Strategic Leadership

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 Table of Contents
Task 1 of 3 – Case Study.................................................................................................................3
Introduction.................................................................................................................................3
Meaning of strategic leadership and importance to the Apple Organisation.............................3
The role of the leader in developing strategy..............................................................................5
The exercise of leadership power and influence..........................................................................6
Leadership and sustainability concepts and trends.....................................................................8
Task 2 of 3 – Essay.........................................................................................................................9
The role of the business leader in driving organisational performance.....................................9
The exercise of leadership power and influence........................................................................10
The main feature and requirements of leadership development for competitive advantage.....12
The criteria for measuring for assessing an organisations strategic effectiveness from a
leadership perspective...............................................................................................................13
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................15
References.....................................................................................................................................15

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Task 1 of 3 – Case Study

Introduction

The ability to lead others is a must in the corporate sector. Any astute observer can tell you that a
company's leadership can make or break its fortunes. Given the cutthroat nature of the corporate
world, executives often come up with their own unique strategies that they believe will give the
organisations they oversee a leg up on the competition. Steve Jobs has shown to be an effective
leader at Apple. Leadership entails primarily the provision of encouragement, support,
suggestion, and necessary resources. In his book "Leading Change," John Kotter outlines an
eight-step process for implementing a strategic shift in organisational culture. It demonstrates the
need of a diverse set of leadership skills for the effective introduction of change.

Steve Jobs's return to Apple in 1997 was a watershed moment for the company. It was under his
direction that a seemingly hopeless corporate transition was ultimately effective. The exploration
phase includes Steve Jobs's decision to extend the company's product line into the entertainment
business. In the making of the iPhone was one of the most successful products ever. Apple's
strategic innovation is confirmed by all the theories and all the cases.

Steve Jobs could captivate an audience with his words. With the right words, he could inspire his
team and his audience. Because of this, Steve was able to effectively share his vision with his
team. Workers would advance the organization's goals in this way. Steve sat down on a sofa at
the iPad presentation (Lussier & Achua, 2009). This exemplifies Steve's exceptional intelligence.
Steve was putting up a scenario that would grab the attention of everyone watching or listening.
Steve was an absolute genius at advertising. His magnetic personality certainly helped in this
regard.

Meaning of strategic leadership and importance to the Apple Organisation

Strategic leadership is the ability of leaders in a company like Apple to set a clear goal, make
important choices, and carry out plans that are good for the long-term growth of the company. It

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calls for imagination, strategy, and action, as well as the flexibility to respond to changing
conditions in the outside world. Apple relies heavily on its strategic leadership to keep it at the
top of the global technology industry.

The CEO and other senior executives of Apple are charged with creating a long-term vision and
set of objectives for the firm. They need to be able to foresee developments in technology and
the demands of their customers. Apple's strategic leadership has always placed a premium on
cutting-edge product design and technological advancement. Leaders with a strategic mindset
take risks with the future of their organisations. Apple must make decisions on new product
creation, market expansion, and the distribution of company resources. Strategic insight and
daring were necessary at critical junctures in the company's history, such as when Apple
introduced the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. (de Conto, S. M., 2016)

The main approaches to the study of leadership and the approach relevant to the Apple
organisation

The study of leadership may be approached from a number of different angles, each of which
provides a distinctive viewpoint on how leaders come to be, how they operate, and how they
affect organisations. The concept of transformational leadership is one lens through which to
examine Apple's leadership. Leaders that inspire and encourage their employees to accomplish
amazing outcomes via innovation, creativity, and a shared vision are at the centre of the
transformational leadership model. The following are common traits shared by successful people
in this field:

 Visionary Thinking: The ability to present a compelling vision for the future is a
hallmark of transformational leaders like Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. For Apple, the
goal has always been to make cutting-edge technology that anybody can use because it
"just works." Jobs had a major influence in developing this mission. (Bovet, D and
Martha, J.(2000)
 Charisma: Charismatic leaders are able to inspire and influence people because of these
traits. Steve Jobs' lectures were legendary for their charm and ability to engage crowds.
 Empowerment: Leaders that are transformational put their faith in their teams and give
them room to make decisions on their own. With Jobs at the helm, Apple's design and

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 engineering teams were able to create innovative items that had previously been thought
impossible.

The principles of transformative leadership are especially applicable to Apple's business model
and culture. Apple's success during Jobs's tenure may be attributed to his revolutionary
management style. Apple's culture of design quality and constant pursuit of innovation owes a
great deal to his creative thinking, charm, and ability to encourage creativity. Subsequent Apple
CEOs, such as Tim Cook, have maintained Jobs' legacy of transformative leadership by
cultivating the company's famed culture of innovation and excellence. (Vaccaro, G. L. R. (2016)

The role of the leader in developing strategy

Apple's exceptional success over the years may be attributed in large part to the leader's
involvement in establishing strategy. Apple's history is marked by executives with vision who
have been instrumental in developing and implementing the company's overall strategy. Apple's
CEOs, including Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, have been forward-thinking visionaries who
determine the company's entire strategy. In particular, Steve Jobs was lauded for his ability to
foresee the wants and requirements of consumers and provide solutions that nobody knew they
had. Apple's future success hinges on his dream of making revolutionary, user-friendly
technology. (Bovet, D and Martha, J. (2000)

Leaders at Apple are tasked with strategic planning, which include defining the company's long-
term objectives. They research the market, the competitors, and new technology to determine
whether to enter, grow into, or leave a certain product category. For instance, Apple's services
and wearables departments have grown substantially under Tim Cook's leadership. Apple's upper
management is very hands-on when it comes to creating new products. They play a pivotal role
in determining the direction of R&D, setting priorities, and settling on product features and
functions. This input guarantees that Apple's products are in step with the company's long-term
objectives. (Afsar, B., 2019)

Strategic projects need leaders to commit resources such as money, people, and time. Allocating
resources efficiently is a key part of putting the plan into action. Apple's management team has
shown competent at allocating funds to initiatives that further the company's strategic goals.
Leaders are crucial to Apple's ability to enter new markets and develop meaningful relationships.

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They plan Apple's expansion into new areas, negotiate contracts with vendors, and forge
partnerships with complementary businesses. Apple's choice to enter the Chinese market, for
example, was a calculated business move made by the company's executives.

The information technology industry is always changing; therefore, Apple's leadership has to be
flexible. Apple's top brass is entrusted with adjusting the company's strategic direction in light of
shifting consumer demands and regulatory frameworks. Apple's top executives have always
prioritised product innovation, design, and customer service, and they continue to do so today.
This culture supports the company's guiding principles and long-term objectives. The role of
Apple's CEO in formulating the company's strategy is multifaceted and vital. They are in charge
of the big picture, the strategy, innovation, resource allocation, and adaptability. Apple's
management team has a long history of success in technology and business, which may be a
major factor in the company's rise to the top of the industry. Apple wouldn't be where it is now
without its strategic vision and ability to drive innovation. (Umrani, W. A. (2019)

The exercise of leadership power and influence

Leaders' ability to exert influence is a complicated and varied skill that is essential to the success
of any organisation. Leadership is the power to influence the thoughts, deliberations, and actions
of others within an organisation in order to bring about desired results. The way authority is used
may be affected by a leader's style. While transactional leaders depend on incentives and
penalties to encourage their teams, transformational leaders inspire and motivate with their
vision and charm. Leaders like Steve Jobs had a significant impact on Apple's culture and
creativity because of their charm and foresight. (Esslinger, H 2009)

Leaders use a toolbox of strategies to get their way. Coercion may be used in addition to other
methods such as persuasion, negotiation, teamwork, and so on. At Apple, executives have
utilised cooperation and persuasion to push teams to create groundbreaking breakthroughs like
the iPhone. How authority and influence are used within an organisation may be heavily
influenced by its culture. Apple's management has encouraged a culture of cutting-edge design,
originality, and secrecy. Because of this culture, workers are more likely to work together to
achieve common objectives. (Esslinger, H 2009)

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The course of an organisation and its priorities are set by its leadership. These judgements are
often made with the use of both hard evidence and expert opinion. Decisions taken by Apple's
top brass on future product directions and market positioning have been crucial to the company's
success. Every scenario and person require a unique approach from a leader who knows how to
wield power and influence. What works well for one group or undertaking may not do the same
for another. The top brass at Apple have shown to be flexible in the face of constant change in
the IT industry. Leadership is dynamic and crucial in organisations like Apple because of the
importance of the exercise of power and influence. Fostering a culture that supports the
organization's strategic objectives requires tapping into a variety of power and influence
mechanisms. In a highly competitive sector, Apple's most effective executives in the past and the
present have used their positions of authority to propel innovation, create the company's culture,
and produce outstanding outcomes.

The importance of ethics, values and corporate social responsibilities to an organisations

Apple Inc. places a premium on maintaining a reputation for doing good in the world and
adhering to high ethical standards. The company's ideals, reputation, and future growth are all
heavily influenced by these factors. Apple's core identity and set of values includes a strong
emphasis on ethics, values, and CSR. Throughout its history, Apple has shown a dedication to
ethical business practises by ensuring that its goods are made with care and purchased from
reputable suppliers. The organisation makes decisions based on its fundamental principles, which
include innovation, quality, and client pleasure. Moreover, Apple's attempts to lessen its negative
impact on the environment, improve the lives of its employees in the supply chain, and make a
positive difference in the communities where it does business are all evidence of the company's
commitment to corporate social responsibility. (Michael, A 2006)

Not only do Apple's core values and ethics assist the company earn consumers' trust and respect,
but they also inspire loyalty and pride among the company's workforces. In addition, in today's
ethically aware market, customers increasingly choose businesses who make social responsibility
and ethics a top priority. The long-term competitive advantage and sustainability of Apple are
strengthened by the company's dedication to these values, which is consistent with the company's
brand image. Therefore, Apple's basic identity and value as a global technological leader are

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deeply rooted in the company's commitment to ethics, values, and CSR. Apple's stellar
reputation, devoted client base, and continued success are all due in large part to the company's
unwavering commitment to these guiding values, which permeate every aspect of the business.

 Brand Reputation and Customer Loyalty: Apple has built a strong and favorable brand
image because to the company's dedication to ethical business practices and ideals.
Customers have faith in Apple not just because of its cutting-edge goods, but also
because of the company's dedication to social responsibility, environmental preservation,
and customer confidentiality. Clients are more loyal to businesses they feel they can trust
and whose values they share.
 Attracting Talent and Employee Morale: Apple is a desirable place to work because of
its commitment to ethics and values. The company's dedication to equal employment
opportunity, respect for individual differences, and a secure workplace makes it more
attractive to potential workers. Employee morale, output, and loyalty may all benefit
from a sense that their work is contributing to a cause they care about. (Michael, A 2006)

Leadership and sustainability concepts and trends

Apple's business strategy and practises have given more attention to leadership and sustainability
ideas and trends. Apple has made a number of changes to its business model to reflect the
importance it places on ethical leadership and ecological sustainability. By taking a visionary
approach to business, Apple has shown that it is dedicated to leadership and sustainability.
Apple's environmental initiatives have advanced dramatically under the leadership of Tim Cook
and Steve Jobs. The firm aspires to be carbon neutral across its supply chain and product life
cycle, among other lofty objectives. It has made significant investments in solar farms and wind
projects to provide electricity for its activities. In addition, Apple has rethought and rebuilt its
products to be more eco-friendly than ever before by including recycled materials and cutting
down on power use. (Ledlow, G., & Coppola, N. (2010)

Apple's sustainability leadership goes beyond only the environment. In terms of social
responsibility within its supply chain, the corporation has achieved significant progress. Apple
regularly checks its suppliers to verify they are following fair labour practises and improving
working conditions. These actions are consistent with the rising tide of socially responsible

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corporate practises and are indicative of a commitment to ethical leadership. Apple has taken the
lead when it comes to protecting user privacy and data, in addition to addressing environmental
and social sustainability. Apple has taken a stand in favour of user data protection with the
introduction of features like App Tracking openness and improved privacy settings, leading the
tech sector in its pursuit of more openness and consumer empowerment in the digital arena.
Apple's brand value and customer loyalty are positively affected by the company's position as a
leader in environmental and social responsibility. As a result, it helps Apple stay relevant with
customers who prioritise buying ethical and environmentally friendly goods. (Ledlow, G., &
Coppola, N. (2010)

Task 2 of 3 – Essay

The role of the business leader in driving organisational performance

The business leader at Apple has several responsibilities, and his or her work is essential to the
company's continued success. The strategic choices, vision, and leadership style of Apple's
executives, including Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, have had a significant influence on the
company's success. Apple's top executives are primarily accountable for defining the company's
long-term goals and objectives. They determine the company's long-term goals and objectives,
spot promising new markets, and settle on game-changing calls concerning product and market
development. For example, Steve Jobs was crucial in steering Apple away from its PC-centric
roots and towards its current position as a consumer electronics industry leader thanks to
groundbreaking devices like the iPhone and iPad. Tim Cook has maintained this long-term
ambition, extending Apple's reach into new markets via services and wearable technology.
(Michael, A 2006)

It is also the responsibility of leaders to encourage originality and creativity among employees.
They establish a standard for excellence in design and encourage their employees to think
beyond the box. Apple's dedication to innovation is shown by the company's ability to release
innovative goods on a regular basis. Furthermore, leaders propel organisation performance by
strategic use of resources. To keep the business competitive and profitable, they decide where to
put money into R&D, marketing, and other areas. This distribution of assets is consistent with

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the prioritised strategy. Furthermore, executives are accountable for the growth and development
of existing staff members. Apple's management actively seeks for and cultivates bright minds in
the fields of design, engineering, and other essential disciplines. By fostering learning and
development, they help ensure that the company has the talent it needs to carry out its plan.
Apple has a long tradition of having visionary leaders, and the responsibility of the business
leader goes beyond the day-to-day operations of the company to encompass strategic vision,
innovation, culture-building, and stakeholder engagement.

 Setting a Vision and Strategy: Apple's business leader is crucial in establishing long-
term goals and objectives. Innovation, design, and providing an outstanding user
experience are common themes in such a long-term plan. The leader sets the route for the
group by articulating a compelling strategy in line with this vision, which ensures that all
actions and choices are made with the end in mind.
 Fostering a Culture of Innovation: Apple's success may be attributed to the company's
propensity for coming up with innovative new concepts. Leaders in an organization
should promote creativity and intelligent risk-taking. They motivate staff to challenge
conventional wisdom and test out novel approaches. Apple's culture of creativity is
reflected in the company's many successful products.

Leaders are also accountable for shaping the ethos and character of their respective
organisations. They establish and uphold a core philosophy that guides the company's operations.
Apple's top executives have long touted the company's dedication to aesthetics, quality, and
consumer happiness. Apple's goods are well-known for their creative designs and high quality
because of the company's dedication to these values. In addition, the company's leadership has
built a devoted client base and a stellar reputation for service by emphasising customer
happiness. Last but not least, executives are accountable for the financial performance of the
organisation as well as the expansion of shareholder wealth. They keep the company's finances
secure by cutting expenditures and analysing threats. Apple's success might be attributed to the
company's management, who have proven to be successful businesspeople. (Michael, A 2006)

The exercise of leadership power and influence

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Apple Inc.'s upper management is a crucial part of the company's management and culture, and
they utilise their influence and authority wisely. The top executives at Apple manage the
company's resources efficiently to foster creativity, set the company's direction, and achieve their
goals. They encourage individuals to think independently and take calculated risks, actively
cultivating a culture of innovation. Apple's revolutionary products have changed the IT sector
thanks in large part to the company's forward-thinking strategy. The charismatic authority of
Apple's CEOs has been crucial to the company's success. Steve Jobs was lauded for his
charismatic leadership style, which he used to motivate and excite his team, their business
partners, and his consumers. His inspiring leadership and forward-thinking vision for the
organisation made everyone feel like their input mattered. (Laufer, W. (2014)

Furthermore, Apple's upper management has earned the right to use the power that comes with
their positions. Because of the decisions they make about product development, market growth,
and resource allocation, they have tremendous power over the company's destiny. For example,
Apple's leadership pushed for the debut of the iPhone, which was a revolutionary step in the
company's history. The executives of Apple have a lot of sway because of their great knowledge
of the computer industry and Apple's products. To guide product development and make
informed strategic decisions in today's fast-paced and competitive business, this information is
crucial. Apple's upper management often engages in methods of cooperation and persuasion.
Together with the technical and design teams, they foster an atmosphere that recognises and
rewards creativity. Apple's employees are encouraged to collaborate in order to pool their
knowledge and enhance the company's products. (Warren, D., Gaspar, J., 2014)

The leadership at Apple also does a lot to foster a culture of creativity via its own activities. They
are a role model for the rest of the firm in terms of their commitment to quality and attention to
detail. Because of this, workers at Apple take more pleasure in their work and are more
committed to the success of the firm as a whole. Apple's upper management has been vocal as of
late in support of consumers' rights to data privacy and security.Recent developments in the IT
sector, such as App Tracking Transparency and improved privacy settings, have had an impact
on larger conversations on digital ethics and user rights. Apple's success is driven in large part by
the way its executives exert their authority and influence. Charismatic authority, lawful power,
expert knowledge, persuasion, cooperation, and leading by example are all necessary ingredients.

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Apple's ability to innovate and influence the tech sector is owed in large part to the company's
leadership's skilful use of power and influence.

The main feature and requirements of leadership development for competitive advantage

Apple Inc. recognises the need of investing in its leaders as a means of maintaining a competitive
edge in the ever-evolving technology sector. The following are the most important aspects and
prerequisites of Apple's leadership development programme to ensure the company's continued
competitive advantage:

 Visionary Leadership: Apple is committed to creating leaders with foresight and the
ability to influence the direction of their respective fields. Leaders are urged to look
forward to the possibilities and threats of the future. This requires not just an in-depth
familiarity with technological concepts, but also the creativity to apply those concepts to
the development of new goods and services tailored to specific consumer demands.
 Innovation and Creativity: Leadership training at Apple emphasises the need of
encouraging original thought. Leaders are tasked with encouraging an environment where
people are willing to try new things and take calculated risks. They need to be adaptable
and always looking for new methods to make their goods and procedures better.
 Customer-Centric Approach: At Apple, we teach our future leaders to always put the
needs of the consumer first. Leaders must have an in-depth familiarity of their customers'
wants, requirements, and problems. This insight informs future product designs and keeps
Apple in step with changing consumer preferences.
 Cross-Functional Collaboration: Leaders at Apple are held to a high standard of
excellence in working across departments. They need the leadership skills to form
cohesive groups of people with varying backgrounds, experiences, and opinions who can
then work together to achieve their objectives. In this respect, the ability to communicate
and interact effectively is of paramount importance.
 Strategic Thinking: Apple's leadership training emphasises the creation of long-term
vision. Leaders learn to study the market, evaluate the competition, and make calculated

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 choices that forward the company's goals. They need to be experts at both seeing strategic
openings and handling potential threats.
 Ethical and Responsible Leadership: Apple values ethical and responsible leadership
immensely. Leaders are accountable for upholding the company's principles, such as
honesty, openness, and ecological consciousness. They have a responsibility to make
choices that are good for both the firm and the world at large.
 Adaptability: The IT business is always evolving, so it's important that Apple's top brass
can roll with the punches. The capacity to adjust to changing market circumstances, new
technology, and customer preferences is emphasised in leadership training.
 Global Perspective: Apple is a worldwide brand, so it seems sense that its training for
future executives will reflect that. Learning the intricacies of many markets and cultures
equips leaders to make sound choices that fuel expansion in geographically dispersed
settings.
 Continuous Learning and Development: The development of leadership skills at Apple
is a continuous process. Leaders are urged to develop themselves by constantly educating
themselves. They are tasked with keeping abreast of developments in their field and
honing their leadership abilities over time.

Visionary leadership, innovation, customer-centricity, teamwork, strategic thinking, ethical

The criteria for measuring for assessing an organisations strategic effectiveness from a
leadership perspective

To evaluate Apple Inc.'s and Steve Jobs' strategic efficacy as leaders, we must take into account
a number of factors that sum up leadership's influence on the company's results and
accomplishments. Here are several metrics by which Steve Jobs and Apple's strategic direction
might be evaluated:

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 Innovation and Product Development: The degree to which goods and services are
innovative is one of the most important factors to consider. As the creator of seminal
devices like the iPhone and iPad, Steve Jobs was revered for his foresight and innovation.
Assessing a strategy's efficacy entails looking at how well it has been implemented and
how much of an effect it has had on the company's market share and bottom.
 Financial Performance: Apple's overall financial performance is an important indicator
to consider. Revenue growth, profit margins, and financial security are all indicators of
successful leadership. The success of Jobs' methods may be gauged by looking at the
company's revenue, net income, and stock price throughout the course of his
employment.
 Customer Loyalty and Brand Value: Apple's devoted clientele and enduring popularity
are well-documented facts. Strategic success under Jobs's leadership may be evaluated by
looking at metrics like customer happiness, retention rates, and the value of the
company's brand. Did Apple continue to earn praise and repeat business from satisfied
customers?
 Product Portfolio Diversification: Apple's product line has expanded greatly thanks to
Steve Jobs. The ability of Apple's leadership to sustain the company's long-term
relevance and growth may be measured by assessing the results of product diversification
initiatives like the company's push into services and wearables.
 Competitive Position: Apple’s competitive position under Jobs's leadership is evaluated
by analysing the company's performance against competitors. Did Apple's product
distinctiveness, design, and marketing techniques allow it to stay ahead of the
competition?
 Supply Chain and Operations Efficiency: Successful product distribution requires well-
organized and executed supply chain management and operations. The success of Jobs'
policies may be judged in large part by looking at how successfully Apple handled its
supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics when he was in charge.
 Leadership Succession and Continuity: The efficacy of a leader may be gauged in part
by their ability to lay the groundwork for future leadership and safeguard the
organization's mission, vision, and values. It is critical to assess Apple's progress after
Steve Jobs' departure and the leadership of Tim Cook and others.

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  Social and Environmental Responsibility: Apple's initiatives in the realms of social and
environmental responsibility were influenced by Jobs' direction. In order to evaluate the
full effect of Apple's tactics, it is necessary to determine the extent to which the firm was
committed to ethical and sustainable practises throughout his tenure.

Conclusion
In conclusion, determining Apple's strategic effectiveness from the perspective of Steve Jobs as a
leader requires evaluating a variety of criteria, some of which include innovation, market share,
financial performance, customer loyalty, diversification, competitive position, supply chain
efficiency, leadership succession, and social and environmental responsibility. Other criteria
include leadership succession, supply chain efficiency, and social and environmental
responsibility. The overall evaluation takes into account the lasting effects of Jobs' management
on Apple's expansion, profitability, and standing as a pioneer in the technological world.

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