GE Case Questions / Baldrige Assessment

Refer to Supplemental Case Materials:
“Jack Welch: Profile in Business Leadership” by John McKissick, Penn State Management Development Programs and Services (GE1.pdfPreview the document)
Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence (GE2.docx)Preview the document
Quesitons to answer:
Read the case materials and submit typed answers (1 page maximum) to the instructor prior to the case being discussed in class (no credit will be given for late submission).
What was the condition of GE when Jack Welch took over in 1981? Describe in one paragraph the gap between “what was the current reality in 1981” and “what was desired.”
Why did Jack Welch concentrate on “best practices” and “work out” actions for “gap closure?” How did these efforts run counter to the prevailing culture? How did he influence the behaviors of executives and managers?
What potential resistance or negative consequences might result from the implementation of such “gap closure” actions?
Summarize the “lessons learned” relating to the most significant attributes or principles of leadership appropriate to the case.
From what you read and what you know about GE, rate the organization using the Baldrige Criteria Assessment form contained in Module 1 (Segment 1.7) and indicate your rating total (0 to 1000) and any comments.
Grade-Sheet: GE / Baldrige Self-Assessment (50 points)
This assignment will be evaluated using this grade-sheet.
_____ Described in one paragraph the gap between “what was the current reality in 1981” and “what was desired.” (10 pts)
_____ Explained why Jack Welch concentrated on “best practices” and “work out” actions for “gap closure; how Welch’s efforts run counter to the prevailing culture; how Welch influenced the behaviors of executives and managers? (10 pts)
_____ Explained what potential resistance or negative consequences might result from the implementation of such “gap closure” actions? (10 pts)
_____ Summarized the “lessons learned” relating to the most significant attributes or principles of leadership appropriate to the case. (10 pts)
_____ Provided a rating of GE, using the Baldrige Criteria Self-Assessment form contained in Module 1 and indicated their rating total (0 to 1000) and comments. (10 pts)
_____ Total Points (50 Max)