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AGC Inc. in 2019: "Your Dreams, Our Challenge"
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Reference: SGSB-OB103-E
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Year: 2019
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Number of pages: 24
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Geographic Setting: Japan
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Publication Date: Nov 25, 2019
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Source: Stanford Graduate School of Business (USA)
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Type of Document: Case
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Industry Setting: glass; chemicals
Description
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. in 2014 was the world’s largest glass company, but the company faced flat revenues and increased global competition. Several of its flagship businesses projected few prospects for growth unless the company could develop new products and identify competitive strengths to compete within the rapidly changing global economy. AGC held leading global market shares in four major products: architectural glass, automotive glass, quartz glass, as well as fluorinated resins. The case study details the new CEO’s plans to revitalize the thinking and workforce at AGC, and shift to an outward-looking focus that embraced change and could lead the company forward into new areas of business.
Learning Objective
This case is designed to help students learn about instilling a change culture within a large conglomerate, and the theory of ambidexterity - when companies develop the ability to explore and exploit opportunities in mature and emerging markets alike. Students discuss the decisions AGC’s top leadership made to adjust corporate priorities and develop a strategy for the future.