Case Studies Collection - IMD business school for management and leadership courses

Case Study

China Resources Beer: Becoming future ready

The China Resources Beer (CR Beer) case study is a compelling narrative of the world’s largest beer producer by volume under the leadership of CEO Hou Xiaohai. In 2016 CR Beer embarked on a pivotal transformation journey. This case study offers critical insights that particularly resonate with Chinese corporations navigating similar challenges i…

China Digital Human Resources Strategy Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Mark J. Greeven and Wei Wei

China Resources Beer: Becoming future ready

By Mark J. Greeven and Wei Wei
Case reference: IMD-7-2538 ©2024

Summary

The China Resources Beer (CR Beer) case study is a compelling narrative of the world’s largest beer producer by volume under the leadership of CEO Hou Xiaohai. In 2016 CR Beer embarked on a pivotal transformation journey. This case study offers critical insights that particularly resonate with Chinese corporations navigating similar challenges in an era marking the end of China’s rapid economic growth. Faced with industry saturation, changing consumer behaviors, the rise of digital technology and the imperative shift from expansive to high-quality growth, CR Beer’s story mirrors the predicament in which many Chinese companies find themselves today. The case delves into CR Beer’s strategic overhaul, how it optimized its vast 60,000-employee structure, streamlined operations and embraced digital transformation to remain competitive. CR Beer’s transformation was characterized by tackling “three mountains” – operational inefficiency due to numerous small factories with high costs and low-capacity utilization, weak brand presence in the high-end beer market and an underutilized and mismatched workforce. The study also highlights the company’s innovative approach to rebranding for younger consumers, integrating consumer insights into product development and exploring new business models. It underscores the importance of internal cultural shifts to support these external changes and the role of leadership in guiding transformation. CR Beer’s journey from traditional efficiency to future-readiness offers valuable lessons in managing large-scale organizational change, strategic management and business innovation. It provides essential insights for understanding the complexities of transformation in a rapidly evolving industry, making it a crucial read for those interested in organizational change, particularly in the context of the Chinese market and its unique challenges and opportunities.

Reference IMD-7-2538

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization China Resources Beer

Industry Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage

Available Languages English

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Related topics

China

Digital

Human Resources

Strategy

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

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Case Study

Rede Mulher Empreendedora: Navigating mission integrity and financial sustainability

The case focuses on Rede Mulher Empreendedora (RME), Brazil’s largest support platform for female entrepreneurship, and its founder, Ana Fontes. Founded in 2010, RME had grown into a significant network by 2023, impacting the livelihoods of over 12 million women in Brazil, a country with substantial gender disparities. The platform offers initia…

Entrepreneurship Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Vanina Farber, María Helena Jaén, Jose Mello, Lilian de Miranda, Patricia Araripe, Peter Munk Laursen and Rabia Chishti

Case Study

Pasona: Well-being through regional revitalization

Pasona Group, a Japan-based human resources company, is committed to driving social change through business and supporting individuals to find “ikigai” (fulfillment) through work. The company has promoted flexible work and equitable workplaces and created employment opportunities for minorities. Pasona now wanted to tackle the overconcentration …

Social Innovation Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Sustainability

By Alyson Meister and Naoko Jinjo

Case Study

Prudence in a maze of metaphors

“Prudence in a maze of metaphors” follows a fictional day in the life of a woman to explore a variety of challenges individuals commonly face in their professional environments. Prudence’s story uses metaphors such as Sticky Floor, Glass Ceiling, Double Bind and Motherhood Penalty to illustrate her experiences. Although these metaphors are assoc…

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Leadership Organizational Behavior Organizational Culture

By Vanina Farber and Heather Cairns-Lee

Case Study

Should Unilever pivot from being purpose-led?

The case study delves into strategic transformation and leadership transitions at Unilever since 2009. Unilever has been an industry leader of business sustainability. Paul Polman was a pioneer who introduced the idea that, by addressing social and environmental problems, a company can unlock new growth opportunities. Polman launched a 10-year S…

Strategy Marketing Purpose Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Goutam Challagalla and Samaja Penumaka

Should Unilever pivot from being purpose-led?

By Goutam Challagalla and Samaja Penumaka
Case reference: IMD-7-2578 ©2024

Summary

The case study delves into strategic transformation and leadership transitions at Unilever since 2009. Unilever has been an industry leader of business sustainability. Paul Polman was a pioneer who introduced the idea that, by addressing social and environmental problems, a company can unlock new growth opportunities. Polman launched a 10-year Sustainable Living Plan with three objectives: to enhance health and well-being, livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Alan Jope followed in Polman’s path and launched a novel plan for the new decade called The Unilever Compass, focused on sustainability. Unilever took a strategic turn during Jope’s tenure and asked the brands to use their products to solve social issues. He called this “purpose-led branding,” which confused investors. They believed social branding would take the company’s focus away from growth. Tensions were high at Unilever and resulted in a change in leadership. The company wants to focus on growth, which raises questions about the future of corporate sustainability at Unilever.

Reference IMD-7-2578

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Unilever

Industry Consumer Goods

Available Languages English

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Strategy

Marketing

Purpose

Sustainability

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

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Case Study

Governance at WeWork: Adam Neumann’s erratic behavior

This is a fascinating case about Adam Neumann’s problematic behavior, which led to the downfall of WeWork, once one of America’s most valued startups.

Board Organizational Behavior Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Governance at WeWork: Adam Neumann’s erratic behavior

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-7-2591 ©2024

Summary

This is a fascinating case about Adam Neumann’s problematic behavior, which led to the downfall of WeWork, once one of America’s most valued startups.

Reference IMD-7-2591

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization The We Company

Industry Services, Real Estate

Available Languages English

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Board

Organizational Behavior

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

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Case Study

Governance at Uber (A): Travis Kalanick derails

Case (A) recounts Travis Kalanick’s journey through the growth of Uber, highlighting instances of his problematic behavior and the board’s lack of oversight.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Governance at Uber (A): Travis Kalanick derails

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-7-2585 ©2024

Summary

Case (A) recounts Travis Kalanick’s journey through the growth of Uber, highlighting instances of his problematic behavior and the board’s lack of oversight.

Reference IMD-7-2585

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Uber Technologies

Industry Manufacturing, Technology

Available Languages English

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Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

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Board

Corporate Governance

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

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Case Study

Governance at Uber (C): The all-hands meeting

Case (C) discusses the meeting that showcased the proposed actions following the Holder report recommendations and highlights the concerning response of one of the board members.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Governance at Uber (B): The board reviews the holder report

Case (B) explains the contents of the Holder report, which investigated the diversity, equity and inclusion culture at Uber and ends with Travis Kalanick’s separation from the company.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Governance at Uber (B): The board reviews the holder report

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-7-2586 ©2024

Summary

Case (B) explains the contents of the Holder report, which investigated the diversity, equity and inclusion culture at Uber and ends with Travis Kalanick’s separation from the company.

Reference IMD-7-2586

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Uber Technologies

Industry Manufacturing, Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Board

Corporate Governance

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

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Related content

Case Study

Governance at Uber (A): Travis Kalanick derails

Case (A) recounts Travis Kalanick’s journey through the growth of Uber, highlighting instances of his problematic behavior and the board’s lack of oversight.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Governance at Uber (C): The all-hands meeting

Case (C) discusses the meeting that showcased the proposed actions following the Holder report recommendations and highlights the concerning response of one of the board members.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Governance at Uber (C): The all-hands meeting

Case (C) discusses the meeting that showcased the proposed actions following the Holder report recommendations and highlights the concerning response of one of the board members.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Governance at Uber (C): The all-hands meeting

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-7-2587 ©2024

Summary

Case (C) discusses the meeting that showcased the proposed actions following the Holder report recommendations and highlights the concerning response of one of the board members.

Reference IMD-7-2587

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Uber Technologies

Industry Manufacturing, Technology

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Board

Corporate Governance

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Organizational Culture

Browse all topics

Related content

Case Study

Governance at Uber (A): Travis Kalanick derails

Case (A) recounts Travis Kalanick’s journey through the growth of Uber, highlighting instances of his problematic behavior and the board’s lack of oversight.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Governance at Uber (B): The board reviews the holder report

Case (B) explains the contents of the Holder report, which investigated the diversity, equity and inclusion culture at Uber and ends with Travis Kalanick’s separation from the company.

Board Corporate Governance Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Organizational Culture

By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai

Case Study

Fostering psychological safety in teams

This note highlights the pivotal role of psychological safety in fostering a culture of flexibility and innovation within organizations, especially in a rapidly changing business environment. Drawing from Amy Edmondson’s seminal research, psychological safety is defined as the collective assurance felt by team members that they can openly expres…

Leadership General Management Human Resources Organizational Behavior Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Michael D. Watkins

Case Study

Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect (A) (eCase) – For usage of this eCase in a program, please contact Case Services

In February 2022 Rio Tinto publicly released a workplace culture report that revealed that sexual harassment, racism and bullying had been occurring at an alarming rate throughout the organization. This was shortly after the Juukan Gorge disaster in Australia: Rio Tinto caused global outrage when its technicians blew up two rock shelters conside…

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Business Ethics Human Resources Leadership Organizational Behavior Sustainability

By David Bach and Shih-Han Huang

Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect (A) (eCase) – For usage of this eCase in a program, please contact Case Services

By David Bach and Shih-Han Huang
Case reference: IMD-7-2465 ©2023

Summary

In February 2022 Rio Tinto publicly released a workplace culture report that revealed that sexual harassment, racism and bullying had been occurring at an alarming rate throughout the organization. This was shortly after the Juukan Gorge disaster in Australia: Rio Tinto caused global outrage when its technicians blew up two rock shelters considered sacred by the Aboriginal traditional owners and deemed to be of “the highest archaeological significance in Australia” by scientists. Why did Rio Tinto commission the report, how did it deal with the findings, and how might reckoning with the past shape its future? In Part A of this online multimedia case series, three Rio Tinto executives – James Martin, Chief People Officer, Kellie Parker, Chief Executive, Australia and Isabelle Deschamps, Chief Legal Officer, Governance & Corporate Affairs – and the independent expert commissioned to write the report, Liz Broderick, describe in their own words their experiences, considerations and the debate about whether to release the report.

Reference IMD-7-2465

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Rio Tinto Group

Industry Materials, Metals and Mining

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Business Ethics

Human Resources

Leadership

Organizational Behavior

Sustainability

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Related content

Case Study

Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect (B) (eCase) – For usage of this eCase in a program, please contact Case Services

Part B of the Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect multimedia case series reveals the reaction to the report of various stakeholders, as well as how Rio Tinto has acted on the report’s recommendations. The case also shares some of the creative ways Rio Tinto has instilled a culture of respect and enabled it to permeate throughout the organization.

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Business Ethics Human Resources Leadership Organizational Behavior Sustainability

By David Bach and Shih-Han Huang

Case Study

Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect (B) (eCase) – For usage of this eCase in a program, please contact Case Services

Part B of the Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect multimedia case series reveals the reaction to the report of various stakeholders, as well as how Rio Tinto has acted on the report’s recommendations. The case also shares some of the creative ways Rio Tinto has instilled a culture of respect and enabled it to permeate throughout the organization.

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Business Ethics Human Resources Leadership Organizational Behavior Sustainability

By David Bach and Shih-Han Huang

Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect (B) (eCase) – For usage of this eCase in a program, please contact Case Services

By David Bach and Shih-Han Huang
Case reference: IMD-7-2466 ©2023

Summary

Part B of the Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect multimedia case series reveals the reaction to the report of various stakeholders, as well as how Rio Tinto has acted on the report’s recommendations. The case also shares some of the creative ways Rio Tinto has instilled a culture of respect and enabled it to permeate throughout the organization.

Reference IMD-7-2466

Copyright owner IMD Copyright

Organization Rio Tinto Group

Industry Materials, Metals and Mining

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

Business Ethics

Human Resources

Leadership

Organizational Behavior

Sustainability

Browse all topics

Related content

Case Study

Rio Tinto: Everyday Respect (A) (eCase) – For usage of this eCase in a program, please contact Case Services

In February 2022 Rio Tinto publicly released a workplace culture report that revealed that sexual harassment, racism and bullying had been occurring at an alarming rate throughout the organization. This was shortly after the Juukan Gorge disaster in Australia: Rio Tinto caused global outrage when its technicians blew up two rock shelters conside…

Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Business Ethics Human Resources Leadership Organizational Behavior Sustainability

By David Bach and Shih-Han Huang

Case Study

Count every child: Telenor’s digital birth registration

Birth registration – considered a basic human right provided by government services – was still not working in many countries. One in four children worldwide is not registered. Yet, Zainab Siddiqui, head of sustainability at Telenor Pakistan, had a different idea. In 2013, she initiated the Digital Birth Registration Project in Pakistan in two p…

Social Innovation Strategy Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Purpose

By James E. Henderson

Case Study

J.M. Huber Corporation: Testing the limits of resilience capabilities

As circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to shift and evolve, J.M. Huber Corporation (Huber) remained focused on protecting its employees, maintaining business continuity, and on advancing its multi-year sustainability strategy. The efforts of Mike Marberry, the President & CEO, the Huber Management Council (HMC), the family sharehold…

Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion Family Business Resilience

By Sameh Abadir and Marta Widz

Case Study

Maria Ahlström-Bondestam: Together everyone achieves more (Video case)

This case presents the unique approach to philanthropy of the Ahlström family. A group of 25 fifth-generation female Ahlström family members founded the Eva Ahlström foundation in 2010, in the name of the family matriarch Eva Ahlström (1848–1920), who was a big contributor to society in her time. This led to the establishment of the Ahlström Co…

Entrepreneurship Family Business Leadership Sustainability Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

By Peter Vogel and Malgorzata Smulowitz