MNL2601 ASSIGNMENT O2 SEMESTER 1 2025 Would you describe Paul Polman and Alan Jope as responsible leaders? Substantiate your answers with evidence from the case study. (In your answer you need to list the characteristics of responsible leaders and make a

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THE BMZ ACADEMY




@061 262 1185/068 053 8213




BMZ ACADEMY 061 262 1185/068 053 8213

, THE BMZ ACADEMY




Table of Contents
Question 1 .................................................................................................................. 3


Assessment of Paul Polman ...................................................................................... 3


Assessment of Alan Jope ........................................................................................... 4


Question 2 (4 marks) .................................................................................................. 5


Paul Polman ............................................................................................................... 6


Question 3 .................................................................................................................. 7


Case study 2 ............................................................................................................ 10


Question 1 ................................................................................................................ 10


Question 2 ................................................................................................................ 12


Question 3 ................................................................................................................ 17


References ............................................................................................................... 25




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, THE BMZ ACADEMY

Question 1

Would you describe Paul Polman and Alan Jope as responsible leaders? Substantiate

your answers with evidence from the case study. (In your answer you need to list the

characteristics of responsible leaders and make a judgment based on the information

provided in the case study). (1 mark for yes or no for each leader and 1 mark for

evidence provided from the case study for each leader).


Characteristics of Responsible Leaders


Responsible leadership according to Botha (2013) involves building and sustaining

morally sound relationships with all stakeholders. This includes considering the impact

of the organisation on all stakeholders and engaging with them to determine the

organisation's role in a wider societal context. Responsible leaders for a sustainable

world often adopt a "honeybee" approach, focusing on long-term decision-making,

collaboration, and balancing the needs of all stakeholders, not just shareholders

(Botha & Strydom, 2017). Key attributes include acting with integrity and caring for

people, honesty and trust, commitment to employee development, and respecting

diversity. They set the tone for sustainability within the organisation, ensuring it's seen

as everyone's responsibility.


Assessment of Paul Polman

Yes, Paul Polman can be described as a responsible leader. Evidence from the case

study supports this:


He launched the Sustainable Living Plan in 2010, an ambitious 10-year plan that

integrated Unilever’s business plan with its responsibilities as a sustainable


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