The differences in industries that they work in and their gender lead o their interesting differences in leadership behavior and style, charismatic leadership and leadership powers. In term of leadership behavior and style, Anita Rowdier performs obviously a relationship-oriented. In contrast, Steve Jobs has both relationship and task-oriented attitude. However, with Jobs, task- oriented attitude is stronger than relationship oriented. Both Steve Jobs and Anita Rowdier have similar charismatic leadership’s characteristics as being great vision, unconventional strategy and ability to create the trust.
However, they are opposite in term of Emotional expressiveness and personal warmth ND masterful communication skills. In addition, Anita Rowdier is considered as transformational leader only but Steve Jobs is both transactional and transformational leader. Referring to leadership powers, they have some similar powers that are legitimate power and personal power that are gain from position, knowledge and admiration. However, because of difference in leadership style, Jobs uses reward power to lead followers. In contrast, uses empowering practices to.
Introduction 2. 1 Reasons This report analyses the leadership styles of Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple – the oral’s leading information technology company) and Anita Rowdier (founder of Body Shop). There are many reasons that we have chosen Steve Jobs to study. They are considered to be two revolutionary innovators, one in the IT industry and one in the cosmetic industry. They have both brought successes to their companies due to their effective leadership. As members of the third generation, we really admire him for his well known products such as Pod, Phone and Macomb that having a big influence on the youth.
Therefore we would like to learn how he has achieved successes. Anita Rowdier is not yet famous in Vietnam; however, after searching for information about her we have seen that she also has a great impact on not only Western countries but also some South East Asian countries. What differs from her of Steve Jobs is that she is a woman and she is able to bring forward a movement of protecting the environment, activate self esteem, be against animal testing and defend human rights which are really remarkable. This is something that really inspires us.
Even though these two persons are working in totally different industries, their influence could be seen all over the world. 2. 2 Theories In order to understand more about the two leaders’ leadership styles, three theories are used. This includes firstly the leadership behaviors, attitudes and styles from Dublin et al (2003). This theory is used because it is the foundation for a leader. This theory will give an overview of the different leaders. The second theory is charismatic and transformational leader.
According to Dublin et al (2003) it is a useful concept in understanding and practicing leadership. Then it is also really important to take into consideration that not all leaders are charismatic leaders. The last theory is the power, politics and leadership. This approach is to know the nature of leaders’ power and the different ways they acquire power and empower others. Then we could see how they use and control that power in the organization. 2. 3 Biography 2. 41 Steve Jobs Steve Jobs was born in 1955 in California.
He dropped out from College and with his friend Woozier began in 1976 to sell computers that made in the garage. They called it Apple Computers which made him a billionaire. Then, he was fired in 1985 and started another business called Next but then Apple bought Next so he came back to Apple and became after some time CEO. At that moment he then came up with Imax, phone, etc. That makes him become the biggest shareholder in the company. As a result, he is becoming one of the most influential leaders in the world and one of its richest men. 2. 4. 2 Anita Rowdier Rowdier was born in 1942 in Alliteration.
In 1976, she opened the first Body Shop as a shop selling green cosmetics products. Then she traveled a lot for her campaign of values of reducing environmental impact, saying no to animal testing, promoting well-being and affecting social changes. This is what made her products different from others. Even though, the Body Shop was sold to L’Oreal©al in 2006 (Bio,2007), she has made The Body Shop chain, one of the biggest cosmetic retailer chain in the world and inspired millions of people due to sustainable products. 2. Findings 3. 4 Leadership behavior and styles 3. 5. Steve Jobs Task related leadership: Hands on guidance and feedback: * ‘He always does personally checking the fine print on partnership agreements or calling reporters late in the evening to talk on important things or to tell them whether there is something wrong with that’ (Businesslike,2006) Adaptability to the situation: After many years of not working for Apple and coming back, he still can make Apple one of the most successful technology organization. Then also, he can get through the 2008 financial crisis by increasing the research and development budget so he can beat its competitors.
Ability to ask tough questions: * Jobs makes the design process from start to finish. He always asks difficult questions and gives his personal opinions then finally, unfailingly push Apple to create better products Non, 2005). Risk taking and a bias for action: * Before setting up his business of ‘Apple l’ he has to sell their most prized sessions to get capital without knowing really what Apple I will become ‘ (Jon, 2005). Then he also saw the idea of Apple TV fail, though he has taken the risk to invent. High performance standards: * When he hires someone for any position, the only thing he asks for is competence.
To measure his employees he also asks for a difficult task such as creating a new version of Pod software. Relationship oriented leadership: Creating inspiration and visibility: * ‘He organizes regular meetings to ensure that effective communication and information are established among all members in the company (Ambler, 2008) Aligning and monopolizing people: * ‘ When a good idea comes, I spread with other members in the company, ask what people think and discuss with them to find best solutions’ (Jobs, 2008) Concert building: * I like getting different people together to explore different aspects of new things quietly’ (Jobs, 2008) 3. 5. Anita Rowdier Relationship-oriented leadership Aligning and embroiling people * Anita looks for employees who show their interest for what they are doing rather than their qualification for the job. She employs “big” people with big thinking and big ideas. Employ people that will fit in (MAR Research, 2007) Create inspiration and visibility * In our interconnected environment every member can contribute to or detract from – your association’s presence in the marketplace. Make it easy for people to understand how their contribution to the work program makes a positive difference in the world and productivity will increase dramatically.
She traveled around different locations in all over the world where her The Body Shops appear (Jones, 1998) Satisfying higher-level needs * Anita Rowdier said “Nothing is more motivating than giving staff, employees, ND associates the opportunity to express their own individual influences. ” (Anita Rowdier: A legend of Cosmetics World, 2008) * Anita Rowdier was the first person to provide the insurance for gay (same sex) people who are working for company (Oromo. Com, 2008) Promoting principles and values * “If you are an activist, you bring the activism of your life into your business, or if you love creative art, you can bring that in. Anita bring her own ideal to spread it across organization (Ecological. Com, 2000) Giving emotional support and encouragement: * “You have to believe in what you are doing so strongly it becomes a reality,” aid Rowdier who inspired others to get involved in creating a better world (Anticipation,2004) 3. 5 Charismatic and Transformational Leadership 3. 6. 5 Steve Jobs Transformational leader: brings positive changes in an organization on managing through the economic downturn.
He regarded the lay-off worker solution as the last thing for Apple Computer, but he planned to set aside amount of money in their profit for funding for research and development and marketing advertising budget (Commonly. Com, 2008) Visionary. * He drew a perspective for people in 5 years ahead when they can watch heir favorite channel on Apple TV, basketball match via video’s blob or TV shows via Disney ESP. Inc (Commonly. Com, 2008) Masterful communication skill: * In presentation, the motto of Steve jobs is he not only sell product, but sell the dream for audience about the better world they are going to have as well. Businesslike. Com, 2008) Ability to inspire the trust: * Steve Jobs made his employee to pursuit their dream by the quote “most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. ” (Commonly. Mom, 2008). Able to make members feel capable praise members or make members feel capable * Steve Jobs said to his employees in the organization conference “There’s no other company that could make a Macomb Air and the reason is that not only do we control the hardware, but we control the operating system” (Commonly. Mom, 2008). Unconventional strategies * Steve Jobs decided not to hire consultant or do market research. Apple only has a 10-year consultant firm for analyzing the competitor’s retail strategy to avoid making the same mistake (Commonly. Com, 2008). Emotional expressiveness: express feeling openly When employee proposes him a not so good plan, the often quote he say to them is “that’s sit”. However, when they come back with the better one, he says “You worked hard. Well done” (Commonly. Com, 2008) 3. 6. Anita Rowdier Transformational leader: When selecting supply chain or manufacturing issues Anita never considers profit, revenue or financial issues first, but environmental or ethic perspectives (Anticipation. Com, 2004) Visionary: * Anita saw that a company or organization that displays a commitment in term of making this world better will gain a great deal; especially in times when roll has many changes. From the start, Anita visional wants to head The Body Shop to “social and environmental change”.
From the beginning, Anita Rowdier defined core values for the company in terms of banning on animal testing, being concerned about environmental issues (sourcing new environment-friendly materials in terms of the effect on the community) and participating in social activities or protecting human rights (Jones, 1998). Unconventional strategies: * Instead of relying on traditional advertising, Rowdier pushed organizational marketing strategies via in-store brochures or by press conferences.
On the brochures or at press conferences, she always sets off the uniqueness of her company products and emphasize social activism which was always placed at the heart of business philosophy or company motto increase customer’s base and stimulate customer’s interest on products (Bayle, 2007). Action orientation: * Before stepping-down in order to focus on her global concerns, in a speech, Anita said about her environment business philosophy “This is not about one penny being spent in so-called cause-related marketing which is disingenuous.
This is about having a passion to shout out and be persuasive about what you o. ” (Anticipation, 1999) * She made alliances with a number of issues and organizations around the world, which made her brand synonymous to equality and activism (Jones, 1998) Ability to create the trust * With the interconnected environment activities, or environment-friendly business philosophy Anita aimed to make her employers and customer aware of their contribution or presence to the positive changes in the world, and the better business, on the consequence (Oromo. Mom, 2008) Warmth * Anita appeared in every part of the organization. She attended organization tenting, went to factory floors, and talked to low-level workers. She gave the guide for employees to stretching their ability and fertilize their imagination (Bayle, 2007) 3. 6 Power, Politics and Influence Tactics of Leadership 3. 7. 7 Steve Jobs Legitimate Power: * As the CEO of Apple, he has the highest position in the company and also has about nearly a half of the shares of the company.
In the research based on employees’ salary, satisfaction and experience made by Gamete (2008), Apple’s employees have given 91% approval rating for Steve Jobs whereas Microsoft CEO boasts only 55 per cent and Dell CEO 66%. Rewarding Power * According to Jade (2005), to increase the work culture amongst Apple retail employees, Steve Jobs decided to offer free pod shuffles. Then he also offer promotional items if the targets are met because Apple’s retail salesperson’s work does not base on commission.
Informational Power * As having over five million of shares in the company and because of his position, Jobs can access to more information than other people in the company and he has also a great control over different information. He can decide to share with the employees or not. It really depends on him. Personal Power Expert Power: Looking at his biography, he has never really studied about IT or any other related fields, he dropped out after high school and studied philosophy and foreign cultures.
However, when he was young he already had an interest in technology and he leads the manufacture of video games and then creates his own computer. That means he has special IT skills. * Referent Power: He has some characteristics of a risk taking person. He also has a vision, a passion, enthusiasm and the courage. According to Jon (2005), Steve Jobs considers Apple as his own responsibility. That is why he always tries is best to drive the organization to successes. One of the important successes is that Steve Jobs has brought to Apple is that he has put in place a very strong structure in the company.
Hills (2008) has said that Steve Jobs has created a group of people who fully follow him and his vision. Therefore, when Steve Jobs did not work for the organization anymore his employees would be capable of executing on that for at least five years. 3. 7. 8 Anita Rowdier Legitimate power * Anita- the founder of Body Shop, she was at the highest level- CEO of Boyhood for over 20 years (Ethically, 2004) Personal power Anita has accumulated important business success, so she is placed in key CEO position because of her reputation (Oromo. Mom, 2008) Empowering practice * Link work activities to the goal of organization: She travels around the world, seeking natural beauty products that do not harm the environment or animals in the manufacturing process (Dublin, Dahlias, and Miller, 2003) Provide ample information: When locating a manufacture or supply base, Anita always reminds her employees about the environmental effect of the decision, besides the financial issues (Castle, 2001) * Allow group members to hose the method: Anita sets the direction for the company, or set the goals for business that needs to be done, and “let them do it themselves” (Rowdier, 1990 cited in ethically. Com, 2004 ) * Encourage self-leadership: “Individual employees are encouraged to go out and help in the community’ (Rowdier, 1989, cited in Allen, 2006) 3. Discussion and Analysis 4. 7 Leadership behavior and styles 4. 8. Similarities Through the findings in the previous part, the similarities in the leadership behaviors and styles between Anita Rowdier and Steve Jobs are very few, though each leader has different leadership styles. However there is no clear clue to prove that Anita Rowdier has characteristic of task-oriented attitudes. Firstly, they are both creating inspiration and visibility. Jobs (2008) say that he likes to create annual meetings to communicate well among employees and employers. Anita express her visibility to the employees in a similar way to Steve Jobs, she travels around to different locations in the world. Secondly, the two leaders both promote for aligning and monopolizing people.
Jobs would like to speak to the employees to find the best solutions, encourage them to work together and sake them feel like they are part of history (the interview with Jung, Chairman and CEO, Avon _ Fortune 2009). According to Bestow (2004), Rowdier also focuses on grouping the same people with same thinking and ideas together. 4. 8. 10 Differences Clearly, there are huge differences between Anita Rowdier and Steve Job’s leadership behaviors and styles. Moreover, Steve Jobs focuses more on work while Anita Rowdier is a humanist, an environmentalist and an employee- centered person. Firstly, Steve Jobs seems to have major behaviors of task- related attitudes. As an effective leader, Jobs easily adapts himself to the taxation.
He is known as helping Apple going through hard times. In 2000, Apple missed its financial target and Apple stock price keeps falling (Lashing’s and Burke, 2009). By launching many programmed to push up sales such as tunes, Mac SOX operating system and pod, Jobs takes actions which are appropriate and suitable at the right time and he is known as the lifesaver of Apple. Some sources mentions the roles of Rowdier in developing The Body Shop. However, her role is diminishing since there is a delay in direct selling in sass due to the new management’s strategies (Cree, 2003). Moreover, Steve Job is known as the errors who emphasizes on the high performance standard.
According to the interview with Andresen, General Partner (Fortune, 2009), Jobs always sets the performance standards and ways. Jobs never accept no for any answer and he has high expectation for the product (the interview with Alger, Chairman and CEO of Disney _ Fortune, 2009). Secondly, the relationship-oriented attitudes and behaviors are known as the distinct style of Anita Rowdier. Her performance is supported by subordinates. She influences people by her values, morals and sense of responsibility to the society, human, economy and the company (Pleas, 007). Rowdier promotes the sense of caring by giving employees emotional support and encouragement. She makes them believe in what they can do in the reality (Rowdier, 2004).
Furthermore, not like Steve Jobs who is very difficult to find information on what he has done to encourage his employees, Anita Radices promotes a variety of different values in her company such as caring for the customers by knowing their needs and caring for the communities by giving things back and caring for the environment by protecting resources (Pleas, 2007). Compared to Steve Jobs, it can be easy to see that Anita Rowdier has any evidences on the relationship-oriented attitudes while Steve Jobs does not really go into relationship behaviors. Job’s attitudes and behaviors showed that Steve Jobs is more a task oriented leader than relationship related. He has demonstrated that he is more concerned with work, productivity than for people and interpersonal relations. According to the Leadership Grid developed by Robert Blake and Jane Mouton (1991), the CEO of Apple is considered to have the authoritarian style. That is because he looks on the performance and profits.
He also delegates difficult tasks to his employees and ask them to do their best to ring success to the company. It should also be taken into account that Steve Jobs has also the entrepreneurial leadership style. We could see that he possesses different personalities that an entrepreneurial leader has. In the findings above, we have found out that Steve Jobs is a risk taking leader then he has also enthusiasm and creativity because he has the idea of revolutionary technology by creating the Pod and the Phone. These two products have brought great successes to the company. It could be seen that he has a vision and acts quickly when there is an opportunity.
Like he could see that there is an opportunity for the screen touch mobile phone, he immediately comes up with the Phone then has also launched the Phone eggs with the emergence of G. According to University of Michigan Studies, leadership behavior is divided into two categories that are employee-centered and job-centered (Draft, 2007). Job- centered leader is defined as goal-setting orientation, cost cutting, efficiency and emphasis on work facilitation (Draft, 2007). Following the definition of job- centered leader, Jobs is considered as a very job-centered leader since he promotes high performance standard, sets clear goals for product strategies ND work rules. However, Anita Rowdier is rather an employee-centered leader since this type of leader is characterized by focusing on the human needs (Draft, 2007).
It can be seen that Anita Rowdier is an employee-centered leader because she is a humanist and during the work, she emphasizes on relationship-oriented attitudes, giving people emotional support and encouragement, and aligning, monopolizing them. Although they both have a few behaviors of relationship- orientation, participative leaders have many forms such as consultative, joint decision and delegation (Yuk, 2006). Steve Jobs often join annual meeting, listen to other people though he will be the final decision-maker. Thus, he has a part of consultative leadership style. In the contrary, Anita Rowdier let others do what they want (Rowdier, 1990). Therefore, she is a delegating leader who will give the authority to the employees (Yuk, 2006). 4. 8. 1 Conclusion The nature of Jobs and Redbrick’s leadership behaviors leads to the differences between these two leaders. While Anita is described as a participative leader, Steve Jobs is found to be an autocratic leader. Having two different styles, they re successful in different ways. Jobs has people’s admiration since he works very hard and always focuses on the performance of the work. In contrast, Rowdier is admired by her morals, responsibility for not only herself but also the economy, society and environment. Both of them can be called as a very responsible leader, one is committed to jobs and one values highly morals and relationships. 4. Charismatic and Transformational Leadership Kenton & Heroic (2008) hold that charismatic leaders are especially self-confident, exceptionally encouraged to derive and assert influence and eave great convictions on the moral correctness of their beliefs which are demonstrated by some essential characteristics. 4. 9. 12 Similarities Vision Vision is the first common characteristics between Steve Jobs and Anti Rowdier. Apple’s great products have come up with the vision which Jobs has directed for Apple “Apple was supposed to become a wonderful consumer products company”. Anita Rowdier also had a great vision for the Body Shop. Since Body Shop was founded, Rowdier had envisioned a higher purpose for the company – social and environmental change, including education for staff (Conger & Kananga, 1998). Both leaders are visionary because they have great attractive visions which draw an impressive picture which the companies would attain. Durbin, et al 2006) Unconventional Strategy In order to create the differentiation for Apple, Steve Jobs has worked out some unusual strategy to attain the goal. For example, Apple has no market research, instead only focuses on great products (see part Finding above). It means Steve Jobs treasured the risk but this unusual strategy can inspire innovation for greater products – one significant goal. Rowdier designed unconventional tragedy when she traveled around the world to find out natural beauty products that were friendly to environment and never test products on animals (Durbin, Dahlias & Miller, 2006). At present, this is becoming more popular but at that time, Rowdier was the first person to implement it and made Body Shop a sample of natural products.
Ability to create trust Steve Jobs is also well known for his ability to create trust. For example, when Apple determines to invest on Macintosh computer, the product development group was out of sync; however, Steve Jobs is successful in directing them toward groundbreaking end by creating total trust (Harking, 2005). In this case, Jobs has created the trust to make followers willing to risk their career in pursuit of the goal. As discussed above, in Body Shop, employees are considered as an important element in her long term vision. To Rowdier, there is a basic idea that companies have a responsibility to their people as well as the society.
When employees really believe in this fundamental principle of the company; they will want to remain as a part of company Bruce & Petition (1999); it means Rowdier had created the trust to all Body Shop people. 49. 13 Differences Emotional expressiveness and personal warmth – masterful communication skills Steve Jobs has ability to express his feelings openly when he evaluates quality of his employees’ projects. Expressing feelings openly is also demonstrated in his presentation skills when he shows his feelings about the new products very impressively which persuade customers effectively. It is also a part of Jobs’ masterful communication skill. He not only sells the greater product but also gives a dream of better world.
