Making the Team: A Guide for Managers

Chapter 9. Managing the External Environment

Eastman Chemical Company is the only chemical corporation to have received a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The award was bestowed in 1993 following vast quality improvements in its manufacturing operations and dramatic sales growth of over 84 percent in 10 years. One secret to the winning strategy is the use of teams within the organization. In 1984, Eastman Chemical faced quality issues, declining sales, and diminished profitability, and committed to change through teamwork and a team-driven organization. Over the next few years, Eastman Chemical employees formed over 1,000 interlocking teams to improve the communication and break down the barriers between functions in the company. Much ...