In 2014, General Motors (GM) newly appointed CEO, Mary Barra, was confronted by an issue at the company. In this case analysis, you will explore what happened, what structural problems led to the issues at GM, and assess

Due 10/1/2026 3 pages

Textbook: Ivancevich, J.M., Konopaske, R., & Mattesonm, M.T. (2023) Organizational Behavior & Management (12th Ed.). McGraw-Hill ISBN: 1308324677 or 9781308324678 (Student Value Edition).

In 2014, General Motors (GM) newly appointed CEO, Mary Barra, was confronted by an issue at the company. In this case analysis, you will explore what happened, what structural problems led to the issues at GM, and assess the leadership response to the issue.

Please review the following materials:

1. First, please watch this ABC News Report from 2015, detailing the problem and the penalties that were faced by GM at the time: 

Then read the following articles: 

2. This interview from 2014 with Mary Barra. https://www.businessinsider.com/gm-mary-barra-recall-crisis-leadership-style-2018-11

3. This 2014 Time article detailing some of the issues at the company. https://time.com/2863214/weve-all-got-gm-problems/

4. This 2020 article on Fox Business that details Mary Barra's discussion with Adam Grant on her reflections of how the crisis was handled. https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/mary-barra-gm-2014-recall-scandal-winning-formula

After reviewing the materials provided above, you will analyze the case, with particular emphasis on the models and theories described in the chapter readings. 

1. Problem identification: What is the problem described in the case? Why is this a problem for the organization as a whole (i.e., the implications of this problem for the business and its units)? Be sure to cite your sources as you integrate concepts from our reading (i.e., at least the textbook and case). 

2. Knowledge integration: Which of the theories or concepts from the chapter readings help to explain what has happened at the organization? BE SPECIFIC and SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENTS by using information from the materials provided and the textbook. I will look for evidence of critical thinking here, so just picking any theory that does not match the situation presented will not lead to success in the assignment.  Be sure to cite your sources as you integrate concepts from our reading (e.g., the textbook and any other materials provided). 

3. Solutions: Describe how Mary Barra addressed the problem at GM, while integrating concepts from the course. Discuss the appropriateness of her leadership response at GM, supporting your arguments with the chapter materials. Be sure to cite your sources (i.e., the textbook and case materials). 

4. Additional solutions: Based on your readings, describe two practices that could have further strengthened GM's response, while integrating concepts from the course. Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each proposed practice. Be sure to cite your sources (i.e., at least the textbook and provided materials). THESE SHOULD BE YOUR OWN IDEAS BASED ON YOUR CHAPTER READING, NOT THINGS YOU READ ON THE INTERNET, OR AI-GENERATED CONTENT. This should be completely original. Copying or paraphrasing ideas from other sources will cause a failing grade in the class. Choose one solution you believe will be the most appropriate to address the problem at the organization. Explain why, based on the readings, you believe this is the most appropriate solution. 

Formatting:

This assignment should be in paragraph format, 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, and 3 pages of writing (not including the cover page and reference list). APA Style is required! All sources should be cited, and this should include at least the case and your textbook. Do not forget to include a reference list. Please include the NSU cover page.

The above four headings should be used so I can easily identify what you are discussing in each section. All assignments will be checked via Turnitin. If you use an AI tool in any way, document it using the table provided in the assignment template. Note that using an AI tool without disclosing it will amount to academic misconduct and will be reported to the college's administration. 

Template for Assignment: 

Use the attached template for your assignment, by removing my instructions and adding your content:

Helpful tip: here's what the reference list entry for a video from YouTube looks like. 

Author, A. A. [Screen name]. (Year, Month Day). Title of video [Video]. YouTube. URL