Apple Inc.

An Organizational Analysis

By: Matthew Scott Apple Inc.

HistoryWhen people think of the organization Apple, it first brings to mind a tremendously successful company that is a pioneer in the newest technological advances for mass consumers. The idea for this lucrative company was conceived by Steve Jobs, and his associate Steve Wozniak. The two men did not graduate from college, but were determined to make something of their selves and would soon after be known to the entire world.

History Cont.Although Apple is superior in the consumer electronics world, the company did not always taste success. Apple is based out of California, and was first established in 1976. The first product ever produced by Apple was developed by Steve Wozniak called the Apple I. The success of the product was marginal at best. After the failure of the first product the Apple I, Steve Jobs, and Steve Wozniak did not let it shatter their drive. They both remained focused, and dedicated to creating a profitable, successful product. Apple went on to create the Apple II, which did reasonably well and Apple gained some positive feedback. The Apple II led to Apple benefiting from stock offerings, and the organization gained renown.

History Cont.Apple was successful after the Apple II, but not even close to the success they have to todays market. Once the late 80s and early 90s had arrived, Apple had designed the first version of their desktop computer, the Macintosh. The success of the company was limited after the creation of the Macintosh due to an internal struggle between executives, causing some members to leave the company. Among those members was Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer. A few years after the releasing of Steve Jobs, he created a new company called NeXT, which sold software to schools for educational purposes. Jobs eventually found himself back at Apple as CEO in 1997, and wanted to make a major changes in the organizational structure, and culture of Apple.

CollaborationMuch of the reason Jobs was able to accomplish such great goals are because he gives his employees empowerment to make decisions, and to affect the companys future product design. When an Apple employee feels what they do, or say matters, it will cause them to care a great deal more about their job, and performance. Jobs had line authority, and had a direct unity of command in which all employees, and department heads would talk openly with him to get updates on the process, or new ideas. Having this Groupthink mentality really helped the ideas branch out for Apple, and contributes to why they have so many different types of products that are very effective in use.

DiversityJobs was highly centralized in the decision making process, but was also able to collaborate with others within the organization to produce better results. Apple wants employees with diverse backgrounds, and new perspectives that inspire creativity. Apple claims diversity is what makes them the unique organization that they are and encompasses all walks of life. Apple has high formalization with room to be unique, and imaginative.

Innovate, Create, AdaptAnother perspective on why Apple is so prosperous is because they are a learning organization. Apple is constantly driven by the philosophy that the staff will continue to learn, share, and adapt to the marketplace. Everyone at Apple must have the mind-set that they are willing to consistently learn new concepts, and to apply them in their work. Building strong relations, empowering employees, and collaborations are the aspects that bring this communal principle together.

ManagingThe most important part of managing is controlling the employees. Managers must be able to measure the productivity and effectiveness of an employee. Jobs had numerous ways in which he would watch over his staff. Walking around and visiting the department heads is one method in which Jobs was able to check up on projects. Jobs would also receive statistical reports, as well as written reports of the results within the organization. The most popular method used by Apple for evaluating employees is with feedback control. Once a project has been completed and assessed, then an overview of the employees performance is evaluated and proper action is taken.

EthicsAll employees that are out in public should conduct themselves in a manner that would reflect respectfully upon Apple. Behaviors can spread, being an example for others to look up to is essential to being an employee at Apple. Apple makes all employees aware they are customer focused, and want to provide the upmost service and products to all consumers while displaying integrity in all business transactions.

Policies & ProceduresNot only does Apple care about demonstrating high ethics, but they also have procedures for events such as employees giving business gifts. There is a nominal value the employees must adhere to, including a gift that would not embarrass Apple in any way, and no gift given for favored treatment. Apple employees also have to wary of never endorsing any other product, or organization. Employees are also encouraged to donate to charities, and to never associate with competitors.

Biblical perspectiveIn many ways Jobs is similar to Jesus and the type of managing aspects attributed to him. Apple has a philosophy of celebrating diversity and with that, all the innovation and creativity that is born. It doesnt matter what religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, creed, or age to Apple. Apple evaluates potential employees based on their skill, experience, and what they can bring to the organization. Jesus was similar in regards to treating others with equality, dignity, and respect. Jobs had relations with his employees, and liked to get to know them on a more personal level to understand how to motivate them to their full potential. Jesus had a well-adapted sense of personal interaction that is comparable to Steve Jobs, and Apple.

Apple will live onWith the death of Steve Jobs, the life of the organization lives on and is still innovating, and inspiring millions of people every day. Jobs helped pass along the philosophy, and mindset which is now what defines Apple. Jobs was able to see the IPad enter homes all over the world in which consumers now had a portable hand held computer. Since the release of the IPad, computer sells have dropped. This statistic alone shows what type of impact the IPad has made in only a short time. Tim Cook is now CEO of Apple, and continuing the tradition that Jobs had set in place. The Apple Watch is the latest thing developed by Apple under Cooks presence, and the organization will continue making the most advanced, efficient, and mass consumed technology on the market for many decades.