A 3-5 Page APA Style Paper On The Following Topic

A 3-5 Page APA Style Paper On The Following Topican Inspired Leader Wh

A 3-5 page APA style paper on the following topic: An inspired leader who also occupies the top management position often relates to poor performance and slow response to change, especially if the CEO remains in position for a long time and is able to challenge the Board of Directors. Steve Jobs led APPLE to great success and then left, only to return in order to provide renewed direction. What happened? Research the news and media reports, and share your thoughts in a 3-5 page review of related articles and publications. Remember to cite all your references! Your paper must have three parts: a. Review of articles b. Your opinion c. Citations

Paper For Above instruction

Analyzing Leadership Impact: Steve Jobs’ Return to Apple

Leadership within corporate settings significantly influences organizational performance, adaptability, and innovation. Particularly, the dynamics between inspired leaders occupying top management roles and their longevity in such positions can have profound implications. While inspired leadership fosters motivation and vision, extended tenures—especially when leaders challenge the board or resist change—may hinder organizational agility and growth. The case of Steve Jobs and Apple exemplifies how leadership transition and renewal can reinvigorate a company's strategic direction and market success.

This paper is structured into three parts: a review of relevant articles and media reports, a personal analysis and opinion, and proper citations of sources. The review section synthesizes insights from scholarly and journalistic sources about leadership dynamics, the Apple case, and the implications of long-standing top executives. The opinion section reflects on the findings, considering leadership theories, organizational behavior, and the specific context of Steve Jobs’ leadership. The conclusion underscores the importance of strategic leadership renewal for sustainable corporate success.

Review of Articles

The literature highlights that inspired leadership is generally associated with positive organizational outcomes, including innovation, employee motivation, and performance (Bass & Avolio, 1994). However, when such leaders remain in power for extended periods, especially without fresh perspectives, organizations often experience stagnation or resistance to change (Tushman & O'Reilly, 1996). The concept of leadership renewal and succession planning is emphasized as a crucial factor in maintaining organizational vitality (Rost, 1993). Media reports about Steve Jobs’ tenure at Apple deepen this understanding, illustrating how his initial leadership drove innovation, yet periods of absence prompted the company to diversify its leadership approach.

Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. and served as its visionary leader, inspiring a culture of innovation that led to revolutionary products such as the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook (Isaacson, 2011). His leadership was characterized by intense focus, personal charisma, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. However, his initial departure from Apple in 1985, following internal conflicts, underscores the risks of long-term concentrated leadership. During Jobs' absence, Apple struggled with product innovation and market share, which media reports suggest was due in part to a lack of visionary leadership (Lashinsky, 2012). When Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he implemented strategic changes, fostered innovation, and significantly boosted Apple's market value (Lashinsky, 2012).

Studies and media narratives reveal that Jobs’ return exemplified effective leadership renewal. He challenged existing organizational structures, infused a rejuvenated vision, and fostered a culture conducive to innovation (Isaacson, 2011). His leadership exemplified transformational leadership qualities, inspiring employees and aligning organizational efforts toward shared goals. Importantly, his return also reaffirmed the importance of strategic succession planning and leadership flexibility, avoiding complacency associated with long tenures.

Your Opinion

From a personal perspective, the Apple case illustrates the importance of periodically revitalizing organizational leadership through fresh perspectives and strategic changes. While inspired leaders often serve as catalysts for innovation, their prolonged dominance may impede necessary adaptation if they become resistant to the evolving business environment. Steve Jobs’ departure and subsequent return highlight that leadership renewal can be strategically vital, especially in highly competitive industries like technology.

Leadership theories such as transformational and adaptive leadership support this view, emphasizing the need for leaders who motivate followers while also embracing change and innovation (Bass & Avolio, 1994; Heifetz & Laurie, 1997). The Apple example underscores the benefit of leaders with visionary qualities who can challenge stagnant practices and foster a culture receptive to change. Furthermore, it teaches that organizational resilience depends on structures that enable succession planning and leadership renewal, preventing stagnation associated with long tenures (Rost, 1993).

In my opinion, organizations should foster leadership agility, encouraging periodic reassessment of leadership effectiveness and strategic alignment. The Apple case demonstrates that even iconic leaders require support, renewal, and sometimes replacement to sustain long-term success. It also suggests that the presence of a visionary leader like Jobs can catalyze change, but dependence on long-term individual dominance may limit organizational adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

Citations

• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
• Heifetz, R., & Laurie, D. L. (1997). The work of leadership. Harvard Business Review, 75(1), 124-134.
• Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
• Lashinsky, A. (2012). Inside Apple: How America's most admired—and secretive—company really works. Hachette UK.
• Rost, J. C. (1993). Leadership for the twenty-first century. Praeger Publishers.
• Tushman, M. L., & O'Reilly, C. A. (1996). Ambidextrous organizations: Managing evolutionary and revolutionary change. California Management Review, 38(4), 8-30.

References

• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
• Heifetz, R., & Laurie, D. L. (1997). The work of leadership. Harvard Business Review, 75(1), 124-134.
• Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs. Simon & Schuster.
• Lashinsky, A. (2012). Inside Apple: How America's most admired—and secretive—company really works. Hachette UK.
• Rost, J. C. (1993). Leadership for the twenty-first century. Praeger Publishers.
• Tushman, M. L., & O'Reilly, C. A. (1996). Ambidextrous organizations: Managing evolutionary and revolutionary change. California Management Review, 38(4), 8-30.