HRM 4481 Troy University GEs Strategic Management Questions

Question Description

Read case study, “Succession Management at General Electric”.

Answer case questions 1-3.

Succession Management at General Electric

General Electric (GE) is widely recognized and respected for its leadership talent and its succession management system. One of the best examples of succession management is how GEs former CEO, Jack Welch, shaped and elevated the companys philosophy, practice, and reputation for developing leaders. In a 1991 speech, Welch stated, From now on, choosing my successor is the most important decision Ill make. GEs commitment to developing leaders from within has yielded positive results for both the companys employees and for GE. In fact, the program has been so successful that its been widely emulated by other global organizations.

Measuring and developing talent lies at the forefront of GEs business strategy discussions. GEs operating system, referred to as its learning culture in action, entails year-round learning sessions in which leaders from GE and outside companies share best practices with one another and generate ideas for new practices. Harry Elsinga, manager of executive development at GE, notes, We really have a tight organization around how we combine our leadership meetings and how we approach our business. We have a constant cycle going on throughout the year where we talk about business and people at the same time. How do we develop talent in those businesses, how do we make sure that we have the right people to open a particular plant or to do an acquisition, etc.? Those discussions always go hand in hand. And its not a one-time kind of conversation; this is a constant, ongoing process.[ii]

GEs succession management system is fairly simple. GE managers and executives are moved from job to job every two to three years, and each job change or promotion is a well-thought-out process that provides managers with much-needed experience and exposure to certain elements of the business. This has allowed GE to build a management team that is very knowledgeable and experienced.

Questions

Do you think that GEs approach to succession management would work for all organizations? Why or why not?
What are some possible disadvantages of moving people to new jobs every two to three years?
Why does GEs succession management approach work so well?

Rubric

HRM4481 Grading Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuality of Writing and Proofreading

3.75 pts

Written responses are free of grammatical spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing facilitates communication.

3 pts

Written responses are largely free of grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The style of writing generally facilitates communication.

2.25 pts

Written responses contain a few errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation, etc. Some errors but not so many to indicate repetitive distractions.

1.5 pts

Written responses include some grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors. The errors distract the reader.

0.75 pts

Uses incorrect grammar and incorrect sentence structure consistently. The errors interfere with the communication process.

3.75 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeComprehension of material

4.5 pts

The writer understands significant ideas relevant to the issue under discussion. This is indicated by correct use of terminology, precise selection of information components required to make a point. Correct use of examples .

3.6 pts

Able to distinguish and comprehends a deeper meaning on most occasions. Ideas are reasonably clear. Some subjective evaluation is necessary to determine what the writer means.

2.7 pts

Comprehends the surface level meaning of the material and begins to relate issues to general knowledge and experience

1.8 pts

Demonstrates some basic comprehension of the material . Does not make connections with the bigger picture.

0.9 pts

Not comprehending or reflecting on what is read or viewed

4.5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLength, content and ability to interpret and answer assignment

2.25 pts

Work demonstrates that all tasks were completed Showed some originality and extra initiative in completing assignment.

1.8 pts

Work demonstrates that significant effort was made to attempt all aspects of the assignment. Ideas connected clearly.

1.35 pts

Work demonstrates that some effort was made to attempt all tasks that were assigned. Occasional sense of engagement of writer with the subject matter.

0.9 pts

Little effort was made to attempt all tasks that were assigned. Ideas were connected but weak

0.45 pts

Very little effort was given to the task assignment. No response was given.

2.25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRelevance of answers, opinions and ideas.

4.5 pts

Student is clearly expressing arguments, opinions and responses in answering assignments. Superior ideas and insights. Answers are clear and complex.

3.6 pts

Student is more consistent in expressing arguments, opinions and responses when answering assignments

2.7 pts

Student is learning to develop and express arguments, opinions and responses in answering assignments. More complex and insightful answers.

1.8 pts

Not developing their ability to express arguments, ideas or opinions. Ideas are not complex or insightful. May include some information that distracts from central purpose.

0.9 pts

Student is not able to express opinions, ideas, and responses due to inadequate writing skills. Ideas are unclear.

4.5 pts

Total Points: 15