3M Profile of an Innovating Company Case Solution

Case Solution

Traces the birth and progression of 3M Corp., focusing particularly round the roots of the entrepreneurially-based capacity to innovate. Particularly, it highlights the part of CEO William L. McKnight in creating a unique number of values, recommendations, and structures to nurture and develop continuous renewal. While using changing atmosphere in the 1980's, however, a completely new generation of CEO's begin to adopt new recommendations and modify the cultural norms that aided 3M grow. The trigger problem concentrates alternatively changes are essential.

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Questions Covered

1. What are the key elements of 3M’s vaunted innovation culture?
 
2. What are the core values underlying the 3M culture?
 
3. How did this culture come about? How is it maintained?
 
4. What is your assessment of McNerney’s actions described in the Fortune article, directed toward providing discipline to 3M’s innovation efforts?
 
5. What is the challenge facing Buckley, as described in the Business Week article? What should he do about the tension between efficiency and creativity?