Publications
Publications
- December 2023 (Revised January 2025)
- HBS Case Collection
Research In Motion: Launching and Scaling the World's First Smartphone Empire (A)
By: Tatiana Sandino and Samuel Grad
Abstract
In 2005, Research In Motion’s (RIM) BlackBerry smartphone was a sensation. After its launch in 1999, the groundbreaking BlackBerry had captured the hearts and minds of corporate America through its secure wireless email service. The device was so addictive and easy-to-use that many began calling it the “CrackBerry.” Buoyed by Blackberry's success, RIM experienced exponential growth, surpassing $1 billion in revenues. But the Canadian tech firm was suffering from growing pains. Co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie (HBS ’89) had managed RIM since its early days with only 14 employees—now, it had more than 3,500. The co-CEOs struggled with day-to-day responsibilities, leading to delays in product development, sales, and network infrastructure. Balsillie and Lazaridis needed a way to manage RIM more effectively. In 2001, they hired Larry Conlee as COO. Though he brought product development on schedule and helped RIM mature into a more coordinated and efficient company, many engineers chafed under his top-down management style. In 2005, Conlee requested that the co-CEOs promote him to president, which would position him to introduce more formal systems to the entire company. This could free up the co-CEOs to focus on strategic goals. However, Conlee's promotion might also stifle innovation. With competition encroaching, this decision could prove crucial to the future of RIM. Should Balsillie and Lazaridis give Conlee the promotion he wants?
Keywords
Business Growth and Maturation; Decision Choices and Conditions; Mobile and Wireless Technology; Innovation and Management; Technological Innovation; Business or Company Management; Management Style; Product Development; Managerial Roles; Growth and Development Strategy; Technology Industry; United States; Canada
Citation
Sandino, Tatiana, and Samuel Grad. "Research In Motion: Launching and Scaling the World's First Smartphone Empire (A)." Harvard Business School Case 124-023, December 2023. (Revised January 2025.)