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Critical analysis of leadership tactics

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sustainable organization
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Abstract

It’s an analysis project which is based on critical evaluation of how world’s successful
leaders practice corporate social responsibility (CSR) and exploit influence tactics/traits to
achieve more sustainability of the organization. In our analysis, we have chosen Elon Musk,
CEO of Tesla INC. as a charismatic leader who has been contributing a lot towards creation of
sustainable environment. Tesla INC., founded in 2003 at California, USA, is an electric vehicle
and clean energy company. Tesla’s products include electric cars, rechargeable batteries, solar
panel and other relevant items. Tesla is the one of the first movers to produce electric vehicles as
an alternative to typical fuel consumption vehicles. As a CSR, Elon Musk plays a pioneer role in
transforming the society towards more sustainable energy and less environmental damage. He
also made the employees feel motivated as members of Tesla family and thus creation of a
sustainable society. (Wikipedia, last edited on 2021)
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The CSR practice by Elon Musk

Help build a sustainable environment

Tesla’s electric vehicles are widely considered as an alternative solution of the internal
combustion engine vehicles that negatively affect the environment. Regarding CSR practices,
satisfying the concern of communities considered as top most priority for Elon Musk. Because
on of the major interests of the large community is to preserve the natural environment. Tesla’s
electric automobiles, batteries as well as solar panels address the major community problems. As
for example, environment friendliness of the Tesla cars greatly satisfies society as stakeholders.
Elon Musk’s main mission is to promote the concept of green environment largely and help
others to replace the combustion engine vehicles with electric one that saves energy, fuel
efficient and cause less damage to the environment. To make the electric vehicle more
accessible, Musk constantly searches for new ways to minimize costs and thus market the
vehicles at a comparative price. (Greenspan, R., 2018)

Create a pleasant workplace

Tesla believes that employees play a vital role in the automotive and energy solution
business. Because motivated employees will ultimately result in better productivity and
profitability of the company. To fulfill the obligation towards this stakeholder group, the
company provides discrimination free work culture, healthy compensation package and
competitive career path. Everyone is empowered towards decision making and open door
management gives each employee access to company top management for consultation. And
Tesla also nurtures HR programs for skills and leadership development. Musk does his best to
feel like all the employees that they are part of a larger team (Greenspan, R., 2018). For example,
Tesla employees have the opportunity to get ownership of the company through equity grants
and discounted stock purchase. Each of the workforces is an owner of the company by getting
company stock, which value has been increased since the inception. Other programs worth to
mention are vehicle purchase lease program, child care, work life balance, work from home
option, travel assistance, legal services and other entertainment plans. (Tesla, Indeed.com)
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The influential tactics by Elon Musk

Being a team player (Essentially ethical and honest influence tactics)

According to Elon Musk, Tesla is like a sports team of which success depends on team
effort from each and individual employee. He always believes in coalition and integration among
all the cross functional departments and work together to get the goal implemented. He always
gives space to others for innovative ideas and has the emotional intelligence to bring the best out
of his team. (Marsh, E., 2019)

Practicing hands on leadership (Essentially ethical and honest influence tactics)

A hands on leader is someone who is directly involved with employees in the process of
an operation. As the CEO of Tesla Inc., Elon actually lead all product specification, engineering,
operational process and manufacturing of the company's electric vehicles, rechargeable battery
and solar energy products from the scratch. By direct involvement in the process, Musk actually
inspires and influences the team in leading to the right strategic direction of production and
marketing of eco-friendly electric vehicle and thus provide sustainable environment. For
example, Elon Musk creates and turns vision into realties. He also builds the team’s commitment
into the common goals. (BluePointe Capital Management, 2019,)
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Bibliography:

 Wikipedia, last edited on 2021, Tesla Inc, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla,_Inc.

 Greenspan, R., 2018, Tesla Inc’s corporate social responsibility & citizenship,
stakeholders; from http://panmore.com/tesla-motors-inc-stakeholders-corporate-social-
responsibility
 Tesla, build the future, from https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Tesla/about
 Marsh, E.,2019, 4 things Elon Musk can teach us about effective leadership, from
https://www.t-three.com/soak/insights/4-things-elon-musk-can-teach-us-about-effective-
leadership
 BluePointe Capital Management, 2019, 5 leadership qualities of Elon Musk that we
admire, from https://www.bluepointecapital.com/blog/2019/11/11/5-leadership-qualities-
of-elon-musk-that-we-admire