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  • August 2007 (Revised October 2022)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Ken Durham and Unilever as a 'Multi-Local Multinational'

By: Geoffrey Jones and Stephanie Decker
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:26
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Abstract

Explores the opportunities and threats to Unilever's global business in 1978 based on the commercial and political challenges faced by three of its subsidiaries, Lever Brothers in the United States, Hindustan Lever in India, and United Africa Company in West Africa. Management faced several problems: criticism of multinational companies, anti-trust legislation, expropriations, and rising competition from international and local rivals. Focuses on developing a new global strategy for a company that placed a premium on a consensual management style and local autonomy.

Keywords

Business Divisions; Local Range; Global Strategy; Multinational Firms and Management; Management Style; Competitive Strategy; Africa; India; United States

Citation

Jones, Geoffrey, and Stephanie Decker. "Ken Durham and Unilever as a 'Multi-Local Multinational'." Harvard Business School Case 808-025, August 2007. (Revised October 2022.)
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About The Author

Geoffrey G. Jones

General Management
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Related Work

    • November 2022
    • Faculty Research

    Ken Durham and Unilever as a 'Multi-Local Multinational'

    By: Geoffrey Jones and Mona Rahmani
    • August 2007 (Revised October 2022)
    • Faculty Research

    Ken Durham and Unilever as a 'Multi-Local Multinational'

    By: Geoffrey Jones and Stephanie Decker
Related Work
  • Ken Durham and Unilever as a 'Multi-Local Multinational' By: Geoffrey Jones and Mona Rahmani
  • Ken Durham and Unilever as a 'Multi-Local Multinational' By: Geoffrey Jones and Stephanie Decker
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