Jardine Matheson: still getting it right after 200 years: How a traditional company innovated its organizational structure

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the article in context.

Findings

In any meeting with a personal finance consultant or pensions advisor, inevitably the path they encourage individuals to follow involves diversification to spread the risk around. This is seen as a given: sound financial advice that would spell disaster if ignored. However this advice is often either ignored or deemed inappropriate for firms as a whole who follow one or two markets religiously, and if they do diversify they quickly hear the sages of the financial markets questioning their strategy. But should not firms take a leaf out of personal finance and spread their risk around?

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2006), "Jardine Matheson: still getting it right after 200 years: How a traditional company innovated its organizational structure", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 7, pp. 15-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540610669035