Summary

The case starts by describing the transformation of ING Netherlands from a traditional bank with functional hierarchies to an organization that embraces digitalization and ‘Agile’ principles. Then it illustrates how the bank is re-organized around self-managed teams without traditional managers. Finally, the narrative recounts how employees are empowered to make decisions.

Teaching objectives

To understand how an organization that replaces hierarchy with self-managed teams operates, and how such a change is implemented. The role play puts the students in the shoes of people having to operate in this radically new environment with new rules.

Keywords
  • Digital transformation
  • Agile
  • Hierarchies
  • Organizational Change
  • Empowerment
  • Self-Managed teams
  • Future of work
  • SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth