Final Group Research Paper- APPLE

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................2
2.0 Overview of the company......................................................................................................................2
3.0 Culture of the organization....................................................................................................................3
3.1 Excellence.........................................................................................................................................3
3.2 Moderate Competition....................................................................................................................3
3.3 Integrity............................................................................................................................................3
3.4 Teamwork........................................................................................................................................3
3.5 Innovation & Creativity..................................................................................................................4
4.0 Two strengths of the culture.................................................................................................................4
4.1 Creativity and Innovation...............................................................................................................4
4.2 Maintaining a high level of Secrecy................................................................................................5
5.0 Strength analysis & evaluation........................................................................................................5
5.1 Teamwork and group Efforts.........................................................................................................5
5.2 Goal setting......................................................................................................................................5
5.3 Motivation and leadership..............................................................................................................6
6.0...............................................................................................................................................................6
6.1 Challenges faced by Apple Inc during the pandemic....................................................................6
6.1.1 Reluctance to return to work.......................................................................................................6
6.1.2 Better working conditions...........................................................................................................7
6.2 Recommendations using OB theories.............................................................................................7
6.2.1 Health and safety........................................................................................................................7
6.2.2 Compensation negotiation and establish an inclusive environment............................................8
7.0 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
8.0 References.............................................................................................................................................9

1.0 Introduction

Apple’s organizational culture is the key factor in its continuing success of business, as

organizational culture establishes and maintains the business philosophy, values, beliefs, and

related behaviors among employees. Apple has an organizational culture for creative innovation,

which focuses on maintaining a high level of innovation that involves creativity and a mindset

that challenges conventions and standards.

2.0 Overview of the company

Founded by three men Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in 1976, Apple Inc. one of

is an American multinational technology company specializes in consumer electronics, software,

and online services. Why is it called Apple? As stated by Steve Jobs in his biography, the name

created after he just returned from the apple farm and thought the name sounded “fun, spirited

and not intimidating” (Isaacson, 2011). Apple is the world’s largest information technology

company by revenue totaling $365.8 billion in 2021 and, as of January 2021, it is the world's

most valuable company, the fourth-largest personal computer vendor by unit sales and second-

largest mobile phone manufacturer. It became the first publicly traded U.S. company to be

valued at over $1 trillion in August 2018, then $2 trillion in August 2020, and most recently $3

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trillion in January 2022. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies,

alongside Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

3.0 Culture of the organization

3.1 Excellence
Both Steve Jobs and Tim Cook has the reputation of firing anyone who doesn’t meet the

company’s standards. They only hire top notch employees who can consistently contribute to the

growth factor of the organization particularly in product design and development. They also have

a reward program for the outstanding performers at work.

3.2 Moderate Competition

During the tenure of Steve Jobs, competition amongst employees was more prevalent, as he used

to randomly challenge employees to see if they are worthy of being in Apple. Tim Cook

recognized that for there to be harmony and collaboration amongst teams there must be a

moderate level of competition that will guarantee that growth and enhance output. This

sociableness makes certain that the employees are putting their sole focus on the work at hand

rather than creating a toxic workplace with dirty politics.

3.3 Integrity
This culture of secrecy is still embedded in the company’s human resource development in the

pursuit of minimizing theft of information, data, and intellectual property. Employees are

encouraged to practice this strategic management approach to keep business information within

the company as it gives Apple the leading competitive edge. There are strict policies, rules, and

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employment contracts around the protection of information leaking. This helps Apple stay safe

from corporate spying and employee poaching.

3.4 Teamwork
Every week, Apple staff convene for a three-hour meeting to discuss expectations and progress.

Employees have faith in one another to execute high-quality work on schedule and with minimal

supervision. Steve Jobs used to oversee that the organization is operated on ideas rather than

hierarchies, encouraging employees to be creative (Meyer, 2019).

3.5 Innovation & Creativity

Apple’s organizational culture is the torchbearer of ‘rapid innovation’ and is recognized as one

of the most innovative companies in the world. Apple's management encourages employees to

use their knowledge, skills, and abilities creatively. This aspect of the corporate culture allows

the organization to assure enough creativity, particularly among staff involved in product

creation and development. The design and features of iPhones, Macs, and iPads, as well as other

items in Apple's marketing mix or 4Ps, demonstrate this inventiveness.

4.0 Two strengths of the culture

4.1 Creativity and Innovation

Since its foundation in 1976 Apple has always prided itself on being the most innovative

company in the world. It went from a computer manufacturer to a successful all-rounder that has

extended its product range to mobile phones, televisions, and even providing music services.

All the employees at Apple are encouraged to think outside the box and come up with creative

solutions and new technologies. As asserted by Khan, Alam, and Alam (2015), Apple has created

an effective process that inspires creativity. The first step in this process is also the most

important, which is research. It is in this part of the process where employees come together and

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discuss what existing technology can be improved or see if there is a space in the market for new

technologies. Furthermore, Apple only focuses on a few products for a market segment and tries

to make them as perfect as possible. It therefore pays significant attention to product design,

functionality and usability to differentiate itself from competitors, and to contribute to customer

loyalty in terms of high perceived value (Morrison, 2009).

4.2 Maintaining a high level of Secrecy

There are only a few companies that are more secretive than Apple. Secrecy at Apple is not just

used as a communication strategy, but it is a part of the company culture. Employees working on

important projects are made to follow a rigorous security code to prevent leaks at the company.

Moreover, there is also evidence that some workers cover up their devices with a black cloak

when they are working (Stone and Vance, 2009). Secrecy is so important at Apple that it has

been noted that some senior engineers at the company had no idea what the final product was

going look to like when the product was launched. Secrecy is possibly more important to Apple

than other technology companies. Apple has always managed to come up with new technologies

and keeping these technologies a secret is why they have managed to grow so fast in the last two

decades.

5.0 Strength analysis & evaluation

5.1 Teamwork and group Efforts

Apple is all about innovation and creating new technology first. Employees of Apple must team

up and work together to make a successful product. Apple has 7 key components about

teamwork. The first is that one person is in charge. The second is that project teams at Apple

must meet once a week. Third, teamwork starts at the top of the organization then trickles down.

Trust is the fourth component. The fifth component is to have wonderful arguments. Sixth, one

must let people make decisions. The last, and the most important, is to work towards one goal.

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5.2 Goal setting

Employees at apple strive to believe in their goal of delighting the customer.

In support of the goals, the Apple Incorporation has organized several training and development

schemes designed to help its people fulfil their potential. For instance, Apple Incorporation

initiated the ‘lead to succeed program’. It is built around the core business values and is aligned

with the business strategy. In addition, Apple began a pilot program in 2009 called Supplier

Employee Education and Development (SEED), which provides computer-based classroom

learning, technical skill training, and even associate degree programs.

5.3 Motivation and leadership

There are many brains behind the creation of new Apple technology, and this requires co-

workers to have each other’s backs and support one another. Rewards are also given based on

performance. In addition, expectancy theory also comes in hand. Apple Inc. is widely known for

its exceptional leadership qualities. Tim Cook has six major beliefs that shape his leadership

style. The first belief is don’t fix what isn’t broken. The second belief is to keep calm and have

faith. The third belief is don’t try to be what you’re not. The fourth belief is that you can be nice

and competitive. Making risky and smart bets is the fifth belief. The sixth and final belief of Tim

Cook is to put your money where your mouth is. With these six beliefs, Tim Cook has been able

to project the quality leadership skills necessary to continue Apple Inc.’s success.

6.0 Challenges & Recommendations

6.1 Challenges faced by Apple Inc during the pandemic

Following are some challenges faced by Apple:

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6.1.1 Reluctance to return to work
When Tim Cook sent out an email asking the employees to return to the office three days a week

starting in early September, the employees pushed back against this policy. Without the

flexibility of working from home, the employees felt like they were made to choose between

their families, personal well-being, or being a part of Apple. Due to this policy, many employees

subsequently resigned (Schiffer, 2021).

6.1.2 Better working conditions

Some of the employees’ personal experiences were shared on a blog called #Appletoo, a

movement is organized by Apple security engineer Cher Scarlett that highlighted issues like

inequality, discrimination, racism, sexism, suppression, and so on. Moreover, a walkout was

arranged by apple employees to demand better working conditions. Their demands included

hazard pay, healthcare premium coverage, more accessible paid leave, protection from abusive

customers, and sanitized working conditions to protect against Covid. (Potuck, 2021)

6.2 Recommendations using OB theories

The following are my recommendations:

6.2.1 Health and safety

For employees who are concerned about their health and safety, returning to a physical

workplace may be overwhelming. Therefore, Apple should ensure that proper safeguards are in

place and that they are communicated. It is also important to consider acknowledging the non-

work stress on employees. Employee experience extends beyond a physical location. For

example, employees may still find it difficult to commute, obtain childcare, and cope with the

ongoing disturbances in their life. They will be less productive at work because of these

pressures. Therefore, Apple should encourage its employees to communicate the specifics of

their situation. Leaders should ensure that coping skills are communicated in a consistent
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manner. They should promote well-being training to respond to mental health needs and provide

easy-to-access support programs. In addition, steps should be taken to increase employee

engagement. Employee development, social interactions, joint projects, and cross-training are all

strategies to help employees adjust to their workplace faster.

6.2.2 Compensation negotiation and establish an inclusive environment

Apple may negotiate the salaries of its employees and if an increase may not be possible, other

non-monetary incentives such as flexible working hours, public recognition, opportunities for

professional and personal development, rewards, could be used instead. Reasonable and

equitable Hazard pays, and premium coverage should compensate vital and frontline employees

who are exposed to COVID like those who work in stores. Offering additional days off gives

employees more personal time, which helps them re-energize and do their jobs more efficiently.

In addition, a safe working atmosphere should be provided where employees are able to speak

out and be heard. To promote inclusion, leaders should use inclusive recruitment tactics. They

should also encourage constructive arguments, provide feedback, and act on the advice of a

diverse workforce. Lastly, to address pay inequality, the organization can use analytics to

discover which employees are underpaid for identical tasks or responsibilities.

7.0 Conclusion

As an industry-leading international enterprise, Apple’s organizational culture of excellence,

moderate competition, and integrity has laid a solid foundation for its business development. Not

only that, but Apple has also taken good advantage of creativity and innovation, and high level of

secrecy as well, which are the strengths of the culture, to win a large market share and create

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extraordinary business value. Behind the strengths of corporate culture, teamwork and group

efforts, goal setting, and motivation and leadership play a crucial role. Now facing the challenges

brought by covid-19, we believe that Apple not only should pay more attention to employees’

health and safety but also focus on working diversity and an inclusive working atmosphere.

These can help Apple overcome difficulties and achieve higher goals

8.0 References

 Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.

 Apple Inc. (2022, March 4). Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy

Statement. Retrieved March 27, 2022, from

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/320193/000119312522003583/

d222670ddef14a.htm#tx222670_39

 Apple Inc. (2021, October 28). Apple Reports Fourth Quarter Results. Retrieved March

27, 2022, from

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/pdfs/FY21_Q4_Consolidated_Financial_Statements.p

df

 Podolny, J., & Hansen, M. (2020). How Apple Is Organized for Innovation. Harvard

Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/11/how-apple-is-organized-for-innovation.

 Le, T. Inside Apple’s company culture: Collaborative and inspiring. Blog.grovehr.com.

https://blog.grovehr.com/apple-company-culture

 Colquitt, J., Lepine, J. A., & Wesson, M. J. (2014). Organizational Behavior: Improving

Performance and Commitment in the Workplace (4e). New York, NY, USA: McGraw-

Hill.

 https://carolinealbanesesite.wordpress.com/

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 Meyer, P. (2019). Apple Inc.’s Organizational Culture & Its Characteristics (An

Analysis) - Panmore Institute. Panmore Institute. http://panmore.com/apple-inc-

organizational-culture-features-implications

 Khan A.U., Alam N.M., Alam S., 2015, A critical analysis of internal and external

environment of Apple Inc., International Journal of Economics, Commerce and

Management, Vol. III, Issue 6.

 Stone, B., & Vance, A. (2009, June 23). Apple’s obsession with secrecy grows stronger

(Published 2009). The New York Times - Breaking News, US News, World News and

Videos. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/technology/23apple.html

 Eadicicco, L. (2015, June 27). The culture at Apple is so secretive that some employees

didn't know they were working on the first iPad until Steve Jobs unveiled it on stage.

Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/the-culture-at-apple-is-so-secretive-

that-some-employees-didnt-know-they-were-working-on-the-first-ipad-until-steve-jobs-

unveiled-it-on-stage/articleshow/47846050.cms

 Stress in america - american psychological association. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2022, from

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2021/sia-pandemic-report.pdf

 Schiffer, Z. (2021, June 5). Apple employees push back against returning to the office in Internal

letter. The Verge. Retrieved April 6, 2022, from

https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/4/22491629/apple-employees-push-back-return-office-

internal-letter-tim-cook

 Potuck, M. (2021, December 24). Some apple employees plan Christmas Eve walkout [update:

Demands incl. raises, hazard pay]. 9to5Mac. Retrieved April 6, 2022, from

https://9to5mac.com/2021/12/24/apple-christmas-eve-walkout/