Change Leadership Strategies. A Comparative Analysis of Apple Inc. and General Electric (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2020 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: 4.9, Kenyatta University, course: Business Management, language: English, abstract: In the ever-evolving landscape of business, organizations constantly find themselves at the crossroads of change. Whether driven by external market forces or internal transformations, change is an inevitable companion on the corporate journey. The ability to navigate change effectively often defines the success and longevity of a company. In this change analysis paper, we delve into the intriguing narratives of two renowned publicly traded companies and explore how they have handled significant changes in their organizations.

Change is not a monolithic concept; rather, it takes on different shapes and forms, each with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. To comprehend these dynamic processes, we employ the concept of "Images of Change." Each image represents a distinct perspective on change management, ranging from the assertive "director" to the empathetic "nurturer." By analyzing these images, we gain a deeper understanding of how these organizations responded to pivotal moments of transformation and adapted to the ever-changing corporate landscape.

In the spotlight are two corporate giants, Apple Inc. and General Electric. Apple, a global icon renowned for its innovative prowess, faced a momentous leadership transition from the visionary Steve Jobs to the pragmatic Tim Cook. On the other hand, General Electric, a conglomerate with a storied history, undertook a series of strategic shifts, divestitures, and restructurings to remain relevant in an evolving industrial landscape.

This paper embarks on a journey to dissect the change images embodied by these companies and their application within their unique contexts. It explores the pressures that necessitated these changes, the distinctions between their change approaches, and the unintended consequences that emerged along the way. Through this comparative analysis, we aim to glean valuable insights into the art of change management, demonstrating that the path to change is as diverse as the organizations that traverse it.