Benchmark_ Innovation_in_Technology_Analysis

docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

604

Subject

Business

Date

Apr 29, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MateWaterBuffalo2165

Page 1 Benchmark-Innovation in Technology Analysis Colangelo College of Business, Grand Canyon University LDR-604 IT Management and Leadership Professor Kevin Jones April 10, 2024,

Page 2 Technology is evolving rapidly within the global market dynamics, leading to shorter lifespans for project cycles and consumer products due to consumer demands. This necessitates fostering innovation and encouraging leadership responsibility. There must be a drive and inspiration from technology management and leadership to promote this kind of innovation within the field. Creating a business requires a realistic hold with a focus on the future that empowers the demands of stakeholders to be met. This commitment to innovation will benefit the organization's future and ensure its continued success. Apple was founded on the principle of innovation within the computer segment to create a small product for personal use, from their beginnings in 1976 to the continual reinvention that has led to Products ranging from smartphones, laptops, desktops, smart watches, streaming services, and products for home convenience. Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne are at the forefront and pioneers behind Apple's creation and the development and evolving technology field. The internal stakeholders encompass a Board of Directors, executives, managers, and employees, while external stakeholders comprise customers, regulators, suppliers, community groups, and competitors (Richardson & Terrell, 2008). Apple's organizational structure, a testament to the power of innovative leadership, changed after Steve Jobs' passing, particularly in innovation. Rather than being routed through the CEO, innovation processes now follow a spoke-wheel hierarchy, empowering Vice Presidents to exercise greater control over projects. Having a physical presence for products and engaging in the global marketplace offers significant advantages for technology organizations, revolving around enhancing product reputation and credibility, attracting top talent, expanding revenue potential, and exploring diverse market opportunities (Etherington, D. 2013). These benefits, which are within your reach, exemplify Apple's ability to recruit expert talent globally, conduct product testing in smaller markets before launching on a larger scale, and bolster brand credibility through widespread exposure. Conversely, technology organizations confined to one country or solely operating online may need more credibility due to limited market trust or awareness. The value of global market participation provides tangible evidence of product success and a reliable indicator of future performance. This agility helps save wasted resources on unsuccessful products, reducing risk and enhancing reputation. Furthermore, Apple employs a product-based division of labor, forming project teams across various domains such as software/hardware engineering and sales. Meyer (2019) suggests that the weak functional matrix facilitates the agile dissemination of project-related information, enabling hardware and software teams to communicate more effectively without the need for Executive-level intermediaries. This approach addresses internal stakeholders' needs by fostering a seamless flow of innovative ideas, expediting project development, and minimizing time spent navigating communication channels. Externally, it enables Apple to introduce new products swiftly, adapt to market changes, and sustain consumer excitement. Internal stakeholders consistently seek business enhancements for increased profitability, expanded market share, and efficient project execution, while external stakeholders, particularly consumers, demand dependable technology that seamlessly integrates into their lives. This aligns with Apple's overarching objective of democratizing technology, making smartphones, laptops, watches, and other products accessible to the public, and continually refining these technologies to deliver agile solutions (Main, K. 2022). Apple's approach to career development is a testament to its commitment to employee empowerment and personal growth. The company fosters an environment where employees are

Page 3 encouraged to take charge of their career paths through dedication and hard work in their respective domains. This approach results in the creation of job opportunities based on honed skills and accumulated experience. Rather than being directed to undergo training, employees are encouraged to proactively seek out training opportunities provided or facilitated by Apple, demonstrating personal accountability for their career progression within the company. This approach empowers employees and ensures that the company benefits from a constantly growing and evolving workforce. Podolny and Hanson (2020) mention that the organizational culture promotes innovation through a unique structure where managers do not micromanage. Instead, it allows subject matter experts to lead other experts, fostering collaborative discussions and meticulous attention to detail. This environment encourages innovation by allowing experts to delve into technological concepts without oversimplification, enabling thorough examination and debate of specific details. With no single team solely responsible for end-to-end product development, collaborative meetings are held to gather ideas and find solutions, fostering strong relationships across functional groups. This approach maximizes innovation by subjecting ideas to scrutiny from various experts and minimizes stagnation due to the diverse teams involved. However, challenging due to the uncertainty of the end product until its release, building these relationships is crucial for overall success. Leaders must possess a deep understanding of technological intricacies and engage with other teams to ensure project success, necessitating effective communication skills and the ability to develop multiple solutions to challenges. As Apple limits leadership involvement in cross-functional projects, existing leaders must adeptly coordinate various projects, demonstrating courage and strong decision-making abilities. Even reflecting on the ten years since Seven Jobs stepped down from CEO and Tim Cook took over Apple, we see that at its core, Apple remains a company that, through its leadership, drives innovation within the technology realm and creativity ( Newstex LLC, 2021) . From his progressive mindset to creating an open environment for people from all walks of life within Apple, this ultimately creates an environment where people are comfortable and willing to work for a company that will keep accepting them as they are. Leaders employ real-world scenarios, expectations, and situations that mirror industry dynamics rather than organizational specifics to prepare employees for the global technology landscape. Through consistent challenges, feedback, and support, leaders cultivate technological skills and acclimate employees to chaotic, high-stress environments where innovation and positive working relationships are essential. By imparting an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, leaders equip employees to thrive in the tech industry (Carrillo et al., 2018). Leaders must be aware of their emotional intelligence to support employees during stressful times, enhancing productivity and performance. Strategies for mitigating adverse effects, such as feedback, communication, and planning, correlate positively with work-related demands. Given the diverse organizational structures in the global technology landscape, leaders must educate employees on embracing change and taking ownership through innovative approaches. All in all, we saw how Apple drives innovation through various means. We saw how Apple began as a company and how its leadership and physical presence have led it to be a driving force for innovation. Apple promotes a collaborative workspace for its employees to allow them to work together on new and existing projects for the company's greater good. Given how quickly technology evolves, innovation, collaboration, and supportive leadership are at play with Apple. Apple's long-term success can be attributed to its Vision and leadership through the

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Page 4 years. Even when leadership has changed at its core, the company's main principles have remained to foster an environment that allows the company to keep thriving in this day and age.

Page 5 References: Carrillo, E., Freeman, L. L., Morand, D., Ocampo, R., Afegbua-Sabbatt, R., & Clayton, R. (2018). Examining the impact of emotional intelligence on workplace stress. International Journal of Management and Human Resources, 6(1), 64–83. Etherington, D. (2013, February 14). Apple’s retail strategy proves that if they build it, you will come (and spend). TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/14/apples-retail-strategy- proves-that-if-they-build-it-you-will-come-and-spend/ Lehman, G., & Haslam, C. (2013). Accounting for the Apple Inc business model: Corporate value capture and dysfunctional economic and social consequences. Accounting Forum, 37(4), 245–248. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.accfor.2013.08.001 Main, K. (2022, May 10). Apple uses the rule of 3 E’s to find the nation’s Top talent | inc.com. Apple Uses the Rule of 3 E’s to Find the Nation’s Top Talent. https://www.inc.com/kelly-main/apple-uses-rule-of-3-es-to-find-nations-top-talent.html Meyer, P. (2024, January 27). Apple’s organizational structure & its characteristics (an analysis). Panmore Institute. https://panmore.com/apple-inc-organizational- structure-features-pros-cons#:~:text=Apple%20Inc.%20has%20a%20hierarchical,as %20for%20iOS%20and% 20macOS Newstex LLC (2021, August 24). It's been a decade since Tim Cook became the CEO of Apple. Here's how his leadership has changed the world. The Business Insider, NA. https://link-gale- com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A673040059/AONE? u=canyonuniv&sid=ebsco&xid=bbcef575 Podolny, J. & Hanson, M. (2020, December). How apple is organized for innovation. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/11/how-apple-is-organized-for-innovation Richardson, A. & Terrell, E. (2008, April). Apple Computers, Inc. Business Reference Services. https://www.loc.gov/rr/business/businesshistory/April/apple.html#:~:text=Company %20History-Apple %20Computers%2C%20Inc.,in%20their%20homes%20or%20offices

Benchmark_ Innovation_in_Technology_Analysis

Related Documents