Leadership Comparison Between Fire Service in the UK and the UAE - Case Study Example

MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP 12th June, 2008 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Abstract…………..…………………………………………………………3.0 2. Introduction…………………………………………………………………3.0 3. Historical development of fire services……………………………………..4.0 3.1 Role/ history of fire services in UAE. ………………………….…..4.0 3.2 Role /history of UK fire services …………………………………...4.0 3.3 Comparison of settings in which each operate ………………….….5.0 4. Leadership Theories and Styles…………...………………………………...5.0 4.1 Management and Leadership theories in general practice…….…….5.0 4.2 Leadership and Management within UAE fire services……………..6.0 4.3 Leadership and Management in Great Britain fire services…………7.0 4.4 Historical Background of each………………………………………7.0 5. Leadership and management construction………………………………......8.0 6. Changes in UK and UAE fire services...........................................................9.0 7. Conclusion……………………………………………………..……….……9.0 8. Bibliography…………………………………………………….……….. .10.0 ABSTRACT The implausible services provided by the fire and rescue organizations for the protection and security of the people are commendable. Every country works for safeguarding its citizens from the unexpected and unanticipated bloodcurdling events. But few such countries have marked in the rescue operations while few others are still struggling to cope up with the changing times. This report deals with the Fire services role in UK and UAE, the different management styles of the organizations and the various leadership theories abided by the leaders for efficient working of the firm. INTRODUCTION Since ancient times, man has been facing the appalling effects of the natural calamities like flood, drought, earthquakes and the deadly fire blaze. Earlier the means to mitigate the harmful effects of fire accidents were the use of water, sand or use of some non-inflammable products but with the invent of modern technology, the services rendered was more quality centered. This report would help in the analysis of the modern amenities used by the UK and UAE by comparing their past and present status of fire services. Every organization needs safe hands to lead and administer, thus the role of management and leadership in heading a firm towards accomplishment of goals and objectives would be studies intricately for a general understanding of the impact of Leadership and management construction on the working of the entire system. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF FIRE SERVICES The changes that have taken place in UK and UAE fire services since the past decades would be highlighted in the following section: ROLE/ HISTORY OF FIRE SERVICES IN UAE Fire services in UAE like any other enterprise started from a small desire to have copious equipments to combat the threat. The country has incurred massive destruction to the lives and property both. The past incident has jolted the people all around to which now there is no compromise on quality standards for the safety and security of the community at large. The historical data reveals the fact that cause of fatal accidents has been due to untimely information or lack of immediate information, public negligence has been carried down from many years and still persists. ROLE /HISTORY OF UK FIRE SERVICES The fire and rescue service department in UK is established to ensure a clear, transparent network set up at a National Front. The Framework is supported by an effective command and administration of Ministers. The role of UK fire services is of utmost importance in realizing the benefits of the economies of scale. Since the pre history till the modern day, number of advancements has been discovered by the man to confront the fire emergencies. According to the current statistics, there are at present 63 brigades in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The enforcement of the Fire Services Act 1947 has changed the entire work culture of the fire service department. COMPARISON OF SETTINGS IN WHICH EACH OPERATE UAE follows its own pre-determined standards as well as inculcates the International standards laid down by the NFPA. The major drawback suffered in the UAE system is the lack of information and accurate references. The strategic management, the Civil Fire defense is highly dissatisfied with the budget sanctions allocated for the fire services in UAE. This scenario is completely different when compared with the UK which holds a very strong communication channel and adequate financial resources for constant developments and timely dissemination of information. LEADERSHIP THEORIES AND STYLES MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP THEORIES IN GENERAL PRACTICE Management and leadership are two terms which are often taken to be synonymous with each other, but are quite distinct in nature. Management is a science of systematically organizing work and getting the things done from others effectively, while leadership is the art of influencing and inspiring others to follow the principle and guidelines laid by the management. Many theories and styles have been incorporated by the mangers and vibrant leaders to their role as of a dynamic head. But there is no particular style or theory which is fixed or permanent for one organization (Tannenbaum, R. & Schmidt, 1973). The change is the factor which forces a manger or a leader to exhibit a versatile character, one who can easily adapt one self to the changing environment. One can portray various styles of democratic, authoritative, charismatic, Laissez-faire, Task-oriented etc depending upon the demand of the situation (Leadership Styles, viewed on 12th June, 2008). Many approaches to management have been drafted from classical to human approach, keeping the human factor to be the utmost priority. Earlier management was related to getting the work done from people but now human needs and the environment that triggers the efficiency and increased production is also catered too. This new approach to management and leadership redefines the organizational work culture. People-Oriented Leadership or Path-goal theory of leadership is the necessity of today’s rising multinational firms. Interpersonal roles, Informational roles, and Decisional Roles are also exhibited by the managers (Mintzberg 1975.) LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT WITHIN UAE FIRE SERVICES From the management perspective, the UAE fire service department has been very prompt in generating innovative and effective ideas for the prevention and deterrence programme. The effort to decrease the maintenance cost and the cost of acquiring appliances is another move taken by the UAE management. The leadership role exhibited by the manager’s, help in supporting the functioning of the system. A unique concept of forming an International Fire Club, where numerous firefighters are invited from all over the world, nicely gels up the fire and the tourist business. People come as visitors to attend workshops and spend time and money enjoying the culture and enriching the UAE economy. The vision of the top leaders is to make UAE an unscathed country where terror and fear just fade way. They aim to develop Civil Defense services which are highly professional in nature and have excellent operational and exceptional executional plans to deliver supreme quality and high end services to the community and reducing the loss by safeguarding the property and acreage. Spreading awareness among the heaps and providing accessible professional fire fighting and rescue services, encouraging the volunteers to come forward and extend help at the time of crisis is the source of effective leadership (Emirates Fire Final, 2005) The values imbibed by the responsible officials prompt them to act circumspectly and render assiduous services. Leadership skills direct the others to work in unison, as well as a closely knit team for enhanced performance. Courage, wisdom, perseverance, rational thinking is some of the quality features, dwelled deeper in to the hearts and minds of people through proper management and coherent leadership. The UAE market for large coatings has grown by 200 per cent over the last year due to the increasing constructions; proper management is directed to cope with the augmenting incidents due to heavy constructions (Ashoka, press release, 2006). LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN GREAT BRITAIN FIRE SERVICES Great Britain management and leadership skills in the fire and service department meet up excellent standards and norms in comparison to any other fire fighting organization. After the World War II the national fire service took over the management for better and smooth functioning of the network. The history reveals the fact that the first organized and systematic firefighting technique was established in the UK during the roman invasion in AD43 which clearly marks the presence of good management and leadership qualities in UK services since pre-historic movement. The people serving the country are utterly dedicated and sincere towards imparting their duties and responsibilities, their delegation of services display the brilliant leadership and management integration, resulting in stupendous results. The administration at the Great Britain services firmly stands by the motion that the increasing number of accidents, causalities and injuries can be curbed if proper management and leadership are executed at the right time. Basic skills required in the emergency services such as problem solving, decision making, planning, delegation, communications all the drilled in the training sessions which all the servicemen are required to attend. The learning modules are scheduled to acknowledge basic skills in management and leadership. People are required to follow certain roles and responsibilities that are crucial for the supervision and administration leading to the success of the organization such as in the case of staffing. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION CHANGES IN UK AND UAE FIRE SERVICES UAE Fire services have incorporated changes in the form of implementing modernization methods and techniques and use of latest tools and equipment with the employment of modern technology to enhance the efficiency of the entire system. Engendering public awareness among the crowd, especially the youth who further instigate the change movement is vital for the implementation of the new-fangled fire service system. Awareness among the crowd to operate fire extinguishers for immediate aid, timely information to the concerned authorities can also serve to be decent aid. The fire fighting is not taken as a mere service but has been drafted into a full fledged profession (Business Advice, 2003). A major strategic issue aced by the management is how to reduce the cost of fire equipment? For these fire appliances manufacturers have thought to produce firefighting engines in the local market. It is observed that fire service coverage by the media is also lacking. A change to bring the media into the picture for augmenting the public involvement is worked upon by the UAE fire department. The fire fighting squad has organized a training programme for the servicemen to impart their duties and responsibilities proficiently. In UK due to substantial changes in the environment such as unanticipated natural calamities, industrial accidents, increasing terrorist activities; emergency services are facing acute demanding situations, for which change and reformation of the policies and government strategies has become mandatory. A high level of vigilance and alertness among the service providers have been an astounding change observed in the UK fire service practices. The UK government has decided to invest £1bn in the fire and Resilience Programme which will raise the quality standards, to cope up with the future challenges. The legislative structure is enforced by the Local Government which works on the priorities and objectives laid down for the fire and service programme. The current practices include the Integrated Risk Management Plans to face the upcoming situations, and mitigate the risk factors. New services for the general public such as frequent home safety checks and introduction of Fire Gateway Portal have made it convenient for the people to respond quickly (Fire and Resilience, viewed on 12th June, 2008). It is ensured that in the coming time UK should be completely outfitted to countenance the emergencies. Adequate training programmes, counseling sessions, sufficient tools and equipments, timely call all should be made available at the time of need. CONCLUSION The success of any organization in any country depends on its performance which is directed by proper management skills and implemented through dynamic leadership traits. UK or UAE Fire service departments can match the needs of the present times only when constant change and modern technology is incorporated in the working culture. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Ashoka, Press release, posted on 8th Aug, 2006, AME Info, Fire-resistant coatings market sees 200 per cent growth in the UAE, United Arab Emirates , viewed on 12th June, 2008, http://www.ameinfo.com/93363.html 2. Business Advice, Dubai appeal to raise global fire standards: earlier this year FIRE visited Dubai and spoke to, posted on 1st Aug, 2003 viewed on 12th June,2008, http://www.allbusiness.com/public-administration/justice-public-order/651646-1.html 3. Emirates Fire Final, 2005 The 17th Meeting of the General Directors of the Civil Defense of the Gulf Cooperation Council, viewed on 12th June, 2008, 4A, http://www.dcd.gov.ae/opt/CMSContent/Active/Shared/Files/DCD/edition17/en/page3-7.pdf, 4. Fire and resilience, Resilience and response to emergencies, Community and Local Government, viewed on 12th June,2008, http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/resilienceresponse 5. Leadership styles, Using the right one for your situation, Mind tools, excellent skills for an excellent career, viewed on 12th June, 2008, http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_84.htm 6. Mintzberg, H. (1975). The manager's job: folklore and fact. Harvard Business Review, 55(4), 49-61. 7. Tannenbaum, R. & Schmidt, W, May-June 1973, No. 73311, How to Choose a leadership Pattern. Harvard Business Review, (originally published in March-April 1958 issue). Read More