A Study of 3M Corporate Culture, Case Study Example

A study of 3M corporate culture reveals certain knowledge about the effects of culture on corporate performance. Three questions with respect to 3M corporate culture are answered here. These questions are based upon the characteristics of 3M culture that have benefited the company over the long haul.  They also address issues related to the system preservation of knowledge, not just information. Furthermore, they look at lessons in independent leadership as a method of augmenting creativity.

First, what were some attributes of 3M’s unique culture and the benefits of this culture to the company? 3M corporate policy encourages creative venture and tolerates failure. This augments the creativity necessary to create innovation. As such, innovative breakthroughs have become commonplace at 3M. The regularity of innovative techniques, materials, and applications has given 3M an undisputed competitive edge in the marketplace. This is what 3M became known for. It established proof that over a long period of time companies must innovate to remain profitable, and companies that have creativity as an imperative element of corporate culture win out over the long term.

Next, what systems were established to institutionalize this culture among employees? To foster creativity 3M implemented certain standards. First, it focused on recruiting and retaining talented professionals slanted toward creativity and innovation. Next, it created a challenging work environment to keep these minds sharp and to press for innovative thinking. Finally, 3M implemented standardized knowledge sharing protocols with in the corporation to keep knowledge gleaned from the experience of individuals and processes. This helped retain understandings acquired over time as well as ensured continued creativity in the future. So, this system of hiring the right people, helping them be creative, and capitalizing on their innovations is what helped 3M become what it is, an industry leader in innovative technologies.

Last, what are the drawbacks of such a culture and how were successive CEO’s trying to address these? Six Sigma implementation sought to decrease deviations in an attempt to eradicate flaws. What happened was a stifling of creative genius at 3M. To solve this problem, managers decided to roll back the Six Sigma implantation and pump resources into research and development initiatives. These actions helped bring back the innovative edge that has been the hallmark of 3M success.  So, by loosening the chains of Six Sigma controls, 3M actually made it stronger. What could be more innovative than chucking an industry standard quality system?

A study of 3M corporate culture has revealed certain facts about the impact of culture on corporate performance. Three questions with respect to 3M corporate culture were answered here. A stifling of innovative creativity means decline for a corporation; whereas, encouraging creative capital, a corporation flourishes. In essence, it is a lesson in wisdom. It is wise to creativity thrive, because it means long term profit. If company only plans for the short term and depends on the industry for innovation, it is doomed to second tier status in relevant business sectors. Change is good, and if you do not believe that, just takes a look at 3M’s financial standing.