IBM has transformed from focusing on technology like mainframes in the 1960s to providing IT solutions and customization today. Key transitions include launching the IBM PC in the 1980s, reorganizing into a client-centered model in the 1990s, and acquiring businesses to expand offerings in the 2000s. Continuous leadership and an innovative culture have helped IBM adapt to changes in the external environment through both episodic and continuous organizational changes. This has allowed IBM to remain a leader in its field over several decades.

1. LOGO
IBMIBM
From ComputerDesignFrom ComputerDesign
to IT Solutions & Customizationto IT Solutions & Customization

2. IntroductionIntroduction
IBM is one of the most successful companies in
the world and the 2nd
most expensive brand
behind Coke. Leadership and culture have been
a constant for IBM and the reason for their
continued success. They have continuously
sought out innovation and have been a market
leader in several areas of technology. They have
shown an incredible resilience and have
transitioned at necessary moments in order to
survive business competition to become one of
the very best companies in the world.

3. ContentsContents
Foundation & Conclusion
IBM TimeLine
1960s – 2000s
Organization Culture Change
Transition (Specialization)

4. IBMTimelineIBMTimeline
John Akers
Thomas
Watson Jr.
Lou Gerstner Sam Palmisano
1960s 1980s 1990s 2000s
• Engineering
Employees
• Technical
Sales
•Product: S/360
• 5k Hardware
•20k Software
•Expansion
• Deep Hierarchy
•Launched IBM PC
• Reorganized
•“One IBM”
•Leaner
•Accountability
• Outsourced PCs
• IT Solutions &
Customization
• Acquired PWC
IBM has been a market leader in technology and innovation. They
serve businesses around the world and specialize in several areas.
Leadership has steered the direction of IBM since Thomas J.
Watson Sr. and continues to navigate the journey today.

5. IBMBusiness FocusIBMBusiness Focus
1960s Mainframe
1990s Reorganization
1980s PCs
2000s IT Solutions
Transformed Industry
Perceived as monopoly
Precursor for a series of
IT related innovations
Market Leading IBM PC
Product Expansion
Bureaucratic Control
Organization Culture Change
Accountability
Downsizing
IT Solutions & Customization
Client Focused
Growing new business
IBM

6. IBM1960sIBM1960s
1
2
3
CEO Thomas Watson Jr.
Technology: Main Frame Specialization
Industry Leader & Innovator

7. IBM1980sIBM1980s
1
2
3
CEO John Akers
Technology: IBM PC
Bureaucratic & Hierarchical

8. IBM1990sIBM1990s
1
2
3
CEO Lou Gerstner
Reorganization “One IBM”
Client-Centered & Accountability

9. IBM2000sIBM2000s
1
2
3
CEO Sam Palmisano
IT Solutions & Customization
Acquisitions & Transition

10. Organization CultureOrganization Culture
2 Types of
Culture
Change
Starting a New Business
2.
Continuous
Change
Businesses needs to adapt to the external
environment and organizations need strong
leadership to enact successful organization change.
1.
Episodic
Change

11. Business RelationsBusiness Relations
External
Environment
Clients
Social &
Business
Capital
Leadership
& Culture
Universal Relationship
Competition
Technology
Intellectual
Knowledge
Product
InnovationFactors IBM
Impact
Process

12. IBMTransitionIBMTransition
Before After
“THINK”
-Thomas J. Watson, IBM CEO
1914-1956
1. Engineering Employees
2. Technology focused
3. Bureaucratic Control
4. Deep Hierarchy
5. Technical Complexity
6. Product Expansion
1. Knowledge Consultants
2. IT Solutions & Customization
3. Human Resources
4. Collaboration
5. Knowledge (Human Complexity)
6. Lean Strategy
“Whenever an individual or a business
decides that success has been attained,
progress stops."
-Thomas J. Watson, IBM CEO 1914-1956
IBM

13. Fueling IBMCultureFueling IBMCulture
IBM Business Strengths
1. Leadership
&
Management
2. Innovation
&
Knowledge
3. Products
Brand
History
IBM

14. Conclusion: Conclusion:
IBM transitioned from a technology-based company to a
knowledge-based company
IBM reacted to the external environment and successfully
changed their culture
IBM went through episodic change during their transition
IBM benefitted from great leadership and an innovative culture
IBM built a brand of trust & excellence that supported their
transition
IBM leverages IT tools for increased communication,
collaboration, and knowledge sharing to once again become the
leader in their field

15. ReferencesReferences
Applegate, L., Austin, R. O. B. E. R. T., & Collins, E. L. I. Z. A. B. E. T. H. (2005). IBM’s decade of
transformation: Turnaround to growth. Harvard Business School Case 805, 130.
Daft, R. L. (2009). Organization theory and design. South-Western Pub.
IBM Highlights 1970-1984
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 1985-1989
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 1990-1995
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 1996-1999
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/
IBM Highlights 2000-2006
Retrieved on April 19th
: http://www-03.ibm.com/ibm/history/documents/