Key points of the Article “Apple Shake-Up Signals Tim Cook Era”
Change Management
Any change in an organization immediately meets opposition from unprepared employees and this can be hazardous to a company’s lifeline. However, change is unavoidable and unpredictable and in such a case, the staff should have a working organizational culture that is predictable to allay their fears and reduce transitional hiccups. In Apple’s case, Mr. Cook is doing a commendable job considering the work he has to handle as well as the inherent wounds that had festered under Job’s watch.
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Considering that Apple was already undergoing the culture shock occasioned by Jobs’ death, the staff needed to be transitioned gracefully as opposed to radical changes of policy. The qualifications of new employees are subject to public speculation and thus should be based on ethical procedures with emphasis on merit and competence rather than loyalty to the new boss.
Analysis of the Article “Apple Shake-Up Signals Tim Cook Era”
The death of Steve Jobs was undoubtedly an event of cosmic significance within the Apple fraternity. The world was left in speculation as to what would happen to Apple now that Jobs was gone, and the drop in share value by almost 100 units was an indication that all was not well at the company. However, Mr. Tim Cook, who took Jobs’ job, is capable of fitting in his predecessor’s shoes. These positive sentiments are a good start for Mr. Cook because change management in a large corporation like Apple is not an easy task. If not maneuvered strategically, the task would be responsible for the symbolic capsizing of Apple’s boat. The immediate changes that Mr. Cook implemented in reorganizing the executive body are questionable in their timing.
The removal from office of the mobile software head, Scott Forstall, after his devastating maps hit the public and his consequent refusal to sign a public apology is a relief for many in the company because it turns out that he was not so popular of easy to work with. Nevertheless, he performed spectacularly under pressure, and the iOS system he orchestrated still rivals other brands such as Google are. Mr. Cooks is a software expert, and doubt lingers in many minds on whether he is the right man for Apple’s hardware compartment. However, he has put in place a capable man in the hardware positions, and the only visible gap in Apple presently is the one of product leadership. The appointment of John Browett, formerly in charge of retail operations, created a ripple in the company regarding Mr. Cook’s envisioned future for Apple. However, replacements such as Bob Mansfield, as an executive in hardware, are promising.
Conclusion
Apple’s situation is presently delicate, and the politics played by Mr. Cooks seemingly keep it afloat while warding off disaster. The employees must be placated for optimal performance, and this aspect justifies the removal of Forstall despite his other virtues. This assertion holds because under Mr. Cook’s management theory, which seemingly stands on organizational groups and contentment of group members, is critical for optimal performance. However, Cook’s plot is demarcated with risk as radicalism can easily drive an organization to its knees especially when players are not given sufficient time to adjust. Therefore, it would behoove Mr. Cook to move at a slower pace in implementing policies such as stock buyback and philanthropic engagements, which Mr. Jobs previously denounced.
Works Cited
Lessin, Jessica E. “Apple Shake-Up Signals Tim Cook Era.” The Wall Street Journal, 2012, Web.