Question 3 (33 marks)

Lou Gerstner, former CEO of IBM, has strong views on why successful companies often fail. He goes on to comment that enduring companies we see are not really companies that have lasted for 100 years. Theyve changes 25 times or 4 times over the 100 years. His prescription for this for strong leaders to inoculate their firms against complacency and continuously push their firms forward. He adds that leadership that really counts is the leadership that keeps a company changing in an incremental, continuous fashion. You are requested to think of an organization leader that you know (or read about).

Critically discuss whether or not this leader was effective and was able to bring about a significant organization change. Explain reasons behind this leader success (or failure).(400 words)