Steve Jobs’ ambitious vision for Apple was defined by innovation, design dynamism, and a devotion to creating user-friendly technology. He imagined the company as a firm that designed advanced technology and integrated it smoothly into user life. Transforming this notion into measurable objectives and indicators for the Balanced Scorecard, Jobs concentrated on issues of product innovation, market share, client satisfaction, and financial performance (10:15- 15:25). For instance, the unveiling of the iPhone and MacBook were considered vital points that were the snapshot of his vision. For Apple, the Balanced Scorecard would probably entail the indicators of the product development period, market penetration, customers` feedback, financial growth, and Jobs’ philosophy of creating revolutionary goods while ensuring Apple’s solvency.
Factors that shaped a company’s change in the late 21st century were many-sided. Technology played a crucial role in this process. Immediate technological developments and targeted demands from consumers for more complex devices were determinative. Other key players were internationalization, competition, and the need for conservation. The world has inevitably been experiencing the impact of globalization on the supply chain, and Steve Jobs foresaw it by effecting the adaptation to the international markets(Steinwart & Zieglar, 2014). He was also concerned with sustainable practices, which he highlighted by designing products for recyclability and high energy efficiency. Through these organizational dynamics, Jobs has referred to the modern literature on organizational change, where this literature asserts that technology, globalization, and sustainability play an important role in business strategies(Yu, 2013).
In the Steve Jobs and Apple story, there was first resistance to change, which was later overcome. The workers and even the board members initially became resistant to Jobs’ ideas. This evidence testifies how difficult it can be for organizations to adopt innovations. To deal with this opposition, one should keep communicating transparently, explain the reasons behind the change, and stress long-term benefits as well (35:15-43:25). Furthermore, utilizing employees in the innovation process and preventing resistance by addressing the concerns in advance is an effective measure(Principles of Management, 2022). Jobs’ ability to pull through in the face of opposition and aggregate the worth of the company’s innovations finally broke initial resistance, which points to the role of good leadership in change management.
The strategy of Apple in terms of innovation aligns with Moore’s Law, which dictates the prediction of Technological Advancement. Its new product lineup concerns higher specifications, more features, and better design. The documentary illustrated how Apple put technology to use so that it could be at the forefront of consumer technology sustainably (23:25-28:45). For example, during the development of the iPhone, it can be seen that it operates on Moore’s Law in every upgrade it makes since the newer models have added features. Technology and innovation played a pivotal role in Apple’s upholding the law, which was the basis of its triumph. Repetitive innovations and consecutive product launches are the philosophy that demonstrates the brand to be technologically savvy(Steinwart & Zieglar, 2014). Moreover, what is interesting is that the company implements Moore’s law stage by stage, so the strategy is self-substantiating.
The documentary has demonstrated various types of control exercised by the Apple company and different aspects of the management function of “Controlling.” These include quality control in product manufacturing, financial controls to ensure profitability, and stricter confidentiality within the organization. Stricter supervision of the supply chain, especially in terms of work conditions, plus higher transparency in environmental protection may improve this situation. Likewise, it is highly advisable to put in place feedback loops for monitoring as well as continuous improvement and to ensure that customer satisfaction metrics are monitored (Principles of Management, 2022). These directives align with Apple’s goal of producing fine quality goods, practical finances, and identifying other ethical challenges in operations.
Apple, in its initial hazy and roughly turbulent years, struggled with its inventory management and manufacturing inefficiencies, and as a result, it deviated from Lean principles. The critical factor “Eliminate Waste” was not effectively executed. While Apple encountered problems with overstock and late product rollouts, the company achieved milestones that evaded competitors(Yu, 2013). To ensure such incidents do not occur again, Apple should thoroughly revise its supply chain, employ just-in-time manufacturing, and improve operational production processes. Moreover, creating an atmosphere of constant change and inspiring employees to discover where the wastage comes from and how to mend it will be aligned with the Lean principles (Principles of Management, 2022). By capitalizing on learning from previous errors, Apple can do better in the future and suppress hassles and risks.
Cultural factors are integral components of intercultural communication. As Apple reaches out to other countries, it must also consider these factors. Cultural factors encompass communication styles, hierarchical configuration, and the disposition of authority. In Asia countries where Apple has been widely acknowledged, familiarizing collectivism, respecting the hierarchy, and considering friendships are significant. The marketing strategy should go local to welcome people with varied needs. The other important factor is the recognition of the cultural distinctions in negotiations and collaborations, which improves Apple’s global relationships (Principles of Management, 2022). Recognizing the importance of cultural dimensions leaves Apple with cultural sensitivity that enables the company to respond creatively and to be successful in markets all around the world, and this contributes to the positive relationship between consumers, suppliers, and the rest of the related entities.
References
https://ezproxy.southtexascollege.edu/login?url=https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=99118&xtid=210566
Principles of Management. (2022, December 13). OER Commons.
Steinwart, M. C.; Ziegler, J. A. Remembering Apple CEO Steve Jobs as a “Transformational Leader”: Implications for Pedagogy. Journal of Leadership Education, [s. l.], v. 13, n. 2, p. 52–66, 2014. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=62c50c8e-500e-3d29-a4c6-4af3b0d1d9a2. Acesso em: 27 fev. 2024.
Yu, H. H. Decoding Leadership: How Steve Jobs Transformed Apple to Spearhead a Technological Informal Economy. Journal of Business & Management, [s. l.], v. 19, n. 1, p. 33–44, 2013. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=ac493812-d7c3-393c-805f-699bb65f1af3. Acesso em: 27 fev. 2024.
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