Executive Decision Making at General Motors Case Solution

Case Solution

Describes the backdrop of General Motors' strategy, business structure, and management processes in the founding to the present day. Works on the part of GM's management committee--the senior-decision-making body in the organization, now referred to as Automotive Strategy Board (ASB)--and the way it really works under Ron Wagoner, its current CEO. In October 2004, Wagoner as well as the ASB are wrestling with recent modifications in GM's planning and budgeting processes and the way they'll customize the balance between global and native desires.

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Questions Covered

How have GM’s external environment, strategy, structure and decision making processes evolved over time?  How well aligned were they in each of the 3 major eras?

What are the challenges of managing a matrix organization like GM’s basket weave?  How has GM chosen to address these challenges?

What is your assessment of the ASB’s decision making dynamics?  What (if any) changes would you recommend?