Using the case: "G.E.'s Two-Decade Transformation..." (Harvard Business School case, no. 9-399-150) by Christopher A. Bartlett and Meg Wozny:
Question 1. How difficult a challenge did Welch face in 1981. How effectively did he take charge?
Question 2. What was Welch's objective in the series of initiative he launched in the late 1980?s and early 1990's.? What was he trying to achieve in the round of changes he put in motion in that period? Is there a logic or rational supporting the change process?
Question 3. How does such a large, complex diversified conglomerate defy the critics and continue to grow so profitably? Have Welch's various initiatives added value? If so, how?
Question 4. What is your evaluation of Welch's approach to leading change? How important was he to GE's success? What are the implications for his replacement?