Subject category:
Strategy and General Management
Published by:
Ivey Publishing
Version: 2023-09-21
Length: 18 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
A P Moller-Maersk (MAERSK), an integrated container logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been on a decade long strategic transformation journey that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. MAERSK's ambitious strategic business transformation converted the organization from an unwieldy family-owned conglomerate to an integrated container and logistics company. This massive shift required new organizational capabilities, new leadership, and most importantly, a significant change in company culture. The transformation helped make MAERSK successful both from a business perspective (eg, digital transformation, mergers, acquisitions) and from a culture transformation perspective. The company took appropriate steps to break away from a traditional culture without jeopardizing its core values. From a change management perspective, MAERSK's 9,000 people managers evolved from 'a victim mindset' within 'a cycle of despair' to a 'growth mindset' within 'a cycle of hope'. However, the company faced several key questions about its future: 'Why did it implement strategic change in the first place? What are the benefits of strategic transformation? Was the company's transformation successful? What comes next? What challenges will it face in its consistent drive to be better?'.
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Abstract
A P Moller-Maersk (MAERSK), an integrated container logistics company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, has been on a decade long strategic transformation journey that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. MAERSK's ambitious strategic business transformation converted the organization from an unwieldy family-owned conglomerate to an integrated container and logistics company. This massive shift required new organizational capabilities, new leadership, and most importantly, a significant change in company culture. The transformation helped make MAERSK successful both from a business perspective (eg, digital transformation, mergers, acquisitions) and from a culture transformation perspective. The company took appropriate steps to break away from a traditional culture without jeopardizing its core values. From a change management perspective, MAERSK's 9,000 people managers evolved from 'a victim mindset' within 'a cycle of despair' to a 'growth mindset' within 'a cycle of hope'. However, the company faced several key questions about its future: 'Why did it implement strategic change in the first place? What are the benefits of strategic transformation? Was the company's transformation successful? What comes next? What challenges will it face in its consistent drive to be better?'.