Operations manager at John lewis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Operations manager at John lewis - Essay Example The researcher resorted to the review of several management principles such as Kotter’s 8 step change management model, Mintzberg’s management theory and Black Mouton managerial grid. The theories served as a strong foundation thereby enabling the researcher to identify the extent to which the managers in John Lewis effectively emulated the management principles in order to establish a better work environment which enables them to focus on both the welfare of the employees and the productivity of the organization. The management of John Lewis believes in a simple principle and that is any development within the employees will have a direct or indirect contribution to the development of the business. That is why the managers introduced a management development programme in order to ensure that the employees perform at their peak. The training program is designed to provide employees with ample scope for personal development. This will help the employees to identify their areas of strengths and work accordingly to achieve personal as well as organizational goals. The managers of John Lewis focus more on the development of personal and technical skills (John Lewis Partnership, 2015a). They follow a training and development plan based on three pillars depicted in figure 1. The managers emphasize on training the employees in three dimensions: experience (characterized by on the job training), exposure and exchange (characterised by knowledge, information and skill sharing between employees at workplace) and education (training based on theoretical learning). The training and development programme in John Lewis is designed to impart skills to employees belonging from all departments. The management framework in the company is identical to the Mintzbergs Management Roles theory. While conducting the training and development program the managers play an instrumental role in managing the new recruits. They have to change their roles