Strategic Marketing Assignment - Ge's Ability to Appoint

Discuss what was critical in GE'S ability to appoint Jeff Immelt as CEO of one of the world's most complex organisations

1 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Chief Executive Officer is the overall topmost man/woman in the helm of affairs and management of an organisation or establishment. His job description encompasses virtually all aspects of the business; he shoulders the most important role in the management of an organisation.

1.1 Critical issues in Jeff Immelt's appointment as CEO of General Electric.

Age: According to (Charan et al 2000), companies require seasoned candidates who can be relied on to hold the CEO position for ten years and above, serious development should begin by 30 years of age. Jeff had age in his favour; he joined the company at the age of 25 and therefore had the opportunity to grow with the company.

Talent identification: To build effective leadership at all levels, (Charan 2005), suggested that the organisation must identify leadership candidates early, provide them with growth assignments and train them. Jeff's natural abilities as a leader was identified early by his mentor Dennis Dammerman who was quoted as saying this"it was clear he had natural leadership traits", he was therefore given every opportunity to utilise his potentials in the organisation.

Leadership Expertise/ Qualification and Leadership Skills: Jeff is an MBA holder from the reputable Harvard University. In quoting (Hollander 1978 p.154), "competence is still the most important single factor in the leader's effectiveness. A growing body of evidence suggests that a leader's perceived competence accounts for a great deal of his or her success". Also , (Podsakoff et al 1983), noted that individuals such as Jeff who demonstrated competence and expertise is more likely to be accepted as a leader and would exercise a greater measure in influencing and changing the behaviour of his subordinates. He possesses cogent leadership skills as mentioned above which