The Case of Ford Motor Company: Building and Leading Teams

Case Study

Ford Motor Company, one of the oldest and most storied automobile manufacturers, faced severe financial difficulties and a declining market share during the late 2000s financial crisis. Under the leadership of Alan Mulally, Ford embarked on a remarkable turnaround journey. This case study explores how Mulally implemented the “One Ford” plan, promoting teamwork, transparency, and accountability, and empowering teams to focus on core brands and improve efficiency. The outcome was a remarkable recovery, as Ford avoided bankruptcy, returned to profitability, and regained its position as a leading automaker.

Background Information

Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, Ford Motor Company revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of assembly line production, making automobiles affordable for the average American. Over the decades, Ford grew into a global automotive powerhouse, but by the early 2000s, the company faced significant challenges. Increased competition, rising costs, and declining market share, exacerbated by the financial crisis of 2007–2008, threatened the company’s survival.

Alan Mulally, former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, was appointed CEO of Ford in September 2006. Known for his leadership during Boeing’s turnaround…