For years now, the ubiquitous business watchword has been "keep it simple." But as more and more businesses go global, keeping things simple for customers becomes increasingly complex. Managers must find new ways to deliver solutions—not just stand-alone products—to customers who expect seamless integration no matter where in the world they may be. This book gives readers the skills they need to master this new global complexity and retain their competitive advantage.

Written by an internationally recognized leader in organizational design, Designing the Global Corporation helps companies identify the specific "level of internationalization" they are engaged in, from simply exporting product to managing multiple units that develop and sell product worldwide. It details the methods leading companies at various levels of globalization are using to build their business worldwide. These methods address the myriad issues that confront the modern multinational—issues defined by emerging geopolitical realities, the transformation and convergence of industries, and the strategic selection of new localities. Taken together, these methods form a framework that corporate executives, global strategists, and regional managers can use to create organizational designs that will work best for them given their company's own unique position.

Based on twenty five-years of research with companies around the world, Designing the Global Corporation is the most comprehensive guide to creating organizations that can successfully compete in the global arena. It is the only book that presents solutions for both single businesses and multibusiness corporations, for both transnational and international divisions, and for beginning and experienced global managers alike.

Galbraith (International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland and U. of Southern California) explains how business executives can match a company's strengths and strategies with organizational design options to operate successfully in the global market. He considers such aspects as emerging geopolitical realities, the transformation and convergence of industries, and the strategic selection of new localities.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"Until now there has been no clear, useful approach to problems of global organization design. In Designing the Global Corporation, Jay Galbraith once again displays the insight and clarity of thought that has earned him his acknowledged position as the world's leading authority on organizational design."(William F. Joyce, professor, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College)

"Once again, Jay Galbraith presents nuggets of insight for any senior manager leading global organizations!"(Susan Bowick, vice president, human resources, Hewlett-Packard Company)

"In a time of growing complexity, Jay Galbraith provides concise and valuable insight into an issue that continues to puzzle managers the world over. A must-read for anyone with operational responsibility."(Helmut Maucher, chairman, Nestle S.A.)

"A landmark book in many respects. Key issues such as flat networks, project teams, power shifts, and serving the global customer are all covered with great insight."(Peter Lorange, president, International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland)

"The best reference source available on designing and making complex multinational organizations work."(Nathaniel Foote, organization design practice leader, McKinsey &Co.)

"A comprehensive guide to creating organisations that can successfully compete in the global arena." (Human Resources, February 2001)

If there's anything more challenging than designing a company, it's designing a global company. Balancing strategy and structure becomes even more daunting when geography, foreign governments, and worldwide customers and products are thrown into the mix. And no single design works for all organizations. In this book, internationally recognized expert Jay Galbraith shows companies how to match their own strengths and strategies with proven design options. Whether they're exporting their first product or already operating around the world, Galbraith gives companies the information they need to build flexible, global networks. And through real-world examples, he shows how successful international businesses are already navigating the global environment.

JAY R. GALBRAITH is professor of management at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland. He is on leave from positions as professor of management and organization at the Marshall School of Business and senior research scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations (CEO), both at the University of Southern California.

The Challenge of Organizational Complexity.

Organizing the Global Corporation.

Levels of International Development.

Partnering.

The Geographical Division.

Multidimensional Structures.

Coordination Across Networks.

Formal Cross-Border Networks.

Shifting Power Across the Network.

The Transnational Form.

The Multidimensional Multinational.

Organizing to Serve the Global Customer.

The Front-Back Hybrid Organization.

A Look Ahead.

Appendix.

References.

Index.