Publications
Publications
- August 2008
- HBS Case Collection
Du Pont: The Birth of the Modern Multidivisional Corporation
By: Richard S. Tedlow and David Ruben
Abstract
Du Pont's realization in 1921 that its "U-form" corporate structure was ill-suited to its new diversification strategy led to a pioneering new kind of organization—the "M" or multidivisional form—that has been called the most important innovation of capitalism in the 20th century. This case examines how and why this pivotal transformation took place and what its implications may be for corporations that are trying to align their structure with their strategy as they undergo rapid growth and change.
Keywords
Change Management; Innovation and Invention; Growth and Development Strategy; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Organizational Structure; Alignment; Corporate Strategy
Citation
Tedlow, Richard S., and David Ruben. "Du Pont: The Birth of the Modern Multidivisional Corporation." Harvard Business School Case 809-012, August 2008.