Influence of Corporate Strategy and Governance: Apple Inc. Case Study

This research proposal examines the influence of corporate strategy and governance on employee performance, using Apple Inc. as a case study. The introduction provides an overview of corporate strategy and governance, highlighting their impact on employee productivity and organizational success. The research aims to analyze this influence, focusing on Apple Inc.'s structure, objectives, and the impact of corporate strategy and governance on its employees. The literature review explores the concepts of corporate strategy and governance, discussing Apple Inc.'s structure, the impact of strategy and governance on employee performance, and the implications of governance failures. The proposal includes research questions and objectives to guide the investigation, along with an outline of the research methodology. The report will identify ways to overcome governance failures and the role of employees in ensuring effective corporate governance. The study is expected to provide insights into best practices for aligning corporate strategy and governance to enhance employee performance and organizational effectiveness.

RESEARCH
PROPOSAL

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................2
Secondary and primary research undertaken.................................................................................10
Critical review of the results of the research.................................................................................14
Recommendation and action plan..................................................................................................16
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................19

TITLE
“To analyze the influence of corporate strategy and governance on employees
performance”. A case Study on Apple Inc.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of the research
Corporate strategy is considered as the hierarchically highest strategic plan of an
organization, which explains the corporate goals and different ways to attain them within
strategic management (Huveneers and Robbins, 2014). Corporate strategy takes a portfolio
approach to strategic decision making through analyzing all the aspects of organizational
business to evaluate how to create value for business growth. Corporate governance is
determined as the mechanism, process and relations through which organizations are controlled
and directed in right direction. Corporate governance mainly includes balancing the potentials of
company's major stakeholders like management, customers, suppliers, shareholders, financiers,
government and the community. Corporate strategy and governance provides an appropriate
frame work to an organization to implement its all business operations in effective and efficient
manner. It also has a huge influence on the performance and productivity of employees as a
proper assistance and management helps the employees in moving forward towards right
direction.
Background of the Research
Corporate strategy and governance is refers as a essential tool of management which
plays vast role in managing the performance and operations of the firm through providing proper
assistance to their employees. Apple Inc. Is the chosen company for this particular project it is an
American multinational technology company, headquartered is in Cupertino, California. The
company majorly deals in selling consumer electronics, computer software and online services.
The company operates its business operations at wide scale and widely concern on developing
their operations and functions in effective and efficient manner (Ibrahim, 2016). The research
into consideration is based on the influence of Corporate Strategy and Governance on employees
performance of Apple Inc. as a large and well reputed company it is essential for Apple Inc to
conduct its business operations as per corporate strategy and governance policies, in order to
attaining higher growth and profitability within the market place. The major reason for
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conducting the research is to resolving the issues related with corporate strategy and governance
in respect to maximizing the operations and performance of employees. The specified area of
study helps in developing the knowledge and skill base of learner in the area of corporate
strategy and governance.
Research Aim
This considered to be the most essential element of the research as it helps the
investigator in carry out the research activities in right direction (Muzwardi, 2015). The essential
aim of the research is “To analyze the influence of corporate strategy and governance on
employees performance”. A case Study on Apple Inc.
Research Objectives
 To ascertain the concept of Corporate strategy and Governance and structure followed
by Apple Inc.
 To evaluate the Impact of corporate strategy and governance on the performance of
employees within Apple Inc.
 To identify the implication of corporate strategy governance failure.
 To determine the ways to overcome governance failure and role of employees.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of Corporate strategy and Governance and structure followed by
Apple Inc?
 What are the Impact of corporate strategy and governance on the performance of
employees within Apple Inc?
 What are the major implication of corporate strategy governance failure?
 What are the essential ways to overcome governance failure and role of employees?
Literature Review
Corporate strategy is refers as the scope and direction of a corporation and the way in
which its different business activities and operations work together to attain organizational
specific goals. Corporate governance is also an essential term which consist as a system of rules,
practices and processes through which a business organization is concern on managing and
controlling its business operations. As a large business organization Apple Inc is widely concern
on implementing its all business operations as per the guidance of corporate governance, as it
create value in completion of organizational objectives in effective and efficient manner.
2

Corporate governance is determined as the set of processes, customs, policies, laws and
institutions affecting the way a corporation is assisted, controlled and administered. In an
organization it is required for the management department to implement effective corporate
strategy and policies so that performance of employees can be developed in effective manner.
Employees and workers are the key aspect of the firm as the whole activities and operations of
an organization is based on the performance of the employees.
Concept of Corporate strategy and Governance and structure followed by Apple Inc
According to Jeston (2014), Corporate governance is a broad concept and it is difficult to
understand and describe. Corporate governance is generally defined as a system which is assisted
company in controlling and directing all its activities in a better manner. This aids company in
providing rights and responsibilities in a right manner. For example: board, managers,
shareholders, stakeholders, executives etc., However, according to some of the definitions it can
be said that corporative governance can be mainly classified into two elements i.e. value
creation indicates setting of long term goals which are achievable and all these objectives are set
by keeping shareholders into consideration. Another element is value protection which is
generally based on accountability of managers along with this all the aspects and interests are
protected so that company can sustain the interest of shareholders as well as stakeholders.
Therefore, if an administration set appropriate laws and regulations than company are
bound to follow these rules which will gradually maximise the profitability of the firm (Rummler
and Brache, 2012). Thus, because of this organisation can add some value in their business and
for its shareholders as well. There is a link between corporative governance and performance of a
company because if company's growth is evaluated on the basis of targets they have achieved in
a speculated time frame.
Henceforth, Corporate Governance provides a framework of rules, regulations which are
generally exercised by companies for achieving goals and objectives. Thus, Apple Inc., are
considering certain key principles of corporative governance and these are rights possessed by
shareholders, firm should equally treat its shareholders so that nobody is entertained or provided
benefits. Maintaining transparency between shareholders and stakeholders so that mutual
understanding can be established. Furthermore, on the basis of this structure followed by Apple
are given below:
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In Apple Inc., Board of directors have eight members and they are well experienced and
have solid leadership. Other than this, three members consist of CEOs and two Chairman.
Benefits of the structure followed by company is that they have a tight control over all the
resources which are essential for different aspects of business activities (Huveneers and Robbins,
2014). Furthermore, every segments of company perform their activities with responsibility in an
effective manner and it is because of systematic procedure of transferring objectives which are to
be achieved. There was a time when Apple Inc. was facing challenges such as decline in sales
and profitability hence, to overcome with this problem company made changes on a regular basis
which in return increased the efficiency of the organisation and development practices.
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Impact of corporate strategy and governance on the performance of employees within
Apple Inc.
According to views and opinion of Hancock and et. al. (2013), it has analysed that
business corporations are created to address those objectives which are more important than
creation of products or services. It defines the purpose of business for satisfying specific needs of
society. In general, such organisations face a tug of war while protecting the interest of
stakeholders (suppliers, customers , employees etc.) and shareholders (legal owners). Therefore,
it is essential for them to work on corporate governance. It provides a detailed disclosure of
information as well as an account of other business data also. For example: Financial situations,
ownership and governance, performance, commitment to ethics and values of business,
relationship with shareholders etc. Within Apple Inc. good corporate governance provides better
access to raise capital which tends to increase economic growth as well (Hair Jr and et. al.,
2015). Governance rules in general, directly impacts on the performance of employees of any
company. As if corporate rules are effective than it may ensure that business environment of
such corporations are fair and transparent. It also reflects that organisations can be held
accountable for actions also. Similarly, poor corporate governance in a firm leads to
mismanagement, waste and corruption. Therefore, it is essential for managers of Apple Inc.
while designing set of governance rules, it should deliver sustainable and effective performance
of business. They should concern on implementing the value of transparency, fairness,
accountability and responsibilities for both stakeholders and shareholders.
As per views of Hafsi and Turgut (2013), it has summarised that concept of corporate
governance includes a system of practices, rules and processes by which a company is directed
and controlled. Therefore, if such policies are made in ethical manner than it will helpful in
getting support of employees for expansion of business. Conversely, a firm can also loss control
over their workers if such rules are failed to create transparency and fairness within workplace.
By applying the core principles of effective corporate governance in terms of accountability,
responsibility, transparency and more, Apple Inc. can boost morale of employees in following
manner:-
 Fairness: It states that well organised compliance and governance programs, tends to
create positive impact on morale of employees. As reputation of any company is based on
attitudes of employees. If corporations like Apple Inc. place an extra burden on its
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governance and compliance requirement then it turns to get high quality and principled
workers. It also helps in increasing productivity of workplace because encouraged and
motivated staff members give support in enhancing efficiency of operational and
production activities. In this regard, it becomes essential for Apple Inc. to make a proper
investment in compliances. It helps managers to make secure agreements with partners
and suppliers on more favourable terms as well as seize upon business opportunities as
well.
 Accountability: It refers to the responsibilities and obligations of corporation which
gives an explanation for business actions and conducted activities. In this regard, Apple
Inc. its managers are required to give an explanation about balanced assessment of
position and prospects of company (Grayson and Hodges, 2017). They are also
responsible to determine nature and extent of risks that business is willing to take.
Furthermore, by giving information to employees and communicate with them at regular
basis, aid this firm in getting cooperation of them for implementing new policies.
 Responsibility: The Board of Directors (BOD) of Apple Inc. have authority to assign
roles and responsibilities to workers. They are also responsible to monitor the
management and affairs of company. Therefore, BOD should be made accountable to
workers for the way in which they have to carry out their activities.
 Transparency: It is the main key role of corporate governance which provides clear
information to employees. It includes business activities, future plans and objectives as
well as risks associated with business strategies. The transparency refers to willingness
and openness to disclose performance related to finance of a company. Therefore, Apple
Inc. must include workers in decision making processes and give them opportunity to
share their views and opinion on the same.
Major implication of corporate strategy governance failure
As per perceptions of Forth and et. al. (2013), it has evaluated that corporate strategy
governance is mostly incorporated by companies in order to improve business operations as it
helps in providing s structure through which entire task and activities can be directed and
managed. But it is a debatable concept because it has some limitations which can hamper
company's performance. Some of the failure of corporate strategy governance are mentioned
below:
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Putting pressure on employees: Most of the companies can put pressure on managers
and employees in order to achieve targets and convincing their shareholders as well as
stakeholders (Saeidi and et. al., 2015). For example: Making changes in set policies and
organisational structure, directly impacts on working procedure of employees. It puts pressure on
them to accept modifications and work as per requirement of business. It leads to decrease
morale of workers which turns to decrease their productivity and level of performance also.
Ineffective Power Distribution: One of the important reasons of failure of corporate
strategy governance is the ineffective distribution of power between Chairman and CEO of a
company. It is very necessary for organisations to differentiate roles of these two entities. In
some cases, both the positions are occupied by a single individual. This results in over
concentration of power which in turn dilutes the possibility of the board supervising company’s
management.
Risk Management: It is very important for companies to establish efficient risk
management practices within the organisation. Many organisations facilitate weak risk
management, which can be a grave danger for all the organisation’s functions. Ineffective
strategies to avoid contingencies cause corporate strategy governance failures.
Flow of Information: It is crucial that the organisation adopts practices in which the flow
of information is in a systematic and timely manner (Schaltegger and Wagner, 2017).
Information is very useful for the board as it makes them familiar with the strategies, risks and
performances of the organisation’s CEO. A board requires important information regularly
which sets a base for their further roles. Inefficiency in this system causes ambiguity in the
organisation’s structure and corporate strategies fail.
Weak Internal Management: A weak internal management causes inefficiency in the
operations of a firm. Organisations tend to under-deliver in cases where the internal management
is weak. In times of change or formulation of new policies, weaker management fails in
implementing these strategies in the organisation. As a result, risk level rises and corporate
strategies fail.
Inadequate Policies: Generally, due to non-evaluation of procedures and policies, the
firm implements those policies which drives organisation towards loss. Weak strategies cause
ineffectiveness in an organisation’s functions. It hinders performance of employees as well as
overall management of a company.
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Poor Documentation: For the upper management to form stronger and flexible strategies,
it is important that proper documentation with accurate facts and figures be presented to the
Board (Epstein, 2018). Poor documentation would cause rise in misinformation and formulation
of weaker strategies.
Conflicts of interest: It is required that outside directors aim at gaining profits for the firm
rather than themselves. Sometimes too many outside directors cause such conflicts of interests
and corporate strategies fail to attain the set objectives of the firm. Moreover, such conflicts
cause enhances unethical practices within the organisation and set an example for the employees
to wrongly attain their personal goals rather than that of the company.
Improper Audit: Financial data and statistics of a company are contributing factors
towards formulation of effective corporate strategies. Improper auditing and aggressive
accounting practices not only generate incorrect data, but also change the perspective of the
board towards company’s strengths and weaknesses. Inefficient auditors often cause misbalance
in company’s financial resources which causes under or overutilization of these resources.
Corporate strategy governance failures drive an organisation towards ineffectiveness and
incompetence. Outcomes of these failures are weaker management which makes it even more
complex for the company to achieve its goals (Eccles, Ioannou and Serafeim, 2012). Ineffective
policies and responsibilities often increase conflicts and poor decision making in complex
situations. Thus, companies must avoid these threats and weaknesses in order to eradicate
friction from their operations.
Essential ways to overcome governance failure and role of employees
As given by Du,and et. al. (2013), corporate governance, a process through which
business organisations can control or direct themselves with an ease. It has been analysed that
governance mainly includes principles that carries distribution of rights and responsibilities
among different participants in the corporation and some of these are: board of directors (BOD),
managers, shareholders, creditors, auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders and includes the
rules and procedures for making decisions in corporate affairs. In previous years, governance has
helped business firms in raising themselves up where they can get high range opportunities as
well but it did not helped out from preventing organisations with financial crisis and corporate
collapses. Trying to resolve problems with the help of corporate governance is not at being
considered as an easy task. Therefore, it is not just some technical or implementation issues, but
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more about the issues of paradigms, governing approaches and the orientation of corporate
governance systems, which are deeply deep-rooted in Anglo-American financial capitalism. In
context of Apple, it is required for organisation to understand the whole process related to
corporate governance. So that they may easily find out a number of ways related to overcome
from governance failure.
Some of ways in present context are given below: Increase Diversity : This is being considered as one of crucial way through which
corporate governance failure can be reduced to minimal. Recruiting more and more
women in Apple and bring them equal to the number of male employees (De Grosbois,
2012). With the help of bringing more female staff at workplace can help Apple and other
business organisations in improving performance and overcome governance failure. Appoint Competent Board Members : Another way through which nominating committee
of the organisation should deliver adequate time so that to identify board members who
have the skills and industry knowledge to assist the board. Ensure Timely Information : Timely information results in better decision-making. Senior
management has to provide timely information to ensure proper board supervision and
direction. Board members, however, should not be overwhelmed with information. This
may lead firms to improve corporate governance in much effective and efficient ways at
workplace.
 Prioritize Risk Management : In present time, this is also being considered as a way that
may easily help board to establish a much more effective system so that risks can be
managed with an ease. “Risk” is not confined to compliance risks. It is a broader term
which incorporates all of the risks to Apple.
According to views of Chang (2016), employees plays a crucial role when it comes to
prevent an organisation from facing number of problems like governance failure and some on.
Few of their roles are mentioned beneath:
 Employees within an organisation needs to be serious about their work.
 It is important for staff to have proper knowledge regarding products and services of the
company. It is also necessary for them to avoid spreading fake information and they also
should not take things lightly.
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 Apart from this, it is being considered as another role of staff to respect both company
and to staff members as well with an ease.
 Another role of employees of Apple to think out of the box and always keep their
behaviour positive in nature and try to come up with innovative ideas and strategies to
overcome tough times as soon as possible. On the other hand, it is also required for staff
members to must identify the causes of crisis and devise relevant strategies and ways to
avoid it and this may lead business firms to overcome governance failure.
Secondary and primary research undertaken
Research is process through which data is collected by investigator in respect to research
topic. It is essential an individual ascertain knowledge and information for conducting activities
in creative and systematic manner. Primary and secondary are tools through which investigator
collect past and current data from marketplace and public. Documentation, exploitation,
reporting and interpretation are various tasks which are executed by researcher. Original
research, artistic research, research in humanities and scientific research are various categories in
which an investigation can be used. In organisation, research is executed by senior for gaining
information about firm's market image (Lee and et. al., 2013). They require to have knowledge
about quality of items and services for making conclusion about offerings. Henceforth, these are
two bases in which researches are executed are described beneath:
Exploratory: It is kind of investigation which comprises open ended questions that result
into lengthy interviews. Researcher didn't have predetermined set of questions which they
directly ask from client to gain feedback and opinions. When they interview people than
communication process enlarges which result into timely activity of investigation. Researcher
keep on asking questions to gain insight and depth knowledge in respect to topic or problem of
investigation. Thus, this is effective method by which investigator collects adequate information
for making appropriate results and outcomes.
Specific: This is another form of research from which investigator collect information in
respect to concerned topic. For this, individual formulate questionnaire and make plan in respect
to execute activities systematically. This helps researcher to save from lengthy research work and
collect adequate knowledge for making adequate conclusions. They are also able to solve
problems for benefit in respect to research.
Data collection: These are two types of data collection which are stated below:
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Primary Research: This is one of tool which is used by investigator to collect first hand
information that help them to make appropriate interpretations and conclusions. Interview,
survey, observation, questionnaire are various primary techniques. These tools are used by
investigator to collect data themselves for making true and fair results (Muzwardi, 2015).
Customers, employees and all other stakeholders are respondents through which information in
authentic manner with respect to research topic or problem is made. Investigator contact to
respondent which help them to have true information. Thus, researcher make outcomes which
are beneficial in according to issues or research topic. In primary research, researcher use to
collect data from the very beginning rather than depending upon previous gathered data. An
issue that requires depth analysis is taken care of using this primary research method. These are
different types of primary tools which are describes below:
Interview: It is also known as qualitative method to gather data. This is an old method of
collecting data. In this approach, interview either can be taken face to face or through telephone.
It involves interaction among researcher and respondent. Face to face approach is better and
more appreciable because it results in mores success. But this highly depends on the ability of
interviewer to ask questions. This method of research usually lasts for half an hour or some time
more. If the researcher didn’t have enough time telephonic interviews can solve this problem.
Online surveys: In today’s time it is the widely used method to gather data. This is a
convenient approach as it can easily pass on to millions of people within a short span of time. E-
mails are widely used for this purpose. This method of research can be easily carried out by basic
digital technology like phones, smart pads etc. when a survey is carried out, a fixed amount of
time is given to respondents to answer them (Nasir and Subari, 2017). One thing is taken care of
while carrying out research i.e. surveys must be of short length.
Questionnaire: It is a research tool which comprises of a number of questions. In this
method questions are asked from different people. Information is gathered in accordance with
that. They have some advantages that other methods don’t have one of them is conducting
questionnaire is a cheap process. They have standardized response which is very easy to compile.
A questionnaire can either focuses on the questions that involve separate behavior or it is related
with questions that are summed up as an index. Both types are widely acceptable to carry out
research in several fields.
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Secondary Research: This research consists collection of data from existing resources. It is
based on the primary research done by someone else for his personal usage. Researchers collects
data and evaluate and summaries them as per the requirement, it enhances the effectiveness and
efficiency of available data and information. Secondary data is easily available from different
sources. It is very economic to collect these data and it consumes very les amount of time for
collecting data. Data collected from this method provides idea for effectiveness of primary data.
This research can be performed within few weeks as it depends upon the amount of data needed
or required. Data can be collected from government website research reports, library, journal and
magazines etc. the following are some methods of collecting secondary data:
Government and nongovernment agencies: Researchers collect secondary data from
government and nongovernmental agencies. These entities have relevant and trustworthy data or
information which is required for getting effective and efficient results. There are some
development centers and specific department from where they can collect the information.
Collection of data from these agencies includes some cost to have access on these. Thus, data is
authentic and reliable as they are controlled by the government of nation.
Public libraries: This one is also a very cost effective method for gathering data. Public
libraries store vital research copies that were performed by some researchers earlier. Libraries
have collection of important information from which researcher can extract data for their usage.
These data can be collected from newsletter, government publications, collection of business
directories, market statistics etc.
Data available on internet: As this can be said as an important, easiest and popular
source of collecting information. Information is already available on websites, there is no
wastage of time to search data. Also it is a very cost effective method because one need not to be
pay for using it, and in some cases there is a very small amount has been charged. Information is
available in bulk to organizations that can be used by them according to their respective needs.
But one thing that should be kept in mind is to collect data from authenticated websites.
Commercial information sources: Sources generally includes television, newspaper,
radio, magazines which are used mainly for conducting secondary research (Post and Preston,
2012). First-hand information is available to businesses and individuals about political aspects,
economic developments, market trends etc.
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Educational institutions: Research can be conducted on colleges and universities as these
can be said as most underrated sources. Data accumulated by universities are mostly to carry out
primary research but organizations can connect to them for providing data for secondary
research. Information is collected by students for completing their assignments. For instance,
scholars have to carry out research for completing their degree. Thus, information collected are
then used by several companies.
Private publications: There are some public organizations which are connected to the
educational institutes for publishing their data and reports. They prepare reports on employment,
exports and imports etc. so researcher who need this kind of data can collect from this sources.
Research Methods
Qualitative and quantitative are the two major methods of complete a research. Under
quantitative research researcher collect data in terms of number and figures and different
statistical data is use to examine this type of data. on the other hand, in qualitative research,
investigator focus more on quality of information. qualitative research method is taken in present
report and one of the main reason behind this is that it help in carry out an in depth analysis of
research topic which help in draw valid and reliable conclusion (Nasir and Subari, 2017). This
provide an opportunity to researcher to analysis every aspect of research which enhance
knowledge and information of researcher.
Research approach: It is an essential component of research methodology which
influence on selection of investigation tools. Inductive and deductive are two kinds of tactic in
which first define that researcher ascertain solution in respect to problems or questions framed in
beginning.
Resource
Resources are determined as the key element of the research, as it is essential for the
investigator to make proper arrangement of resources in order to conducting all the operations
and activities in effective manner. There are various resources that are required to be considered
by the researcher at the time of conducting an investigation work, some are associated as below:
Finance: It is the primary need of a researcher, as it is necessary for the investigator to
maintain appropriate flow of funds and capital so that each and every activity of the research are
implemented in effective manner.
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Data Access and Equipment: This is also an essential area of research as it is also
important for the investigator to gather reliable and fact-full data in order to completion of the
work within the prescribed time duration. In an investigation data has been gathered through
primary as well as secondary source of data collection as these are effective in providing relevant
information in order to completion of the work in effective manner.
Time: An another major obligation of the researcher is that, it is also essential for the
research to create an appropriate time scale in which all the activities are implemented as per
their priority. A proper time management plan helps in completion of the work in a systematic
manner.
DATA ANALYSIS
QUESTIONNAIRE
1.) Are you aware with the concept of corporate strategy? Frequency
 Yes 35
 No 5
2.) Does corporate strategy influence on employees performance of Apple
Inc.?
Frequency
 Yes 28
 No 12
3.) What are the main reasons behind failure of corporate strategy for Apple
Inc.?
Frequency
 Putting pressure on employees 14
 Ineffective Power Distribution 11
 Inadequate Policies 15
4.) Does corporate strategy leads to failure of governance within Apple Inc.? Frequency
 Yes 30
 No 10
5.) What are the main tools to overcome from governance failure? Frequency
14

 Increase Diversity 18
 Appoint Competent Board Members 14
 Prioritize Risk Management 8
6.) Give any recommendation for developing policies as per corporate
governance for Apple Inc.
Theme 1: People are much aware about the concept of corporate strategy
1.) Are you aware with the concept of corporate strategy? Frequency
 Yes 35
 No 5
Interpretation: As per this above graph, it has interpreted that today in modern world, people
become more aware about each and every aspect of business. Among 40 respondents, 35 are
15
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Column B

familiar with the concept of corporate strategy and governance of companies. While other 5
haven’t much information about the same.
Theme 2: Corporate strategy influence on performance of employees
2.) Does corporate strategy influence on employees performance of Apple
Inc.?
Frequency
 Yes 28
 No 12
Interpretation: Since every policy and strategy of business impact more on employees and their
performance. Therefore, in context with corporate strategy, it also affects performance of
workers of Apple Inc. According to survey on 40 respondents as shown in mentioned figure, it
has analyzed that 28 of them are agree with this statement. While remaining ones that are 12
didn’t agree with the same.
Theme 3: Inadequate policies is the biggest reason behind failure of corporate strategy
within Apple Inc.
16
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column C

3.) What are the main reasons behind failure of corporate strategy for Apple
Inc.?
Frequency
 Putting pressure on employees 14
 Ineffective Power Distribution 11
 Inadequate Policies 15
Interpretation: According to above mentioned graph, it has analysed that corporate policies of
Apple Inc. impact negatively on its business. 14 among 40 users have believed that such
strategies puts a high pressure on workers which leads to failure of strategy. Other that this, 11
respondents said that due to ineffective power distribution, this company has faced this issue.
While 15 are in favour with the cause of inadequate policies.
Theme 4:
4.) Does corporate strategy leads to failure of governance within Apple Inc.? Frequency
 Yes 30
 No 10
17
Putting pressure on employees
Ineffective Power Distribution
Inadequate Policies
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Column F

Interpretation: This figure stated that among 40 respondents 30 users believe that corporate
strategy can lead Apple Inc. to failure its governance. While 10 people didn’t think the same.
Theme 5:
5.) What are the main tools to overcome from governance failure? Frequency
 Increase Diversity 18
 Appoint Competent Board Members 14
 Prioritize Risk Management 8
18
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column D

Interpretation: From this figure it has analysed that in order to overcome from occurrence of
failure of strategy and corporate governance, managers of Apple Inc. are needed to concern on
various solutions. This graph depicts that out of 40 users, 18 believe that increased diversity at
workplace helps in reducing the chance of failure of governance. While 14 respondents have said
that appoint competent board members is quite effective solution for such an issue. Other than
this, remaining 8 have suggested to prioritize risk management plan.
Critical review of the results of the research
Corporate Strategy Governance can be defined as strategic policies which are formulated
by a company in order to bring efficiencies in business and maintain sustainability. In context
with Apple Inc. which is famous for its innovation and offer electronic products like iPhone,
internet services and more. This firm has given responsibility to its board of directors to build
effective corporate strategies so that business can gain effective results. It leads to generate better
outcomes which will further help in getting better position at marketplace. For this process, it is
necessary for its directors to concern on employees while making corporate strategy. They must
ensure that whatever strategies they should impact on performance and productivity of workers
in positive manner. To evaluate this concept that how corporate governance of Apple Inc. affect
on its employees performance, the present research was done (Stewart, and et. al., 2018).
Therefore, in this regard, critical review on the basis of investigation report is given below:-
19
Increase Diversity
Appoint Competent Board Members
Prioritize Risk Management
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column K

In Apple Inc, corporate structure and governance is considered as the broader concept. As
a result, it is a difficult and critical to understand and implement. Corporate governance is termed
as the system and structure which is generally which is implemented in every company for
controlling and directing all the defined activities in an appropriate manner. This is helpful in
aiding the clear understanding of the roles and responsibility of the governance in the corporate.
Corporate governance may create mission, vision and values for the company. Corporate
governance is basically classified into two broad categories: value creation and value protection.
Value creation focuses on the setting of long term business goals and believes in the
accomplishment of the set consideration (Rodriguez, Peterson and Krishnan, 2012). Value
protection is measuring the accountability of the managers in relation with the shareholders,
customer, creditors etc. Value protection would helpful in the saving the interest of stakeholders
and customer. It needs to discuss that corporate governance provides the framework of rules and
regulation with the purpose of achievement of the set objectives and goals. Hence, Apple Inc
considers some set of the principle and norms in order to maintain the decorum and favourable
interest in an organisation. ]
According to the different views and opinions, it is analyzed that various business
corporation are made for addressing the those objectives which are more than their products or
services. Such impacts defines the purpose of the company to satisfy customer needs and wants.
In other words, big organisation like Apple faces the number of wars in order to protect their
stakeholder’s interest and value of the shareholders. In context with the Apple Inc, an effective
governance provides better and effective access to the availability of the capital as well as
increase in the growth of the company (Walls, Berrone and Phan, 2012). Such governance also
increase and enhance the performance of an employee with the desired objectives and
goals/targets to be achieved during the limited period of time. Corporate strategies can enhance
the growth ability of an organisation to perform approximately better and efficient. Furthermore,
this research also made a data for analyzing problems faced by Apple Inc. during implementation
of business strategies. It includes mismanagement, conflicts, additional workload, higher
expectation of employers. All these causes in Apple Inc. are directly impact on performance of
workers and their abilities. Any change in organizational plan and strategies will hamper
working procedure which leads to create issues in front of employees also. They are forced to
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adopt changes and have to work on new techniques. Therefore, such conditions may create
complexities in front of managers in managing and maintaining the entire functions of business.
In this regard, they can adopt effective approaches to deal with employees’ issues and turn
their negative issues into positive one (Wu and Lu, 2012). It includes organizing training
program where workers can become familiar with new concepts of corporate governance and
way to carry out business activities. This may develop their skills and abilities which are required
to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Along with this, communication on regular basis
with working staff to provide them prior information about changes that is going to implement at
workplace. It also leads to gain support and positive behavioral response of workers towards new
policies. By informing employees about how new corporate laws will prove beneficial to them
and what problem they might face by not accepting the same, aid managers of Apple Inc. to
influence them. Through this process, employees also can understand the purpose behind
changes in business strategies and give their high contribution in achievement of set goals and
objectives in set period of time.
Recommendation and action plan
As per this mentioned essay it has recommended to Apple Inc. that its Board of Director
must understand the concept of corporate strategy governance (Benn, Edwards and Williams,
2014). While developing any policy and design corporate rules, they must ensure impact of the
same on performance of employees. By creating transparency, accountability, responsibility and
fairness, corporations can boost employees morale. In other words, corporate governance is said
to be strategy by which a firm can maintain a proper balance between sustainability and
profitability of business. Therefore, after initiating corporate strategy governance within
business, Apple Inc. becomes able to stay competitive marketplace and increase performance of
business. Through this process, it also gains opportunity to maintain reputation at marketplace by
which sales performance can be increased. As this firm is known for its innovative and creative
products therefore, good corporate governance aid managers to get support of employees in
maintaining its reputation as well.
Along with this, to implement action plan, Board of Directors of Apple Inc. should
incorporate those corporate rules and regulations which are beneficial for sustaining the loyalty
of employees and customers (Barnett and Salomon, 2012). In order to develop effective plans,
they should ensure that it should bring flexibility within workplace and run business as per trends
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of marketplace. They should analyse that any policy will not put additional pressure on
employees. As it leads to reduce their productivity and level of performance at workplace.
Therefore, this company needs to make a proper discussion with employees and provide them
information about what strategies are going to implement in organisation. In addition to this, they
should create transparency at workplace which gives opportunity to workers to share their views
and opinion for increasing productivity of business. This would help in reducing the occurrence
of employee resistivity which may arise due to corporate governance and change in
organisational structure. It leads to gain support and high contribution of workers towards
achievement of business objectives. Further to gain sustainability in business, managers of Apple
Inc. should organise training and development program at organisation. By taking such learning
and training sessions, workers can develop their skills and knowledge related to corporate laws
and give better performance accordingly. This would lead to improve performance of company
and brings efficiencies in business as well.
In order to take decisions and formulate policies as per the government rules, Apple Inc.
require to conduct research. For carry out research in effective manner, researcher of enterprise
requires to formulate an action plan which consist different activities require to complete a
research on a topic (Yin and Zhang, 2012). Introduction, formulation of research objectives,
aims, literature review, evaluation, conclusion and recommendation are the major activities
included in a plan. Introduction is the first part of every research which cover basic information
about the main topic of research and also reflect the main purpose behind carry out research all
this require at least two to three days to complete. All individuals included in complete the
research conduct meetings or do group discussions to determine all the resources and other
necessary tools require to complete the research. This is one of the most essential activity of
every research so it is very important that this need to be done in an effective manner. Further,
after taking opinions and by examine the point of view of every member formulation of aims and
objectives is done. It is very important that aim and objectives of research should be clear, simple
and reliable as this is the elements on which whole research is based on. Mainly aims highlight
the purpose of conduct research and objectives reflect what researcher wants to explore or study
during whole research to draw conclusion (Apple enhances corporate governance, 2018). Almost
3 to 4 days require in formulation of research aim and objectives. In context of Apple Inc
research is done to examine the requirement of corporate strategy governance in governance. For
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this following are the main objectives prepared by all the people responsible to complete
investigation.
After this literature review is conducted in order to examine the various aspect of
research. Various primary and secondary sources of data collection is used by researcher in order
to study all the relevant factors related with the main topic of research. Mainly literature review
make the researcher aware about the view point of other researcher and authors which enhance
researcher understanding help in find and effective solution of the issue. Secondary sources are
easy to collect and analyze and also help in understand the concept in depth (Aebi, Sabato and
Schmid, 2012). All these procedures help researcher in draw valid conclusion which serve as a
source for future research. After that researcher take help of various research methods and
methodologies in order to examine all the data collected for the main purpose of research. All
this improve the quality of research findings and make the results more reliable. All these are the
main activities that require to perform by the individuals of Apple Inc, who are involve in
complete research. All these require at least to days to complete. After this, conclusion and
recommendation is given on the same, in this, researcher indicate the areas which require
improvement in order to deal with the issue. This activity is required to complete in 2 to 3 days.
Action Plan
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Online
Apple enhances corporate governance. 2018. [Online]. Available Through:
<https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2003/03/20Apple-Enhances-Corporate-
Governance/>.
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