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  • November 1988 (Revised July 1997)
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  • HBS Case Collection

Technology Transfer at a Defense Contractor

By: Linda A. Hill
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:16
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Abstract

At a time of great changes in the corporate environment, Larry Yoshino, a design lab manager at Parsons Controls Corp., faces a delay in a costly defense project due to the inability of one of his subordinates to gain the cooperation of engineers at Parsons' manufacturing plant. The physical distance between the plants, different functions, and unequal power relations feed the conflict, forcing Yoshino to reexamine his role. The case promotes discussion of 1) friction between design and manufacturing, 2) managing self-managing professionals, and 3) changing behaviors to reflect new competitive situations.

Keywords

Organizational Change and Adaptation; Change Management; Conflict Management; Managerial Roles; Management Teams; Employees; Competitive Strategy; Projects

Citation

Hill, Linda A. "Technology Transfer at a Defense Contractor." Harvard Business School Case 489-084, November 1988. (Revised July 1997.)
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About The Author

Linda A. Hill

Organizational Behavior
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  • Ed Catmull: Lessons from Leading Pixar Animation Studios By: Francesca Gino, Linda Hill, Gary Pisano and Ruth Page
  • Mastercard Labs (B) By: Linda A. Hill, Sunil Gupta, Emily Tedards and Julia Kelley
  • Mastercard: Creating a World Beyond Cash By: Sunil Gupta, Linda A. Hill, Julia Kelley and Emily Tedards
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