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  • February 2004 (Revised January 2005)
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Hewlett-Packard: Culture in Changing Times

By: Michael Beer, Rakesh Khurana and James Weber
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:20
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Abstract

HP had been a highly successful and respected company for decades. It was well known for its company culture and management practices--the HP way--which emphasized both profits and people. Changing markets, strong competitors, and the growth of its computer business, however, battered the company in the mid-1990s. To turn things around, HP hired Carly Fiorina, the first outsider to lead the company. Describes Fiorina's strategy and the impact of decisions she made with respect to the acquisition of Compaq and HR policies on HP's venerable culture and performance.

Keywords

Acquisition; Decision Choices and Conditions; Human Resources; Leading Change; Managerial Roles; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Organizational Culture; Performance Effectiveness; Adoption; Competition

Citation

Beer, Michael, Rakesh Khurana, and James Weber. "Hewlett-Packard: Culture in Changing Times." Harvard Business School Case 404-087, February 2004. (Revised January 2005.)
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About The Authors

Michael Beer

→More Publications

Rakesh Khurana

Organizational Behavior
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More from the Authors
  • Developing a Sustainable High Commitment, High Performance System of Organizing, Managing, and Leading: An Actionable Systems Theory of Change and Development By: Michael Beer
  • Air Wars: Deregulating the U.S. Airline Industry By: Tom Nicholas and James Weber
  • Developing Strategic Human Resource Theory and Making a Difference: An Action Science Perspective By: Michael Beer
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