How might this commitment help or hinder the company

Assignment Help Macroeconomics

Reference no: EM131489548

Question: Harley-Davidson

Revving It Up: Since its founding in 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has survived wartime economies, the Great Depression, overseas competition from Japanese manufacturers, and in 1985 the threat of bankruptcy. When it went public in 1986, a new era began. Harley tackled problems of global competition and the need for U.S. expansion. More importantly, it broke away from the adversarial model of management versus union by creating a "circle organization based around the core processes at Harley-create demand, produce product, and provide support."

Partners in Business: Harley-Davidson's unique partnership style of management allied with labor was labeled the High Performance Work Organization (HPWO). The strategy minimizes red tape and calls on employees for leadership, responsibility, and ingenuity. Workers provide input at every stage of the manufacturing process. The absence of the "us against them" mentality so often found in labor relations-coupled with a true sense of ownership by unionized workers- has motivated Harley employees to work toward

1591_HD 1.png

a common goal. In addition, the process has lowered the company's costs, allowing it to create new jobs and expand operations.

Happy Workers, Humming Hogs: The HPWO is paying off for the motorcycle manufacturer, which in 2004 was named one of America's "100 Best Places to Work" by Fortune magazine. Employees and shareholders alike have cause for celebration. Since its turnaround in 1986, the company has experienced tremendous growth and reaped impressive profits. Harley-Davidson now sells motorcycles in over 60 countries. In 2006 it opened its first retail store in China. Now Chinese bikers donned in leather can buy a true American icon. Bandana sold separately.

Analyzing the Impact Question

1. Summarizing What change in business practices helped Harley-Davidson boost production and profits?

2. Drawing Conclusions Harley-Davidson also made a commitment to using only U.S. workers and parts suppliers. How might this commitment help or hinder the company? Explain.

Reference no: EM131489548

Questions Cloud

What could you do to move into a higher category : Interpreting If you were a semiskilled worker, what could you do to move into a higher category of noncompeting labor?

What it mean for organizational managers to game performance : What does it mean for organizational managers to game performance? Identify and explain one way of reducing the occurrence of this problem.

Discuss the signaling theory : Signaling Theory Look at some help-wanted ads in your local paper. What criteria do they often specify, and how do these criteria relate to signaling theory?

Difference sample need to use differenct ph buffer : When we apply capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) to separate the sample, why difference sample need to use differenct pH buffer?

How might this commitment help or hinder the company : Revving It Up: Since its founding in 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has survived wartime economies, the Great Depression, overseas competition.

How would you answer her questions : How would you answer her questions? What types of abnormalities can be caused by alcohol, and how does genetics influence this?

Factors that affect the rate of an enzyme reaction : List and describe factors that affect the rate of an enzyme reaction

Develop several potential study questions : develop several potential study questions that you anticipate might be asked on a quiz or exam. Try to develop at least three questions at each of three levels.

Where are ribosomes present : Where are ribosomes present? Which site doesn't have ribosomes.

User Account

All Pages