The case presents the restructuring and renewal undertaken by the company between 1984 through 1994 as it transforms itself from the US monopolistic provider of telecommunications to a leading global competitor in the fast developing infocom industry (a merger of the telecommunications, information, and entertainment markets). Based on over 25 interviews with corporate and business unit management, as well as published sources; the case discusses the various aspects of change from both the strategic and organizational aspects.
The case is multifaceted and can be used to discuss a number of topics including:
Corporate transformation
Corporate strategy
Globalization
Geographic/product line matrix
Creation and integration of autonomous business units
Leadership
Corporate culture
- AR1994