Summary
Contents
This volume addresses key issues in organizational behavior and human resource management in a variety of European organizations. Covering select case-studies that are longer and richer than is typical, Organizational Behavior and Change in Europe captures the realistic breadth and complexity that exists in organizations that are changing, developing, and internationalizing at a rapid pace. This thorough approach allows the reader to locate organizational behavior or human research management themes in the context of the broader market and other issues facing the organizations concerned, as well as facilitating teaching and learning in a variety of ways, using a variety of theoretical frameworks. The cases discussed reflect sensitivity to the impact of different cultures on problems, and illustrate likely approaches and solutions to them. Topics covered include managing growth and “Europeanization”; managing decline and crisis; transforming cultures; and organizational design, leadership, autonomy, and control. This stimulating case-study volume addresses key issues in organizational behavior, organizational change, and human resource management in a range of European organizations, including international companies based in Europe.
Glaverbel: Success Story or Realpolitik?
Glaverbel: Success Story or Realpolitik?
This case concerns a large Belgian company in the glass industry. The company underwent considerable difficulties during the 1970s which almost brought it to bankruptcy. However, it succeeded in achieving a turnaround and even further growth in the 1980s, with the aid of a thorough overhaul of its operating strategy, particularly with regard to its organization, production methods and approach to sales and management.
Today, Glaverbel is the foremost manufacturer of plate glass in the Benelux countries and the biggest plate glass manufacturer in Central Europe. To reach this position it has had to cope with numerous important changes affecting all areas of company activity: markets, products, technology and production methods, management structures and systems, ...