Business Policy & Strategy

Individual Research White Paper

Topic: The impact of culture on the performance of General Motors

It is a well-known fact that General Motors struggled mightily with its financial performance and of course was eventually bailed out by the Federal Government. Most recently they have suffered from a lack of institutional and quality control. The reasons for GM's poor performance are complex, but some have squarely put the root cause on the GM culture.  General Motors is now aggressively trying to transform itself.

In this paper, I would like for you to provide a historical context detailing what you believe to be the past defining characteristics of the GM culture. Then, explore the role culture played in the performance decline of General Motors. Lastly, I would like you to identify how GM is attempting to transform and renew its culture. In your discussion, feel free to add your own opinion about their change strategy as well as comparisons to other automobile manufactures. 

Use any piece of literature or anecdotal evidence that you can find to support your research.