3M Optical Systems: Managing Corporate Entrepreneurship

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Prize winner

Case

Reference no. 9-395-017

Subject category: Strategy and General Management

Authors: Christopher A Bartlett (Harvard Business School); Afroze Mohammed (Harvard Business School)

Published by: Harvard Business Publishing

Originally published in: 1994

Version: 28 May 1999

Length: 19 pages

Data source: Field research

Topics: Corporate social entrepreneurship; Decision making; Entrepreneurship; Implementing strategy; Innovation; Middle management; Organizational culture; Product development

Share a link: https://casecent.re/p/45571

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Abstract

A middle-level division manager must decide whether he should support an investment request for a third attempt at launching a new product developed by a struggling business unit. Describes the long, difficult process by which the unit has developed the product - a computer privacy screen - after years of problems and continuing losses, and its absolute faith in the project. Also presents the division manager's concerns about the need for discipline and control, setting up a tension that is focused on the launch decision.

Location:

United States

Industry:

Manufacturing

Size:

USD14 billion revenues

Other setting(s):

1992