Title: General Electric after Jack Welch: succession and success?

Authors: Pier A. Abetti

Addresses: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Lally School of Management & Technology, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA

Abstract: Succession in large established corporations is a difficult process, particularly after a charismatic leader. This paper discusses the succession at GE, after 20 years of leadership by Jack Welch. One theory states that GE is built to last and the ||GE System|| will take care of the transition from Welch to his designated successor, Jeffrey Immelt. The second theory states that Welch is a unique leader who controls GE|s destiny and will be difficult to follow. The challenges to Immelt and two strategic alternatives that he could adopt are discussed.

Keywords: Ggeneral Electric; corporate succession; Jack Welch; corporate strategy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2001.002983

International Journal of Technology Management, 2001 Vol.22 No.7/8, pp.656-669

Published online: 09 Jul 2003 *

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