2. IntroductionIntroduction
IBM is one of the most successful companies in
the world and the 2nd
most expensive brand
behind Coke. Leadership and culture have been
a constant for IBM and the reason for their
continued success. They have continuously
sought out innovation and have been a market
leader in several areas of technology. They have
shown an incredible resilience and have
transitioned at necessary moments in order to
survive business competition to become one of
the very best companies in the world.
4. IBMTimelineIBMTimeline
John Akers
Thomas
Watson Jr.
Lou Gerstner Sam Palmisano
1960s 1980s 1990s 2000s
• Engineering
Employees
• Technical
Sales
•Product: S/360
• 5k Hardware
•20k Software
•Expansion
• Deep Hierarchy
•Launched IBM PC
• Reorganized
•“One IBM”
•Leaner
•Accountability
• Outsourced PCs
• IT Solutions &
Customization
• Acquired PWC
IBM has been a market leader in technology and innovation. They
serve businesses around the world and specialize in several areas.
Leadership has steered the direction of IBM since Thomas J.
Watson Sr. and continues to navigate the journey today.
5. IBMBusiness FocusIBMBusiness Focus
1960s Mainframe
1990s Reorganization
1980s PCs
2000s IT Solutions
Transformed Industry
Perceived as monopoly
Precursor for a series of
IT related innovations
Market Leading IBM PC
Product Expansion
Bureaucratic Control
Organization Culture Change
Accountability
Downsizing
IT Solutions & Customization
Client Focused
Growing new business
IBM
10. Organization CultureOrganization Culture
2 Types of
Culture
Change
Starting a New Business
2.
Continuous
Change
Businesses needs to adapt to the external
environment and organizations need strong
leadership to enact successful organization change.
1.
Episodic
Change
12. IBMTransitionIBMTransition
Before After
“THINK”
-Thomas J. Watson, IBM CEO
1914-1956
1. Engineering Employees
2. Technology focused
3. Bureaucratic Control
4. Deep Hierarchy
5. Technical Complexity
6. Product Expansion
1. Knowledge Consultants
2. IT Solutions & Customization
3. Human Resources
4. Collaboration
5. Knowledge (Human Complexity)
6. Lean Strategy
“Whenever an individual or a business
decides that success has been attained,
progress stops."
-Thomas J. Watson, IBM CEO 1914-1956
IBM
14. Conclusion: Conclusion:
IBM transitioned from a technology-based company to a
knowledge-based company
IBM reacted to the external environment and successfully
changed their culture
IBM went through episodic change during their transition
IBM benefitted from great leadership and an innovative culture
IBM built a brand of trust & excellence that supported their
transition
IBM leverages IT tools for increased communication,
collaboration, and knowledge sharing to once again become the
leader in their field
15. ReferencesReferences
Applegate, L., Austin, R. O. B. E. R. T., & Collins, E. L. I. Z. A. B. E. T. H. (2005). IBM’s decade of
transformation: Turnaround to growth. Harvard Business School Case 805, 130.
Daft, R. L. (2009). Organization theory and design. South-Western Pub.
IBM Highlights 1970-1984
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 1985-1989
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 1990-1995
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 1996-1999
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 2000-2006
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/