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General Electric: From Jack Welch to Jeffrey Immelt

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General Electric: From Jack Welch to Jeffrey Immelt
Case Analysis
General Electric: From Jack Welch to Jeffrey Immelt

The need for Jeffrey Immelt to develop into a level 5 leader is imperative for GE to continue to grow and prosper in the current economic conditions of global expansion and constant change.  Immelt can also benefit GE by becoming a level 5 leader by focusing on developing and empowering employee values and intrinsic motivations rather than facilitating initiatives to carry out his own vision. By Immelt developing into a level 5 leader and creating an open and trusting environment, he will empower employees to rebuild GE’s infrastructure that can hold strong and prosper through the new and demanding global expansion. Jack Welch led the way that was authentic to him and what economic conditions valued at the time. He was successful by giving the company of GE a clear vision and opening up opportunities for employees to efficiently carry out his objectives. He gave stability to shareholders at a time of economic worry and more than doubled GE’s market cap. Although his practices deemed profitable he did not build internal company infrastructure that would carry GE into the future. Instead he weakened internal relationships and did not empower employees to use their talents to embark on new and innovative projects. Immelt is faced with the challenge of getting the GE employees to develop a trusting and open relationship that can grow GE into new markets and hold stable in a time of constant change. His humility and professional will create a new environment for GE that will be profitable from long-term investments, social responsibility, and employee empowerment. Immelt is already leading in his own authentic way by being people-oriented and concentrating on effectiveness rather than efficiency. If he can continue to stay true to his authentic values while developing them further into a level 5 leader, GE will manage to stay competitive in the new economic market.



References: Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2009). Leadership. Organizational Behavior (pp. 26-28). Arizona State University: McGraw-Hill Education. Mark, K. (2008). General Electric: From Jack Welch to Jeffrey Immelt. Richard Ivey School of Business, A, 33-42. Paduru, A. (n.d.). Welch vs. immelt.Upload & Share PowerPoint presentations, documents, infographics. Retrieved October 14, 2013, from http://www.slideshare.net/AnudeepPaduru/welch-vs-immelt

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