Lenovo Essay Questions

Case Study: Lenovo

QUESTION 1:

a. Do you think it was a good idea for Lenovo to state that IBM employees would maintain the same compensation and benefits and that they would not be asked to relocate?

Yes, I do think it was a good idea because Lenovo was smart enough to realize that the acquisition would have little value if IBM’s managers, engineers, and salespeople (individuals who created value for the organization) left the company.

b. What is the staffing policy that Lenovo is pursuing?

The goal was to transform Lenovo into a truly global corporation with a global workforce. Lenovo made an effort to create a firm that was neither Chinese, nor American, but instead global in its orientation, a firm that is positioned to compete head-to-head with other players in the global PC market.

QUESTION 2:

a. What international strategy do you think the company is pursuing?

Lenovo is pursuing a transnational strategy.

b. Does its staffing policy match its strategy?

Yes it does. For example, when Lenovo is deciding who should hold management positions, the national origin of the candidate is not an issue. Rather, the decision focuses on whether the person has the skills and capabilities required for working in a global enterprise. Lenovo is committed to hiring the very best people, wherever they might come from. Lenovo seeks the best people for key jobs throughout the organization regardless of nationality; this enables the firm to make the best use of its human resources.

QUESTION 3:

a. What are the strengths of Lenovo’s staffing policy?

Lenovo, uses the same set of principles to guide workforce management in all locations, this maintains a unified corporate culture. If Lenovo’s employees are predisposed toward the organization's corporate norms and value system, the firm will be able to attain higher performance.

b. Can you see any potential weaknesses, or problems, that the company might encounter as a result of...