity of developing healthy trade links with parts of the world other than Europe and North America. Some trade persisted across the Indian Ocean, but on the whole it is fair to say that the roads in Africa led to the sea-ports and the sea-lanes led to Western Europe and North America. That kind of lop-sidedness is today part of the pattern of underdevelopment and dependence. Colonization is a system of economic domination, according to both Frantz Fanon. The sole basis of colonization is that of money, of robbing the wealth of the colonies. 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Asda Strategic Management And Leadership - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 11 Words: 3337 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Management Essay Type Research paper Did you like this example? INTRODUCTION This case will critically examine links between strategic management and leadership, impact of management and leadership styles on strategic decisions and how leadership styles adapted to different situations. Here I am going to use a case study from the choosing an organisation (ASDA) to view the relation between strategic management and leadership, and analyse how a new Strategic decision effect on the management and leadership. 1.1 ASDA ASDA is the second biggest supermarket chain in the UK. Since 1999 ASDA has been wholly owned by Wal-Mart which is the largest company in the world. ASDA was formed in 1965 by a group of farmers from Yorkshire, and its activities are still mainly based in north of Britain. [Corporate watch: ASDA Wal-Mart: overview]. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Asda: Strategic Management And Leadership" essay for you Create order 1.2 ASDA Mission, purpose and values ASDAs mission is: to be Britains best-value retailer exceeding customer needs always. ASDAs purpose is To make goods and services more affordable for everyone. ASDA also has a series of values. ASDAs values are: ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Respect for the individual ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Strive for excellence ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Service to our customers. 2. Strategic management and Leadership 2.1- Strategic management- strategic management is the process of organisational objectives, developing policies and plans to achieve their objectives, and allocating resources to implement the plans. It is usually performed by the companys top management level such as CEO, Stakeholders and executive team. It provides all direction to the whole organisation. It can be described as a way of achieving overall organisational objectives. It is the process that involves analysis of external and internal environment, resources and competencies of the company. Basically it is a set of managerial decision and action that determines the long-run performance of an organisation. Peter Ducker, 1954. 1.2- Leadership- For every problem there is a solution. It often happens that the person best fitted to solve the problem is someone not directly connected with or influenced by it. Michael J. Dreikorn, 2003. Leadership is the position in an organisation that leads and motivates people to ach ieve the organisational goal. Leadership inspires others to take the appropriate action. In an organisation there should be a leader to lead the people or group. They take responsible of their people and support them through training and development in order to encourage effective contribution toward meeting organisational objectives. 2- Link between strategic management and Leadership The management and Leadership are basically the words referred to as equivalent and in most cases are comparable from the same position. Management and leadership are the two vital discipline of the organisation. These are most important for the people who are involved in managing a team, business, and organisation. Leadership and management are the skills that an organisation should possess through its chosen leader with the support of its management. Leadership is driven by the person in an organisation who guides the group to achieve the company goal. There is good understanding between the leader and group people to determine the ability and articulate visions and goals. Management is the process of planning, organising, maintaining, controlling the efforts of the organisation member and using all the organisational resources to achieve the stated organisational goal. James A.F stoner and Chales Wankel, 1986. Leaders stand out by being different. They question assum ption and are suspicious of tradition. They seek out the truth and make decisions based on fact, not prejudice. They have a preference for innovation. John Fenton, 1990. 2.1- Strategic Management and Leadership (ASDA) As one of the UKs fastest growing retailers, the aim of ASDA to committed to building and operating stores in a sustainable for the benefit of the environment and the communities they serve. Its strategy is centred on its mission, purpose values, which guide to make business even better. Wal-Mart has carried out a plan, to grow ASDA over the next five years to become number two in grocery and British biggest non-food leader. ASDA Corporate website. ASDA people are the companys most important asset and source of competitive advantage. Its success depends on the strength their management, which build from manage with a disciplined process led by the CEO and the senior leadership team. Employees are working seriously going above and beyond the call of duty to get the job done under leadership. Every department has a good team leader to lead the employee in a proper manner towards the organisational goal. Wal-Mart management which owns ASDA appointed Andy Clarke as the new CEO. Andy Clarke joined ASDA in 1992, during his tenure Andy Clarke has been groomed by the dynamics of ASDA by working in variety of leadership roles. He used to work as a business unit director such as frozen, bakery and grocery. He has good leadership skills in which he can lead his people in store in effective manner. In a statement of Doug McMillan, the president and chief executive of Wal-Mart international, said: At Wal-Mart and ASDA, we have a robust succession planning and talent development process and Andy Clarke has long been identified as a leader. He joined at a difficult time when the company has slowdown in sales because of the food price inflation effect the sales across the sector. But Clarke has done a fantastic job within a couple of week and that leads him to high designation. He has announced a great deal with the deep discounter in UK called Netto. ASDA bought 193 Netto stores worth  £778m. The new CEO will lead the retailers efforts to become an even better food retailer, a broader non-food retailer and a leader out its plans to open a new chapter in its story and that over the five years. It had to be market leader in general merchandise and food. (www.your.asda.com, posted by Asda press team on 11May 2010). 3- Impact of Management and Leadership in ASDA The acquisition with Netto could get strength like small Tesco stores that will help to achieve its goal and becoming Britains biggest retailer of general merchandise. It is a great idea that ASDA can be a part of the market with the small stores in high streets. It is also targeting Home Retail Group, the owner of Argos and Home base. During its past five year strategy ASDA has increased its sales from  £15bn a year to  £20bn. It has created more than 30000 jobs in the process with opening new 70 stores in UK. CEO Andy Clarke has believed to have again creating thousands of new jobs at every level of growing business. Andy Clarke, CEO and president of ASDA said Through a combination of opening new stores, extending existing ones, converting Netto stores, and continuing to expand our grocery home shopping service we will create 7500 new roles throughout the country. We also currently have nearly 3000 vacancies on our jobs website. www.asda.com/press-centre. Conclusion As one of the largest retailer in the UK, in order to be successful, An organisation should think about customer satisfaction. It helps to the business to achieve their mission, purpose and values. The study reviewed, argues that the companies that demonstrate perform to a highly invest a lot of time placing customer at the centre of their strategy. However it also recognises that the challenging of managing people is one of the most difficult jobs for a manager. Introduction A leading in an environment which is characterised by useful resources, an uncertain and unpredictable economic environment where the competition is constantly increasing and extremely challenging as no clear direction of an organisation. In an organisation change is tough and always has been. When change has become the order of the day, it is most important is having the right leadership team. This is why having a leadership strategy is the key. Change is tough and always has been. Many executives arent good at leading change because they dont understand the importance of making critical changes in how their companies are led, not just in how they operate. William Pasmore, 2008. When we planning to adopt a new strategy, we do have always some questions, which are- ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ What style of leadership will be required? ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ How would we need to lead differently? ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Do we have the right leader s to lead? ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ If not what are we going to do about it? Leadership Theory Many leadership theories have been suggested for a leader to support an organisation. An earlier most of the leadership theories are based on the behaviour and qualities of successful leaders but later on it focused on the role of associates and follower. The following review and discussion of leadership theories may argue that demanding new approaches that encourage a more collective and unpredictable rearrangement view of leadership and leadership development and sharing the role of leader more widely within organisation. Situational Leadership Theory The theory is more likely tied to using the style needed to be a successful leader in work environment. The leader is able to create much leadership style as changing situation. The Hersey-Blanchard Model of leadership also takes a situational perspective of leadership. In this theory the developmental situation of a leaders subordinates play the biggest role in determining. It is based on the amount of task behaviour and relationship behaviour. In task behaviour the leader engages in duties and responsibility to an individual or a group. The task behaviour is like, what to do, how to do, when to do, where to do and whos to do it. In this behaviour the leaders are used one-way communication. In other way the relationship behaviour is the extent to which leaders are communicating in two-way by creating socio-emotional support. When determining the appropriate leadership style, according to Blanchard the key situational variable is the developmental level of subordinates. à Æ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Directing: The leader produce specific directions and clear instructions. For the low follower this is the best matched. ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Coaching: The leaders two- way communication helps to build confidence and motivation of the follower. The leader has responsibility and controls decision making. ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Supporting: In this style the share decisions making between the leader and followers expect the relationship to be directive. Participating style is the best preferred to a moderate follower readiness level. ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Delegating: In this style the leader is still involved in decision making with the group. It helps to make solution of the problem but the control is with the followers. In this style the followers are decide when to take the leader involved. Transformational leadership Theory The transformational leadership theory is occurring when one or more people engage, in which the leader and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation. For an example Mahatma Gandhi is a transformational leader. He satisfied the required of the followers. But instead of riding those require he remained seek to high purpose. The transformational leadership theory is focused on the hypothesis that the leaders can satisfy a need of the follower. The needs are always high order needs and are closely aligned with the internal motivation of the follower. Bernard Bass developed the transforming leadership where the leaders transform the followers. It is very closer to the prototype leadership in which the follower have in mind they describe their leader and provide a role model in which subordinates want to identify. He purposed that there is a special power in transforming leadership with leaders may transform both leaders and followers. Transformational leadership- ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Is preoccupied with purposes and values, morals and ethics. ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Builds on a mans need for meaning ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Is orientated along long-term goal and focuses more on missions and strategies ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Identifying and developing new idea ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Designs and restructure jobs to make them meaningful and challenging Leadership Strategy of Shell Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. The parent company of the Shell group is Royal Dutch Shell plc. This is incorporated in England and Wales. The strategy of this group is seeks to reinforce the position as a leader in the oil and gas industry in order to provide a competitive shareholder. The leadership strategy used by Shell includes these elements as bellow; ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Builds shared vision ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Maximises business opportunities ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Champions customer focus ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Demonstrates professional mastery ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Displays personal effectiveness ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Motivates, coaches and develops ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Values differences ÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢ Delivers results With a current market capitalisation of 292 billion dollars (2009), 278 billion dollars in annual review, operation in more than 150 countries, Shell is one of the largest businesses, but never as one of the fastest. With its 100 year history, its deep sense of tradition, and its carefully and longevity, but never as one of creativity or innovation. They use old traditional theory like authoritative style of leadership which based on upward directions. Leaders are creating strategy for the team and work with the subordinates on these policies. The rules and regulation made by the leaders are followed by the team members. Steve Miller, group managing director of the Shell group of companies, who guide the day to day activities, but two year after the company had lunched transformational leadership style. The upper level managers had shown their efforts, but employee morale continued to slip. Suggestion A successful organisation depends on leadership and a new approach to providing it. The leader has to find the proper vision to empower these frontline people, to challenge them, to provide them with their required resources and hold them accountable. As the followers are struggling with challenge, the leader becomes their coach, teacher and as well as facilitator. As employee move upwards in an organisation, they get caught up in board strategic issues, legal issues, stakeholder issues. They need a common understanding of the business which drives execution. Conclusion The review of leadership theory and example in use to the Shell group of company it would conclude that a limited version of transformational leadership is being promoted. The qualities and behaviour exhibited by the leader that encourages the followers participation, development and commitment. Leader is seen to act as a visionary equipped with a set of goal though communication, problem solving, people management, decision making, etc. that can be applied a diverse range of situations. TASK-3 Planning For Leadership Introduction Today the business environment is quite fast paces with the changing economy rapidly. There is a need for an organisation to implement competitive advantage, such as identify the sources of competitive advantage, implementing them and how to defend them. Organisations are using financial resources to get an edge over their competitors. They could also reliable their human resources or another is through implementation of technological changes. With all these, it can be tricky for an organisation to balance the three aspects. Porter, 1985. Virtual Organisation The word virtual organization is to be called as a network of independent organisation. The firms are temporarily join together to produce a service or product. It is consult with such term as virtual teams, virtual office, and virtual leadership. Advance information technology becomes an important element. That is why the success of a virtual organisation. Computerised information systems allow employees from geographically dispersed location to link up with one another. Virtual team members need to learn new skills like they are total lack or face to face contact. So they need the skill is the ability to interact with everyone in an effective manner. Another one is the ability to assimilate quickly and effectively into new teams. They may need computer based technologies as well as intercultural skills to work effectively in multinational organisations. Virtual leaders required new skills to lead in the different environment to virtual operations and sustain virtual relatio nship with internal as well as external constituents to support their team. For an example; like Apple computer and Sun Microsystems. When Apple computer linked its easy- to-use software with Sonys manufacturing skills in miniaturization, Apple was able to get product to market quickly and gain a market share in the notebook of the PC industry. Mergers and Take Overs Mergers and takeovers are an action of an organisation. They turn two companies in a single legal entity. Two organisation combine together to improve the organisational performance and shareholders value over the long time period. Historically mergers are occur in periodic burst, typically included by economic shocks such as, changing environment, cost of goods, deregulation, technology, political uncertainty and demand reduction. During the period of corporate change leadership has a profound effect on stakeholders. ASDA has announced in May 2010 that it is to take over Netto store. This is the great example of horizontal integration. This will increase their market share and to compete with Tesco. e- Leadership E-Leadership means a balancing many roles and carrying them out via communications technologies. Leadership is not only a job or a position; it is a way of being the world. As an e-leadership in the world today, it need to bring people together around the world, through national, geographic and cultural, using communications technologies tools to achieve the strategic goal. E-Leadership takes place in the context of e-environment in which the work is mediated by information technology particularly the internet (Hani, 2001). Development of leadership skills Everyone can develop their capacity to lead a party or a committee, or a group. When someone already committed, and practised using their capabilities in their life, they can develop their own skills as a leader. Mainly leadership skills are the skills that can use in various situations. This type of skills called as situational theory. It does not mean that assessing the leadership styles will identify the strength and weakness, but it can be develop the leadership skills. Golden Rule at Work- The skills which we used at work every day like the way treating others is wish to be treated. It is not always easy as it sounds. In an organisation leaders need to keep balance of short term results and long term job satisfaction. Coaching and Teaching- some leadership skills has to develop with the help of coaching and teaching as well. This is especially effective, where leaders may be lead as expert and should be interested in the development of the group or people. In this situat ion leader can develop coaching skills by face to face with others. Delegating Task- Delegating task is not only giving the work to someone and runaway. It is not only extra knowledge or experience for the co-worker, but it works in trust. This type of skill can be develop by giving less task, which could be complete by the certain time with a good result. As the task become easy to do and comfortable leader can start delegating more and more difficult tasks. Democracy at Work- This type of skill we said simply encouraging independent at work. It allows the co-workers to believe they have right direction the team is going. It can be say democratic leadership styles. Among them they discussing with others that often comes with freedom to take any decisions, while it takes a long time. Emotional Intelligence Leadership Skills- Emotional intelligence skills are in natural and leading other with successfully interacting through people. The skill helps the leader to understand t he dynamic of those interactions. Self-Awareness is our ability to determined that the position of the leader by self. It is the ability to understand the emotions, moods, and motivations. Self-Regulation is the skills that more responsibility with control the emotions. It controls the emotions which will be counter productivity to desire the goal. Motivational Skills- Motivation skills come from external source, like managers recognition for a job well done, and internal sources like self-motivation or internal motivation. As a leader it is very important to identify the key which motivates more at work. Empathy Skills- It is the skills that involves in the relationship with the co-worker. It is ability to understand someones point view. The skill has the ability to understand the impact change on someone else. Social Skills- To develop these skills you need to be socialise others. It works in networking style in a work setting. The followers need to listen their lea der and take interest on listening. Need to be able to develop and guide followers using social skills. Conclusion Without any leadership, most strategic plans of an organisation will end up as dead piece of paper.