Running Head: FINAL FORMAL REPORT
Final Formal Report
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FINAL FORMAL REPORT
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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