Running Head: FINAL FORMAL REPORT Final Formal Report 1 FINAL FORMAL REPORT 2 Contents CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................................... 3 Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Company Evaluation ..................................................................................................................................... 4 CHAPTER TWO .............................................................................................................................................. 6 Personality Evaluation .................................................................................................................................. 6 Personality Tests ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Organizational Challenges ............................................................................................................................ 7 CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Concept of Ethics .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Ethical Considerations................................................................................................................................... 8 CSR Apple Inc ................................................................................................................................................ 9 CHAPTER FOUR……………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………….………………11 Analysis of Performance of Apple Inc…………………………………………….…………………………………………..……………9 Stock Splitting at Apple Inc………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9 Improvement Functionality/Raw Materials…..……………………………………………………………………………………….10 Financial Costs…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…10 CHAPTER FIVE………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11 Motivation at Apple Inc…………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………….14 Specific Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15 CHAPTER SIX………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….…..17 Organization Behavior……………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….17 Specific Recommendations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 References…………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………20 3 FINAL FORMAL REPORT CHAPTER ONE Executive Summary This formal report presents an analysis of Apple Inc. by looking at the key drivers of the company’s success in the industry. Apple Inc. is one of the leading technology companies that specialized in the manufacturing of consumer products including mobile phones, computers, and home appliances such as Apple TV among other products. The company’s best-known hardware products include but not limited to iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Macintosh computers. The company’s best-known software products include Mac OS X operating system, iTunes media browser, the iLife multimedia software, the iWork suite of productivity software, and other innovative technologies. Steve Jobs had unique and effective insights into how people would like to interact with technology, and this explains the reason behind the innovation at Apple. The report highlights some of the key personality leadership traits that are essential to the success of the company about personal leadership traits evident at Apple Inc. Apple Inc. has figured out how to attract and retain both customers and top talent employees. Through unique strategies, the company has been able to develop an enormous business model and channel structure that has given the company a strong competitive advantage in the industry. The purpose of this report is to inform other related companies the value that innovation, leadership personality, motivation, and organizational behavior framework within an organization. Using Apple Inc. as a reference point, this report highlights how strong business model merged with effective customer-related strategies can bring a great milestone to an organization. Throughout this report, each component reflects direction on how a company can become successful based on the fundamental foundation laid by Apple Inc. Moreover, the personality aspect highlighted in the report allows Apple to see how to engage and interact with its customers more holistically. Throughout the report, I gain insights on how much impact the company has had on people within a global scope and how much they continue to strive to impact the lives of people through their continuous innovation. 4 FINAL FORMAL REPORT Introduction Organizations play a leading role in the creation of employment and production of goods and services that improve the living standards of people within the society. This paper will focus on assessing the Apple Inc. Company, which was co-founded by Steve Jobs, who became the first Chief Executive Officer of the company. Apple Inc. Company is one of the fast-growing companies that operate globally. The company has been able to perform in various industries that have enabled the company to grow and be able to increase its productivity. Apple Inc. Company is a multinational technological company with its subsidiary branches located in various countries around the world. The company has it's headquartered in California, United States. The company was founded in 1976 in California by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne and was registered as a public company (Linzmayer, 2004). It is not easy to measure the size of Apple Company this is because of the massive geographical segments operation of the company, which includes America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and now increasing it market in parts of Africa. The company products include both software and hardware products, which include iPhone smartphones, Mac computers, iPod, Apple watches, Apple TV, and its software products, include the MacOS and iOS. Apple Inc. Company has also emerged as one of the largest information technology company in terms of revenue connection and as one of the largest manufacturer of mobile phones. All this has been possible through the effective leadership in the organization and the ability of the company to operate in the various markets globally (Lusted, 2012). The organizational structure of Apple Inc. Company can be said to be hierarchical since it was developed by the founders so that it would have been easy for the company to focus on the realization of Steve Jobs innovative ideas and the clear vision of the company that he developed. Company evaluation An organization that is carrying out a strategic planning process there is the need of having an evidenced-based assessment especially using the research validated and well-established organizational behavior. Evidence-based assessment explains how companies through their managers apply research and theory to help them select the constructs, which they would specifically use in assessing the measures to be used in the assessment process especially during strategic planning (Hunsley & Mash, 2007). The importance of research based on evidence-based assessment is that it enables the managers of the companies which want to conduct a strategic planning process to have better logic and evidence concerning the internal and external environment of the organization. The second reason is that through the research-based assessment using the research validated will enable an organization to determine the level of competition in the industry the organization want to venture into therefore it would become easier for any organization to carry out a strategic planning process. FINAL FORMAL REPORT 5 The third reason is that through evidence-based assessment research the organization would be able to determine all the factors that would affect the operation of the organization including legal, political, and financial considerations affecting that would jeopardize the organization, therefore, being able to come with effective strategies to be used in the organization (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2006). The fourth reason is that using the evidence-based assessment using research would provide an organization with criteria of entering a particular market or industry and provide the recommendations to the organization on the best conducive methods of market entry to an organization. This information would be effective to the organization and would helpful to the organization when conducting strategic planning process. 6 FINAL FORMAL REPORT CHAPTER TWO Personality Evaluation Personality evaluation is an important concept as it helps in the analysis of the management levels and the choices that people make and how they deal with the different situations presented in the organization. The consideration of the various tests ensures that there is insight on the categorization on the type of teams that assist in the management of the issues that the organization faces. The need for the manager to consider the personality of the employee is essential as it guides the practices of managing the different people and the adaptation to the changing environment. The categorization of the characteristics is important in guiding the placement of the various opportunities and the interaction with the employees helping to increase the productivity of the employees in the long run. Personality Test Using the CANOE, my personality is defined by conscientiousness, and this implies that I am organized, disciple and focused towards the achievement of the goals in the long run. Another characteristic that describes my personality is agreeableness, and this helps in showing compassion to other employees increasing the efforts of the team towards the achievement of the goals of the organization. Openness to experience is essential as it helps in ensuring that there is curiosity towards the functioning of the organization and this helps in the creation of an environment that is focused on the presentation of different ideas (Selden & Goodie, 2018). Some of the characteristics that describe the supervisor personality are extraversion, and this entails the positive energy, and this helps in the stimulation of the efforts of the employees. The supervisor is easily angered where certain targets are not met, and this is described as neuroticism. The Likert scale is essential in measuring the attitudes of the employees, and this guides the need to focus on the response towards the different changes in the organization. My score on the Likert Scale is 50% positive, and that of the supervisor is 50% negative, and this means that the work interaction is likely to experience different challenges as there is a clash in the personalities of the individuals. The importance of taking the personality test includes helping to focus on the career growth path, and this means that personality is equated to the passion of the individual (Gul, Qasem & Bhat, 2015). It helps in improving the interaction with the group, and this guides the understanding of the roles that people play and the management of the functionality of the groups. It is essential in helping to focus on self-reflection, and this helps in understanding the deliverables of the functions of the job and offering insight. It helps in improving self-esteem as one is aware of the role that they play in establishing relationships. One of the strategies for managing people with different personalities is creating relationships, and this involves focusing on the diversity of the team and the intertwining of the different personalities. Setting objectives for the team is important as it helps in setting the standards of the operation of the team and this guides the role of the employees. Emotional control 7 FINAL FORMAL REPORT is a strategy that helps in increasing the interaction with the team, and this involves giving direction without a focus on the hierarchies that exist in the organization. The acknowledgment of the important issues to the employees is essential in guiding the achievement of their personal goals, and it increased the review of the feedback received. Organizational Challenges Attributions and perception affect the behavior of the employees in the organization. The actions of the employees affect their performance, and Apple Inc. should consider the changes that occur and focus on the effective handling of the tasks and elimination of the assumptions that might lead to increase in stereotypes. The perception that the management deals with is “it is just a job” and this affects the performance of the employees as the perception towards the work is just to earn a salary. Cultural differences arise in Apple, and this affects the relationships between the employees as there is a view of superiority when it comes to the natives and this affects the interaction of the teams. Employees’ personal problems are likely to be a problem where there are concerns on bringing their problems to work, and this affects the perception that they have towards work and the need for the management of the different issues (Birecikli et al., 2016). The style of management used is essential in helping to focus on the resolution of conflicts and perceptions in the organization. In solving the practical problems, the management should enhance the engagement of the employees in the different activities as this guides their interactions in the organization. There is focus on the roles of the employees and the interactive issues that should be analyzed. In the case, there is a reduction of the cultural perceptions and the improvement of the productivity of the employees as they are motivated towards the achievement of the goals of the organization (Moonjoo, 2017). It also creates an environment where the managers and the employees work towards achieving the set objectives. 8 FINAL FORMAL REPORT CHAPTER THREE The Concept of Ethics The basic definition of ethics is the principles that govern a person’s way of doing things. This definition highlights on a given value-system that is unique and different to every individual and community. The importance of ethics to a person is that it provides the basis guideline upon which one can act decently and adequately even away from their value system. Understanding ethics in a corporate situation is very different from an individual perspective, in a sense that a corporation is responsible for the well-being of many people (Byron, 2006). Also, it has a social responsibility to the people it services and the environment upon which it is based. This makes ethics a somewhat controversial and captivating agenda topic as it is difficult and near impossible to cater for each person need. There are four principal considerations when dealing with corporate ethics regarding ensuring that responsibility is maintained. Reasons for Ethical Considerations First, a company like an Apple Inc. that deals with technological gadgets are required by the law to show care in creating gadgets that are safe for a people who have no understanding as to technology used. The need to create safe gadgets is ethical as it assures its customers of a safe product while protecting them from possible harm. Lack of such care opens the industry to legal suits and possible sanctions while at the same time shows the unprofessionalism of a corporate entity like Apple Inc. Secondly, customers heavily rely on the goodwill of the corporation responsibility for manufacture to show responsibility in investigating, refining, and testing their products before they can release it to the public. The goodwill place on an organization to guarantee that its product is safe and healthy to its consumers is legally provided for as a justification for engaging in such a business. Apple Inc. customers heavily depend on the organization to create modern, safe, and long-lasting gadgets safe for their consumption. This goodwill by the customers drives sales and trust and as such demands Apple Inc. to show ethical performance. Thirdly, the business community globally demands that every one of its members show responsible performance in dealing with its customers and in dealing with other people. This demand by the community is to ensure that trust is maintained and that responsibility is shown in engaging in a business that deals with people. The ethos of the international community is structured on the understanding that performance and a show of responsibility are demanded to reign control in an industry that people heavily rely on for its products. Finally, the United Nations demands that countries ensure that they honor and respect the life. The right to life, good health, and protection are inalienable in the bill of rights, and as such, it is crucial that Apple Inc. adheres to those international regulations that drive performance, manufacture, and production within the business industry. Relevant Approaches/ Strategies to Enhance the Level of Ethics 1. Employee appraisal system FINAL FORMAL REPORT 9 To guarantee high quality and responsible work, it is crucial that Apple Inc. adopts relevant appraisal system that caters to the needs of its employees. An appreciatory appraisal system empowers the employees to feel appreciated even within their limited space and work honestly to ensure the company grows as initially envisioned. 2. Reward system An inadequate reward system is detrimental to the organization as a production unit. It also reflects on the ethical baseline upon which it functions to fulfill its goal of making profits. A reasonable reward system is very crucial in enhancing the level of ethics within Apple as it will give its employees voice and a sense of ownership. 3. Corporate responsibility Apple Inc. should engage in community social responsibility as a way of giving back to the community. In doing this, the company will enjoin its customers to its ideology, which will, in turn, help it produce more relevant and people-oriented products. 4. True Leadership Ethics is all about responsibility. On the other hand, responsibility is all about leadership. Therefore Apple Inc. should adopt a functional and reasonable leadership system that allows it to ensure responsible and ethical performance within it. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Corporate responsibility is the requirement to ensure that a company’s production does not infringe on the people, community, or environment it is based on. It is a “give back” option that allows a company to empower the community it is based on (Moon, 2015). Reasons Why CSR Considerations 1. CSR allows a company to give back to its environment and play a role in promoting the lives of those who are most affected by it. 2. CSR is a form of ethical responsibility that demands of a company to play its role in safeguarding those who live or are affected by its activities. Without CSR communities would be manipulated by these corporate giants. 3. CSR is allowed the management of a company to rethink its production methods and take cautionary steps and measure to ensure that its immediate environment is protected. 4. CSR is a form of policing measure that companies use to determine how efficient and responsible they have been in the society they are in. FINAL FORMAL REPORT 10 Relevant Approaches/ Strategies to Enhance the Level of CSR 1. Responsible leadership Leadership determines how functional CSR is and how well it is implemented; without which, there would not be any form of CSR. 2. Community involvement CSR can only be effectively practiced if and when the company takes time to be part of the community. This allows it to identify those problems that exist and address them to their ability. 3. Percentile employment ratio This refers to setting aside a certain percent for the local community to be employed by the company. In doing this, the company can improve the society by empowering its members. 4. Fulfilling corporate responsibility It is essential that a company ensures that it dutifully pays its taxes and fulfills its responsibilities as a business entity. Communities heavily depend on local allocations to grow and fulfilling one economic responsibility will go a long way in empowering the community. 11 FINAL FORMAL REPORT CHAPTER FOUR Analysis of the performance of Apple Inc. Most companies look forward to improving their products and services. Some achieve this by utilizing different types of machine to boost their performance and improve their productivity. Apple does not realize the expected sales numbers in turn; evidently leading to critics speculating the company is not profitable. The company's yearly filing shows that it sold approximately $1.7 billion for watches and $ 32.2 billion for iPhone (Liang, 2016). The move shows a more significant discrepancy for a company that sees the light upon product release. Besides, the Apple Inc has some critics who focus on unethical practices (anti-competitive products), environmental destruction, and use of sweatshops, tax tactics, and finally issuing of false warranties. The company should instill the following approaches to improve its products and services. Stock Splitting in Apple Company Apple's stock is expensive because their price tag is several dollars per share. Ideally, the stock prices for Apple products and services have higher rates even though their values are not overdone. The products are undervalued and cheap as they are branded at less than six times forward earnings. Many users of the Apple products cannot afford their stock, because it is more expensive than (upgrading with contact to another product) for example the iPhone 5 (Liang, 2016). Apple should however, split its stock and let its success propellers participate in its future development and triumph. Stock splitting unleashes product and service values as it allows stock trading at an average level. At a lower end, the mentioned step will be a higher purpose in the growth rate set curve. The suggestion will offer investors higher chances in comparison to where the stock is today. Briefly, stock splitting entails giving back to customers who made the company succeed whereas, capital splitting steps enables broader distribution of product and service improvement nonetheless. Improvement of Product Features People do not like carrying all their devices with them. For the Apple watch, its reliance on the iPhone serves as a disadvantage. The users of the Apple watches have to move with the iPhone for Bluetooth connectivity, thus enabling functionality of the product (Charter and Tischner, 2017). In the absence of the iPhone, the watch limits its functions. As it stands, the watch cannot match the importance of the phone thus serves more as an accessory. Today, people still have to carry their phones for Bluetooth connectivity. Envision going for a run, and the GPS stops functioning just because you did not bring your cell phone despite having the wristwatch. Alternatively, even being at the airport and getting notifications ping as the flight delays. Although, this feature is still far from the Apple watch, the company should consider this kind of adjustment as the technology for watches increases. According to Charter and Tischner, the Apple watch should dominate its space away from the phone connectivity just as there is a shift from desktop computers (2017). Adjustment of the products is through the installation of various Apps, which can enable blood testing or identify heart attack signs and symptoms. Through the improvement, 12 FINAL FORMAL REPORT the Apple Inc Company can be a leading company that addresses halt matters in real time for its consumers. Improvement of Email Functionality In terms of Email functions, Apple has a long way to go. The idea is a good to some and a deal breaker to others, especially those individuals whose jobs involve sending emails back and forth through the day. Regrettably, the iPhone categorizes emails blindly. The emails are engaged in groups, which are assumed to be interrelated. The move results in loosing essential company emails. Most iPhone users complain that their important emails in most cases mix up with others that are not supposed to be together (Charter and Tischner, 2017). If the company is in need of improvement, then the issue should be addressed, by allowing quick access of emails for business executives with time constraints as every dedicated email user rest on quicker access to mails. Some other enticing qualities on the email function include prompter response, simpler organizations, and speedier searches of information. Besides the email categories, the iPhones cannot allow for document attachments via mail but instead allows for photos, videos, and link attachment only. The company encourages the use of iCloud for such documents. The struggles make it challenging for the users. The Apple Company should improve its products and services by creating email accessibility and document delivery more comfortable as per the user's requirements. Improvement of the Raw Materials Used Raw materials make up the continuous cost of products. Therefore, the products need adequate care during acquisition and processing. The Apple Company can improve its product and services by focusing on raw material qualities, procurement production, and waste processing. Raw material quality depends on the product sources and the initiated improvement of the existing materials. As the company intends to recycle and reuse its waste materials, they should think about improving the recycling technique. The shredding technique recovers fewer documents even though their quality is low (Mitra, 2016). Further improvement is recommended for the already existing products, that is, the use of aluminum and Liam to build devices. Ideally, the iPhone screen breaks quickly, and this may further lead to the insensitivity of the screen. The company should figure out a screen material that can hardly break. The step is only possible if the raw materials used currently are improved. With the intention of improving the raw material, information about the raw material in questions should be documented (Rubinstein et al., 2017). Improved material increases typically final product quality. The Apple Company can improve its services and products by focusing majorly on product quality through raw material improvement Raw Materials and Financial Importance A firm can improve its products and services, but the step may have an added advantage as it may result in financial benefits in the end. Improvement of raw materials used is an example of a creative step that may result in financial benefits. For instance, if the Apple Inc company 13 FINAL FORMAL REPORT decides to source its raw materials from reliable suppliers with best qualities, the end products will improve regarding quality and product cost. In the process, product and service users will be satisfied. However, the move may reduce risks of losing users or the company incurring extra costs for returned goods (Chan, Pun, and Selden, 2015). Financial costs Apple Inc can reduce the overall production cost by initiating the suggested move. Besides, the Apple Company can take care of the waste production by reusing them, even though it is not per the company to refurbish phones and other products. Nevertheless, revising materials reduces the cost of buying some raw materials. For example, the Apple Company spends approximately $360 on manufacturing a brand-new iPhone X from raw materials (Khan et al., 2015). The manufacturing price can reduce if recycling is considered to approximately $230 per iPhone X. Hence, recycling means the company will save the money and direct it into other important sectors in the production process. Through recycling and product improvement, the overall cost of production will reduce, and this will directly influence the profit margin. With associated improvements the company has the potential to reduce its operating costs from its current $ 11.5 billion to about $ 9.5 billion based on the reduction in expenses as noted. On the same note, other associated cost benefits of these improvements include an increase in net operating income from the current $88.1 billion to about $ 100 billion. The increase and reduction in these costs is perceived to have a dollar implication on the underlying company. Every company can substantially improve its products and services. However, the pace depends on the efforts a given company is willing to incur. A company promotes its products mainly because of critics by users. Naturally, Apple is not an exception for it has environmental destruction among other critics. There are four ways Apple Company can implement to improve its services and products. Some of the steps the company can incur includes, stock splitting, improvement of email functionality, improvement of product features and finally, improvement of raw materials as discussed above. 14 FINAL FORMAL REPORT CHAPETER FIVE Motivation at Apple Inc Majority of the successful organizations share a common attribute of the critical role of the employees in the performance of the business. Therefore, each firm has different strategies to motivate their employees. Although the drivers behind Apple’s Inc. success are the brand recognition, the meaning of the phone regarding social and self-identity defines the differentiation with other brands. Employee motivation psychological driver also promotes the development of the brand. Apple Inc. not only motivates its employees to perform effectively and efficiently but also ensures that employees enjoy doing their job. The organization uses both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards to ensure that they fulfill the needs of their workforce. Apple Inc. has proved its strategies to be more efficient by becoming one of the market leaders in the technology industry. Apple Inc. Motivation Strategies and Application of Motivational Theories Apple Inc. uses various methods to motivate its employees. According to Maslow’s needs theory, psychological needs are fundamental for the motivation of an individual hence should be taken as a priority. The firm provides a competitive salary of $108483 which ensures the ability to afford the necessities to enhance survival. Moreover, it provides financial incentives such as stock purchase option, investment plans, and flexible benefits among others. Also, the corporate cafeteria ensures that employees have access to quality food. The firm provides an excellent working environment. Furthermore, Apple provides job security and retirement benefits. It provides medical insurance cover, pension, and sickness schemes to their workforce (Urwiler & Frolick, 2008). Belonging needs at Apple Inc. develops through the promotion of teamwork and inclusion culture. Apple Inc. fulfills its employee’s self-esteem needs by encouraging self-respect and respect for others. The appraisal system helps in recognition of the positive contribution and celebration of achievements. Employees will be able to access the products at a low price compared to the prevailing market rate. The company also satisfies the self-actualization needs of its employees Steve promote a culture of self-development. It ensures that people achieve more success through the guidance of the top executive that they could not reach on their own. Innovative skills and training programs aid the employees towards the development of their desired opportunities. The person responsible for the development of self-actualization need of the business is tight to the CEO who defines the mission and vision. Apple also provides employees through the creation of opportunities for the employees to engage in educational development programs. The goal setting theory emphasizes on how goals relate to performance in the organization. Employees at Apple Inc. have the motivation to achieve task goals that give guidelines in the workplace. The company’s culture and goal management clarify the performance expectations. They form the basis for self-management of behaviors. It motivates employees to improve work performance and enhance job satisfaction (Mollah, 2015). The creation of the specific goal of the FINAL FORMAL REPORT 15 firm helps in the enhancement of employees’ self-efficacy that promotes the attainment of the desired goals. According to Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, particular elements determine the motivation level of the employees. This theory applies to Apple Inc. Company where some of the motivating factors include recognition of the employees’ achievement through the provision of bonuses and promotion opportunities. The tasks are also not only related motivating for employees to perform but also challenging thus giving the workforce new opportunities for improvement (Ramlall, 2004). The hygienic factors include Apple’s competitive and appropriate salary structure. Moreover, it offers different healthcare insurance plans and a safe working environment. Also, it provides well-serviced and updated working equipment for its employees. Recommendation to Enhancing Motivation for Apple Inc. Company Although Apple Inc. management group has played a significant role in improving employee motivation in the workplace, there are still some areas of concern that the organization should address to ensure that all the employees feel motivated towards in the working environment. It is evident that the firm has uncomfortable and unsatisfying working environment. Therefore, the study recommends provision of the more relaxing working environment to the entire workforce. The importance of this strategy is to enhance the creativity and innovativeness of the employees (Steinwart & Ziegler, 2014). Apple Inc. should emulate opportunities offered by Google such as massage chairs, and on-site doctors. It should also provide communication facilities to enable employees to solve their differences and promote mutual co-existence that enhances consultation and information sharing. These services help in the development of relaxing working environment that ensures creativity and reduces the stress on the accomplishment of their duties. Secondly, the study recommends the change in the secrecy culture of Apple Inc. since it may discourage employees from achieving their maximum results. Employees should have the liberty to explore and have access to all the operations activities that will them learn new skills and promote inclusivity in the processes (Edwards, 2016). For example, Apple Inc. only allows employees to contribute to the function from the different departmental levels as opposed to become part of the development through the entire purpose. This process can promote innovativeness and enthusiasm. However, the organization should only offer to the individuals that have an interest in learning particular skills. Thirdly, it is evident from the study that Apple’s primary focus is a commitment to employees and achievement of the set goal. There is little concern about developing of employee relationships. The research suggests informal meetings such as employee vacation to promote catch-up and socialization of all the members. It may help in the creation of good social relationships among the employees. Such trips may also help in the interflow of departmental employees and increase their understanding of the operations of each department and their interrelation. Lastly, compared to Steve Jobs, Tim Cook is viewed as a charismatic leader who emphasizes positive relationships in the working environment. Despite his leadership style enhancing employee goodwill, it has resulted in slower decision-making and loss of innovation FINAL FORMAL REPORT 16 drive. The study suggests that Apple Inc. The company should consider adopting some of the Steve Jobs’ leadership strategies such as the promotion of hands-on participation of the top management in the development of the Apple products to increase the motivational level of all employees (Katzenbach, 2012). Tim Cook should also enhance the interpersonal relationship with his employees through constant contact, ability to listen and understand their issues, and incorporation of comments and employee suggestion in the product specification. It is also essential for the CEO to consider the problems regarding the social welfare of the entire workforce. 17 FINAL FORMAL REPORT CHAPTER SIX Organizational Behavior Apple’s vision and mission gives direction for the continuity of the business. Through analyzing the core values, the mission and vision statements target the initial ideas that are the primary focus of the workforce. Communication is the primary tool for ensuring that all the employees understand the mission and vision (Mullane, 2002). Apple Inc. The company can either use in person or by e-mail to efficiently communicate the vision, mission, and core values. Apple Inc. has identified all critical points of new vision and mission. Both the vision and mission statements of the company represent a symbol of innovation and elegance in design. The message is concise to facilitate the employees to keep the memory. For example, the current vision statement communicates the critical points to workers including innovations, simplicity, and market selection among others. Apple Inc. also uses collaboration communication strategy and excellence as keys to ensuring that all employees understand their vision. The organization schedules employee meeting in the corporate headquarters in different time intervals to discuss with the heads of the branches on the current mission and vision statement. Each session outlines the agenda and the DRI next to each action item. Moreover, it is evident that Tim Cook has adopted Steve Jobs email strategy of communicating the vision, mission, and core values. The email formed the basis of the Apple's annual meetings in the subsequent years for the top 100 employees. It is through such meetings that the CEO unveils the mission and vision statements. Furthermore, during the presentation of the mission, vision, and core values in the session, Apple Inc. Company team evaluates the difference between the current mission and vision. The organization has apparently differentiated the shift from focusing on the general picture of the business to the new mission that focuses on the specific goals the firm has to achieve in the provision of quality goods and services. The management also provides opportunities for elaboration and asking more questions for clarification of any point to increase understanding and information sharing among the employees (Johnson et al., 2012). Specific Recommendations Improving business and promoting a focused workforce depends on the effectiveness of the internal communication strategies that will facilitate employee engagement. Apple should consider keeping the message simple but meaningful. For instance, difficult mission and vision make it hard for employees to comprehend what the strategic plan demands of them. Following the news, simple has an impact on the decision-making process and the behaviors of the top managers. The primary concern is the establishment of the relevance of the strategic goals to align them with the daily operations. It should form the basis of all the communication; creating a simple message that is easy to relate and understand. It is an essential tool for the alignment of the daily operations towards the achievement of the desired state. Another recommendation towards 18 FINAL FORMAL REPORT enhancing effective communication of the mission, vision, and core values is the application of the discipline of the framework. There is always a need for prioritization of the message based on the purpose due to the existence of inequalities in the creation stage. The use of a framework that inspires, educates, and reinforces will help in mapping and communication of the strategic purpose. Therefore, the executive level of management of Apple Inc. should communicate inspiring messages when introducing new mission or vision. The discussion should focus on building long lasting memories and stir emotions among the employee on the urge to achieve the purpose. Education is essential in explaining the company’s strategic goals. It is crucial for Apple Inc. leadership to deliver the mission and vision through dialogue as opposed to monologues. The emphasis is the formation of small group sessions that facilitates employees building their conclusion and ownership in the implementation plan. In reinforcing, the leader should repeat the information to increase understanding, enhance trust, and promote change (Greenberg et al., 2007). Delivering the reinforcement message in different tactics and channels gives the employees the confidence to connect with the mission, vision, and core values. Furthermore, the delivery mechanism is just as important as the content. There have been changes in the channels of communication over the past years. Apple Inc. should consider the use of social media, e-mails, networking, and blogs among others since they are readily available. The channel that displays organizational mission and vision has a significant impact on the achievement. The study proposes the use of strategies that catch people when they least expect. It may include sending the strategic plans to the employees’ phones. Moreover, the management should think broader than a typical CEO. The corporate communication should not always focus on the top-down approach but also consider the grapevine dialogue and informal communication process (Everse, 2011). Employees tend to believe in their leaders more when they hear similar discussions from their peers, thus promoting engagement. It is essential to select a team of employees who act as ambassadors that have a responsibility for delivering the messages at all the levels. It is also necessary for the firm to prepare visual aids such as PowerPoint presentation to continuously remind the employees of the mission, vision, and core values. Conclusion Apple Inc. has established strong business model that is focused on improving the user experience through its innovative products. From this critical analysis, it is clear that the company through its effective and efficient leadership skills has established strong standards that have enabled it to clearly come up with strategies to meet the needs of its customers. It is imperative to understand that strong ethical practices and ethical leadership are the foundation for successful organization. Apple Inc. has been able to maintain strong customer relationship that has enabled it to remain competitive in the industry. Great customer experience through innovative products has been a critical consideration in Steve Job’s great innovations. Apple uses this conundrum to its advantage by focusing its strengths on customers, employees and people around them. This report FINAL FORMAL REPORT 19 therefore sheds light and provides recommendations on how company’s can be successful in the market based on the ethical business practices, turning challenges to opportunities, developing strong CSR, and ensuring that employee motivation is prioritized within the business model of the company. 20 FINAL FORMAL REPORT References Birecikli, B., Alpkan, L., Erturk, A., & Aksoy, S. (2016). Employees' need for independence, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions: the moderating role of justice perceptions about performance appraisals. International Journal Of Organizational Leadership, 270. Byron, W. (2006). The Power of Principles: Ethics for the New Corporate Culture. New York: Orbis Books. Chan, J., Pun, N., & Selden, M. (2015). Apple's iPad city: Subcontracting exploitation to China. 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