A great body of research exists that suggests that organizations can effect changes, whereas others suggested that organizations tend to are victims of inertia. Bill Gates has been the topic of more research papers than any executive in current history. It can be said that his company Microsoft has helped create the computer age.
In this analysis, the theory of a charismatic leader is applied to Bill Gates. His management style is analyzed within the framework established by leadership theorist Conger who suggests that a charismatic leader is one who has both vision and strategy. Gates himself is quoted from his Playboy interview, as well as concepts and ideas from his 1995 book, The Road Ahead. The analysis concludes with recommendations that would be made to Gates, should the opportunity arise.
BILL GATES: A CLASSIC CHARISMATIC LEADER
It has become increasingly clear that the concept of leadership has drawn heightened attention from scholars and management theorists. The primary literature concerns essays and theories about transformational leadership, usually divided into categories such as visionary, or charismatic (Conger, 1989). It is generally agreed that the main goal of strategic leadership calls for the leader to create the strategy and the form of an organization. In Conger's view, the charismatic leader is defined by his foresight and vision (Conger, 1989).
Conger could have been writing about Gates, whose foresight and vision regarding personal computing have been an essential element of the success of Microsoft and the software industry. Gates maintains an active involvement in key management and strategic decisions at Microsoft, and plays an important role in the technical development of new products.
Under Gates' leadership, Microsoft's mission is to continually advance and improve software technology.
In 1995, Gates wrote The Road Ahead, which is a clear and concise vision of where inf...