The problems of the management of Kodak Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

The problems of the management of Kodak - Essay Example This is so because success is based on an organisation's ability to create, rather than predict the future by developing those products that will literally transform the way the world thinks and view it self and the needs (Kanter 1995:71). Within the context of today's global competition, businesses and firms no-longer compete as individual companies but try to corporate with other businesses in their activities (Wu & Chien 2007:2). These researchers went further to argue that, this strategy has become quite common in many businesses including the retail clothing chain stores. The conventional vertical integrated company based business model is gradually being replaced by collaborative relationship between many fragmented, but complementary and specialized value stars and constellation (Wu & Chien:1). An alternative approach towards organisational success, one which is becoming increasing prominent and has attracted the sustained attention of both domestic and international business scholars are core competences, capabilities and resources (e.g. Madhok 1998, Prahalad & Hamel1990, Hamel & Prahalad1994 ). In today's global business environment it is no longer sufficient simply to meet customers demand as time quality and cost have become increasingly important in the phase of increasing competition (Petts 1997:551). 1.1 Capability and Competence of Eastman Kodak Client Focus and Problem Solving and Judgement Staffs are highly motivated, and the number of customers per employee ratio is high, the workforce is unionised. The company has access to financial market, which is not so easy to other competitors. The leverage ratio is very high (Debt to Equity ratio). As one of the organisations objective, to establish long term relationship with it customers through reliable and efficient services. The company is so effective in after sales and repairs services. Competencies provide a means of looking at those behaviours that differentiate the "best from the rest" and a common language for talking about critical on-the-job behaviours. Innovation and Strategic Thinking Being a pace setter in the industry with the ultimate vision to be a world leader in photographic equipments, Eastman Kodak capabilities include, continuous innovation and strategic thinking in different markets, Because of the higher level of motivation, and self-management encouraged in the workforce, employees are able to come up with new features, and suggestions to management to developed new equipments. The company brand identity, it salient features associated with quality and general brand awareness in the market. The company's reputation for film quality was (as it still is) regarded as one of the company's key assets Leadership and Results Orientation The management style and culture of the organisation are more family oriented. This has been responsible for the high level of profit being experienced by the company from creation, until the slump. With the leadership and technical know how of it founders and subsequent executives, the company developed it competences in innovation, product line extension and differentiation. The company was able to develop it core products and capabilities which included high end copiers, single use cameras, .In addition, the company had a