Apple’s organizational culture is one of main reasons behind the company’s success. But, the times are changing and they need to understand that some of their cultural practices would not be acceptable in the future (Spiegelman, 2012). Some of the changes and improvement that Apple needs to make to their organization culture are improving working conditions in Chinese assembly plants, overcome the secrecy of working, and collaborate with social. Making change in these areas is necessary as the company’s culture needs to evolve as the business world evolves.
Working Conditions
One of the areas of concern for Apple’s culture has been the working conditions maintained in the Chinese assembly plants (Michaels, 2012). In 2012, NY Times reported major working condition problems in their Chinese assembly plants (Duhigg & Barboza, 2012). Apple needs to commit to developing a fair and safe working environment in their assembly plants. It was also reported that Apple factories were using underage workers and it was an active part of their supply chain. It is important that the use of underage labour is eliminated from the company’s supply chain. Apple needs to pass the rule that hurting underage workers would be a firing offense. Apple needs to set up auditing facilities for their assembly plants that go deep into the supply chain and fix the company’s problems. Having transparency would be helpful for the company as worker safety standards need to be set. It is important assembly plant workers in China are able to work free of discrimination and get paid competitive wages. Overtime is also another problem as several workers have been working for more than 60 hours. It needs to be changed as it hurts the reputation of the tech giant.
Overcome Secrecy Policy
Another concern for the company is that their business follows a highly secretive culture when it comes to developing new technologies (Dormehl, 2016). This needs to change as their business depends on hiring the best talents available in the market. It is frustrating when employees and freelancers cannot update the product they are working on or discuss the latest developments of the company. Apple suffers due to their strict, negative and overly harsh corporate business environment for their developers. Inability to talk about their work affects their social status as it hinders their morale and position in the workplace and outside it. Even though Apple still retains the best talent in the industry, it might not last for the long term as another tech company might provide better working conditions and poach the best talents from Apple. They need to ensure that employees overcome the feeling of being locked up to achieve for the organization.
Collaborate with Social
One of the areas of Apple’s culture that can be improved is through collaboration, especially by going social. Apple has already learned the advantages of collaborating with Twitter and optimizing their brand through Facebook, now they need to start taking advantage of customer interest in being social (Jackson, 2013). The problem is that getting social would go against the company’s culture. Apple needs to understand that times have changed and they need to make moves. They need allow being social to integrate and assimilate in their culture and understand its growing relevance (Lashinsky, 2012). Collaboration or acquisition is the next move for Apple in the social game, but it is important that they retain the people who created the social channels they acquire as it is the only way they would retain things that are special about their acquired company’s culture.
Reference List
Dormehl., L. (29 January 2016). Apple’s problems blamed on ‘hostile’ corporate culture. Available: http://www.cultofmac.com/409637/apples-problems-blamed-on-hostile-corporate-culture/. Last accessed 19 August 2016.
Duhigg., C & Barboza., D. (25 January 2012).In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad. Available: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/ieconomy-apples-ipad-and-the-human-costs-for-workers-in-china.html?_r=0. Last accessed 19 August 2016.
Jackson., E. (26 February 2013).The 5 Big Problems Facing Apple - None Of Which Is Too Much Cash. Available: http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericjackson/2013/02/26/the-5-big-problems-facing-apple-none-of-which-is-too-much-cash/#adeefc133e46. Last accessed 19 August 2016.
Lashinsky., A. (24 May 2012). How Tim Cook Is Changing Apple. Available: http://fortune.com/2012/05/24/how-tim-cook-is-changing-apple/. Last accessed 19 August 2016.
Michaels., P. (14 February 2012). Cook: Apple will lead the way in improving working conditions. Available: http://www.macworld.com/article/1165380/cook_apple_will_lead_the_way_in_improving_working_conditions.html. Last accessed 18 August 2016.
Spiegelman., P. (13 December 2012). Tim Cook's Attention to Culture Will Grow Apple Even More. Available: http://www.inc.com/paul-spiegelman/why-apple-will-make-even-more-money-a-change-in-leadership.html. Last accessed 18 August 2016.
