Assessing General Motors’ innovation strategy over three decades using the “Three Box Solution”

Abstract

Purpose

Professor Vijay Govindarajan’s “Three Box Solution” framework provides a useful way of looking at a transformative business innovation initiative started at General Motors almost three decades ago and now being further developed by its current CEO Mary Barra.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on 18 years of experience at GM the author offers insights into how the company used the “Three Box” aproach: 10;•9;Box 1: Strengthen the core. 10;•9;Box 2: Let go of the practices that drive the core business but hinder the new one. 10;•9;Box 3: Invented a new business model. 10;

Findings

GM management found creative ways to enable the current business to thrive while exploring the potential market for a visionary business model.

Practical implications

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Originality/value

Based on actual experience of participating in strategy development this paper should help decision makers address their current actions and future strategies simultaneously.

Citation

Barabba, V. (2019), "Assessing General Motors’ innovation strategy over three decades using the “Three Box Solution”", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 47 No. 2, pp. 34-42. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-01-2019-0004