How Fuchs drives autonomy at scale to win in a fragmented world
In a world where agility and global foresight are crucial for business survival and growth, the FUCHS case presents a compelling narrative of transformation. This case study follows FUCHS, a leading global lubricant company, on its journey to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing business environment while staying true to its decentralized roots. The story unfolds from the company’s humble beginnings, detailing how FUCHS has grown into a global player under the stewardship of CEO Stefan Fuchs. It emphasizes the challenges of operating in a fragmented market and the need to embrace new global forces, such as digitalization, sustainability and evolving customer expectations. The case highlights the strategic pivot FUCHS makes when it created its first ever corporate strategy, “FUCHS2025,” marking a significant shift in the company’s approach to global market dynamics. A central theme of the case is how FUCHS rethinks its matrix organization and implements agile networks. This strategic move illustrates how FUCHS balances its traditionally decentralized structure with a growing need for global integration and efficiency. The case details the intricacies of these networks, particularly focusing on HR, to show how FUCHS harnesses the power of cross-functional collaboration and shared leadership. Readers of the case will gain a comprehensive understanding of how a traditional, family-led business can successfully adapt to global trends and internal challenges. It’s a tale of strategic evolution, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining core values and innovating to stay competitive in a fragmented world. The FUCHS case is not just a story of a company, but a blueprint for businesses facing similar global challenges, demonstrating how to win in a decentralized yet interconnected market landscape.
- Understand the challenges and opportunities of transforming a traditional, decentralized family-led business in a dynamic global market.
- Explore strategic planning and implementation in a matrix organization, focusing on the balance between global integration and local autonomy.
- Examine the role and impact of agile networks in facilitating organizational change and enhancing cross-regional collaboration.
- Learn the different methods that a headquarters may use to manage local subsidiaries, in particular through the lens of the transaction cost theory and agency theory.
2019-2023
Cranfield University
Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]
Harvard Business School Publishing
60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]
NUCB Business School
1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]
IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Jan, a seasoned VP, faces the challenge of leading a critical summit in Singapore post-acquisition. Amid cultural complexities, she seeks guidance to unite diverse stakeholders and drive successful integration.
AI is already everywhere, ready to change the way we work and play, how we learn and how we are looked after. From hospitality to healthcare, entertainment to education, AI is transforming the world as we know it. But it’s developing at a differen...
Four tips to market to women more effectively and reach, engage and convert female consumers who make 80% to 85% of all purchasing decisions.
The idea of an EU bond, a common safe asset, has been gaining attention lately, particularly following calls for its introduction this month by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi.
The ways popular frameworks are used fall short in today’s rapidly changing environment. Here is a new way to make better-informed strategic choices.
Bossard, a Swiss company founded in 1731, has successfully transitioned from a product-centric approach to one that offers services and solutions. It has achieved significant revenue growth despite economic challenges. Its brand promise, “proven p...
Families are the most prevalent type of business owners in any global economy. But succeeding across generations is tricky, and only a few continue to prosper across generations. The Family Business Book is your comprehensive guide to building a s...
99designs.com is a global platform connecting freelance designers with potential clients. The case study examines the potential impact of generative AI on 99designs’ business model. The platform uses a crowdsourcing approach that invites designers...
Western media's alarmist tone focuses on China’s growing surplus while data reveals foreign firms have made gains in China.
Test your knowledge on ESG governance with our fun quiz! Learn how strong governance drives environmental and social success in investing. Take it now!
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in The Conversation 29 October 2024
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
in I by IMD
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications