Publications
Publications
- July 1990 (Revised August 1995)
- HBS Case Collection
Symantec--1982-90
By: Nitin Nohria
Abstract
As Symantec grew from a small, upstart software development company to a major player in the software development industry, the channels of information flow and the internal communication needs of the company became more complex. The geographically-dispersed structure of the company, in which product development groups stayed together, lead to the development of great products but hindered information flow. The top managers set out to facilitate information flow across product groups and within the company as a whole through both improving the information technology systems and bringing together employees in certain functional areas for regularly-scheduled meetings. A challenge for Eubanks, the CEO, was to balance the implementation of certain formal systems, and the maintenance of employees' entrepreneurial spirit and development of employees' managerial skills.
Keywords
Software; Communication Technology; Communication; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Employee Relationship Management; Growth and Development; Knowledge Dissemination; Knowledge Sharing; Knowledge Management; Information Technology Industry; United States
Citation
Nohria, Nitin. "Symantec--1982-90." Harvard Business School Case 491-010, July 1990. (Revised August 1995.)
