ARNOLD ZIO
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPRING 2013
SUCCESSION PLANNING ON APPLE CORP "Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing trained corporate employees with leadership skills and the ambition to take on a leadership positions within a company. Succession planning makes the availability of experienced and capable employees that are prepared to take on a leadership role as the time comes for availability". "In the business world many companies have been strategizing better ways to identify, develop, and retain their talent for decades" In correlations with Apple's CEO Steve Jobs, who influenced more than just computer design during his career. "Jobs leadership style, and hands-on management approach have ignited the envy of many executives and spread fear to more than a few employees and competitors". Jobs' leadership and management practices have made Apple the world's most valuable company. Succession planning is an necessary aspect of corporate life, when planning is done properly and business transitions go smoothly. But When these planning is neglected, the results can be disastrous. Example when: Hewlett-Packard and Yahoo both fired their CEOs because of a non clear succession plans in place. Apple's CEO Steve Jobs succession planning took place in Cupertino California at Apple's headquarters. This planning must have been years in the making given the seriousness of Jobs health being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Knowing that he was not in shape to continue the role of CEO , jobs decided to take the position of chairman and appoint Tim cook the Vice president as CEO. Jobs did the best succession planning for Apple by appointing Tim Cook as CEO why? Because Jobs knew his coworkers and staff and their leadership roles. "Tim Cook, joined Apple in 1998. Over the years, he climbed the