Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • 1998
  • Case

Nucor Corporation (A)

By: Vijay Govindarajan
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
ShareBar

Abstract

Under the leadership of CEO Ken Iverson, Nucor thrived. Nucor's structure was decentralized, with only four management layers. Only 22 employees worked at the corporate headquarters; plants were located in rural areas across the U.S. and the general manager of each plant was granted considerable autonomy and encouraged to take reasonable risks. Employee relations stressed pay for productivity and took an egalitarian approach toward employee benefits. Under Iverson's leadership, Nucor pioneered the mini-mill concept, built new plants from scratch, promoted from within, and remained a domestic company.

Keywords

Organizational Change and Adaptation; Organizational Structure; Business Strategy

Citation

Govindarajan, Vijay. "Nucor Corporation (A)." 1998. (Case No. 2-0015.)

More from the Author

    • May 2016
    • Harvard Business Review

    Planned Opportunism: Using Weak Signals to Spur Innovations

    By: Vijay Govindarajan
    • 2016
    • Faculty Research

    The Three Box Solution: A Strategy for Leading Innovation

    By: Vijay Govindarajan
    • July–August 2015
    • Harvard Business Review

    Engineering Reverse Innovations: Principles for Creating Successful Products for Emerging Markets

    By: Amos Winter and Vijay Govindarajan
More from the Author
  • Planned Opportunism: Using Weak Signals to Spur Innovations By: Vijay Govindarajan
  • The Three Box Solution: A Strategy for Leading Innovation By: Vijay Govindarajan
  • Engineering Reverse Innovations: Principles for Creating Successful Products for Emerging Markets By: Amos Winter and Vijay Govindarajan
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College