Apollo 13 Leadership Case Study

This case study examines the leadership styles demonstrated in the movie "Apollo 13." It focuses on the transformational leadership of Gene Kranz and Jim Lovell, highlighting the idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration they exhibited. The analysis delves into how these leaders managed the crisis, motivated their teams, and fostered innovation under immense pressure. The case study also explores the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making in overcoming challenges. References to relevant books and online resources are provided.

LEADING CHANGE: A CASE
STUDY ON APOLLO 13

Case analysis Apollo 13 movie
Apollo 13 is a 1995 American docudrama space adventure film which was directed by
Ron Howard. Further, the entire firm is based on astronauts Lovell, Fred Haise and jack Swigert
for Amercia’s third moon landing mission. Howard went to great lengtsh with the motive to
develop technically accurate movie which considers NASA technical support and flight
controller training and granting permission to film scenes which is associated with reducing
gravity aircraft for realistic depiction of the weightlessness which was being experienced by
astronauts in the space (DAVE., 2011). In the entire movie different leadership styles were
employed where flight controller John Aaron declares that, in order to get stricken shuttle power
output down to 12 amps. The entire firm Apollo 13 is based on coordination of massive team
with the motive to reach towards goal and each and every individual supporting in resolving the
issue. Further, type of participative style is being employed where role of every person was
crucial and it was the grounded pilot who applied large amount of efforts.
The main characters associated with the movie named Gene Kranz and Jim Lovell
reflected the transformational style of leadership through the entire movie. Both these individuals
used this style where leader worked with subordinates with the motive to manage change through
inspiration, support and every individual was motivated to deal with change in effective manner.
The four main characters of this leadership style was present which involves idealized influence,
inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration (HAVILAND,
2015). Gene Kranz who played main role in the movie has been demonstrated as idealized
influence in various conditions. Further, all the people associated with mission control assumed
that astronauts were dommed and along with this many difficult decisions were taken. All the
type of communication took place with the help of body language, imagery etc. During the
movie Ken mattingly communicated to Jim Lovell that individual is not able to go to Apollo 13
mission because he has been exposed to measles. Therefore, in this case, Jim demonstrated
idealized influence by carrying out what is ethically right.
Next crucial factor such as inspirational motivation was undertaken where main motive
of Apollo 13 was to land on the moon where leaders took initiative to motivate constituents so
that astronauts can reach back to earth safely. Intellectual stimulation as a key characteristic of
transformational leader was employed where main responsibility of leader is to motivate

individuals so that they can find solution through innovation. So, in Apollo 13 different
situations were handled properly by applying ideas through innovation and creativity. Gene
Kranz demonstrated intellectual stimulation where best possible solution was found to the
problems being faced (Snook, Nohria and Khurana, 2011). In the entire move challenge was
given to build solution to rising CO2 level. Further, Gene delegate responsibility to one of the
staff member to use box of resources that can be found on space shuttle for decreasing level of
CO2. Therefore, by employing this attribute all the major issues being faced were tackled in
proper manner.

REFERENCES
Books
Snook, S. Nohria, N. and Khurana, R., 2011. The Handbook for Teaching Leadership:
Knowing, Doing, and Being. SAGE Publications.
Online
DAVE., 2011. TOP 5 LEADERSHIP MOVIES: APOLLO 13. [ONLINE]. ACCESSED
THROUGH <HTTP://WWW.MOVIELEADERSHIP.COM/2011/08/18/TOP-5-
LEADERSHIP-MOVIES-APOLLO-13>. [ACCESSED ON 18TH OCT 2016].
HAVILAND, K., 2015. ENDURING LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF APOLLO 13. [ONLINE].
ACCESSED THROUGH <HTTPS://KEITHHAVILAND.COM/2015/04/13/ENDURING-
LEADERSHIP-LESSONS-OF-APOLLO-13>. [ACCESSED ON 18TH OCT 2016].