Nokia, once a dominant force in the mobile phone industry, fell from grace due to internal factors rather than external competition. The company’s downfall was primarily due to a fear-driven organisational culture that stifled innovation and discouraged risk-taking. Employees were afraid to share bad news or voice different opinions, leading to a lack of adaptability and responsiveness to market changes.
Despite having the technical capabilities to develop smartphones and other advanced technologies, Nokia failed to capitalise on these opportunities. The company’s leadership was overly focused on short-term financial targets, neglecting the need for strategic innovation.
In addition, Nokia’s matrix structure, which divided responsibilities between product and geographic lines, created internal competition and confusion. This led to a lack of clear direction and accountability, further hindering the company’s ability to respond to the rapidly evolving mobile phone market.
Ultimately, it was Nokia’s inability to change its culture and organisational structure, rather than external threats from competitors such as Apple and Samsung, that led to its downfall. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a culture that encourages innovation, adaptability, and open communication.
Go to source article: http://alumnimagazine.insead.edu/who-killed-nokia-nokia-did/