This past January, GM promoted an individual to become the new head of Vehicle Development. This individual was not just anybody, however, this individual happens to be a female. This is a very interesting story becuase women are not always seen to be in the leading spot, let alone, of Vehicle Development. This job tends to fall in the hands of men.
General Motors Co. Cheif Executive Officer Dan Akerson named human resource head Mary Barra senior vice president of global product development. This is going outside the current vehicle team for the new leader of the futer models. Many may say that this is going against a "tradition" or "norm" of having men take care of the automotive area. However Barra has an outstanding background in manufacturing which gives her additional knowledge of GM's network. Some may also believe that this is a risky move of Akerson, current CEO, becuase there hasn't yet been anyone as good since Lutz was in the lead.
Ms. Barra was already GMs highest ranking woman, and has served prior to HR, was vice president for global manufacturing engineering and manager of an assembly plant in Detroit.
I believe that this is a great move on GM's part. They are setting the stage and adding a new style to the market. They will benefit from her experience and different opinions. She will demonstrate good leadership through her collaboration with two other individuals who will be helping her to get the different areas of the company working together. As stated in an article, "Her ability to collaborate and build strong relationships will enhance the company's ability to deliver the products today's customers demand." Do you think it was a good idea for GM to be the first to have a women in the spot of Ms. Barra. Was it the right move?
Posted By: Laura Whisenhunt
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I do think that this was a great move for GM to make. By hiring a woman to take control of the vehicle development department it will allow for the company to get a new perspective on the designing of cars. Men might have one idea when it comes to the way cars should look and how they perform and women will have different ways of thinking. It is very important for the company to design their cars the way that a woman might like. This will help with adding a little differentiation to their car lines by providing new perspectives. This hiring should act like a domino effect by showing other companies that putting women in charge is great for their business and that there is no such thing as a job that is considered to be a mans only job.
ReplyDeleteSaying that i do believe that this is a great move and it should have a major impact on GM. What i am interested in seeing how long it will take for others to follow. Do you think that others in the car business will wait to see if shes successful before they consider hiring a woman in this position or start to hire women in positions like these regardless of what happens. Also if she does not succeed would that have an impact on women and their chances to take over positions that are considered to be a "mans job".
Posted by: Jim Link
I think that this is a good move for GM but we are seeing more and more women in the higher offices of organizations. Hopefully she will have what it takes to lead GM to a state of Profitability. Has she made any leading decisions or anything of that nature since she has been in the position? If so, what?
ReplyDeleteJeffrey Parrish
In order for other companies to follow in GM's footsteps, they need to have to individuals with the skills and experiences needed for these jobs above the "glass ceiling". I believe that Ms. Barra has a great amount of crystallized intelligence throughout all of her experiences with the company. She has learned the culture of GM as well as taking in many experiences throughout her time going up GM's ladder. I don't think just anyone can take on the responsiblity that Barra has. It takes a good amount of skill and intelligence, which she has.
ReplyDeleteI believe that she will have an impact on the automotive industry whether she is successful or not. Other companies are most likely watching what is going to happen next with her in the leading role. If she is not successful, I certainly hope that other companies would not promote women just becuase of one mistake from one women.
Posted By: Laura Whisenhunt
Laura i agree with you when you say that all women should not be looked at by one womans mistake in higher positions. Men are not looked at that way if another man does something wrong so that should be the same for women in the workforce. I also agree with you when you say that she will have an impact on the automotive industry whether she is successful or not. If she were to do some things wrong than people in the car business will be able to learn from her mistakes and make those things that once were problems into something good. Also like i said in my previous post women bring different things to the industry. They have different insights and different ideas that men do not have and since women are half the consumer base of automobiles its important to know what they like. Men might be able to speculate or kind of take a stab at it but only women really know what women want.
ReplyDeletePosted by: Jim Link