Louis Gerstner and Lotus Development (a)

Abstract:     
This case series deals with IBM's acquisition of Lotus Development Corporation. The A case lays out some of the strategic issues in the software industry as well as a brief history of IBM, Lotus, and their respective CEOs, Louis Gerstner and Jim Manzi. Issues of strategic and cultural fit can be analyzed. The A case ends with Louis Gerstner beginning a speech to Lotus employees, which provides an opportunity for student role-plays. The B case (UVA-OB-0697) is the text of the speech Gerstner actually gave, and can be analyzed in terms of content, purpose, and delivery. The C case (UVA-OB-0698) covers issues concerning postmerger integration.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 10

Keywords: mergers and acquisitions, corporate culture, change implementation, change, management of, communication process, corporate strategy, employee attitudes, human resources, management of, leadership, mergers, organizational change, organizational culture, role playing

working papers series