This whitepaper is an exploration of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges presented by the corporate culture of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It will focus on those elements in the framework of changes that challenge the sustainability of the association as it adapts to uncertainty, globalization, and the networked enterprise.
Globalization
Globalization is associated with the creation of the environment conducive to the free flow of information and the expansion of connectivity on a global scale (Haugen and Mach 113). Therefore, it could be argued that emphasis on social issues, innovative approach to marketing, and size advantages are the main strengths of the league in the process of adaptation to the forces of globalization (NBA par. 3). NBA has encountered numerous criticism related to the culture of hip-hop and race over the last years (Liopis par. 4). Therefore, it could be argued that the cultural paradigm that has led to tarnished reputation is the main weakness of the league during the time of the economic shift to globalization. However, it should be said that NBA’s culture is associated with the following opportunities in the era of globalization: emerging markets and new technological solutions for broadcasting their games. One of the challenges presented by the qualitative change of the world’s communication structure is intense competition.
The Networked Enterprise
The main strength of the league in the face of change presented by the shift to the networked enterprise as its corporate business model is associated with the fact that fully networked companies are known to implement more intense policies for supporting organizational change (Bughin, Chui, and Pollak par. 8). However, taking into consideration that NBA is not known for a strong emphasis on building social technology capabilities, it could be argued that its culture is not conducive to the rapid implementation of new policies at residents’ companies. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to assume that the league’s corporate character that is defined by its desire to align its culture, values and business strategy would present opportunities for consistent internal and external benefits (Bughin, Chui, and Pollak par. 8; Artur W. Page Society par. 3). One of the main challenges of NBA’s culture during the shift to the networked enterprise is the development and implementation of the formalized strategy for the effective application of social technologies.
Uncertainty
The league’s emphasis on the “principled approach to doing business” as well as its desire to incorporate the principles of the Global Compact into the set of their policies and procedures is arguably its main strength in the face of uncertainty (United Nations Global Compact par. 1). NBA’s focus on human rights and social responsibilities provides a strong foundation for meeting challenges associated with the volatility of global markets (NBA par. 2). The aspect of the league’s culture that could be considered a weakness is its focus on the multitude of investment projects that might result in a “loop of paralysis” if they will not come to fruition because of the high level of risk associated with uncertainty (Colvin par. 4). It could be argued that the NBA’s desire to have an increasing impact on fragmented markets could become a significant qualitative factor in the time of “heightened uncertainty” (Colvin par. 4). However, economic uncertainty could potentially put some of the league’s investment projects on hold thereby challenging its potential to expand to new markets presented by globalization. Therefore, some of the global investment might have to be postponed.
Works Cited
Artur W. Page Society. Building Belief: A New Model for Activating Corporate Character and Authentic Advocacy. n.d. Web.
Bughin, Jacques, Michael Chui, and Lindsay Pollak. Organizing the Networked Enterprise for Change. 2014. Web.
Colvin, Geoff. Business’s Real Problem: Uncertainty, Uncertainty, Uncertainty. 2012. Web.
Haugen, David, and Rachael Mach. Globalization. Greenhaven Press, 2010.
Liopis, Glenn. NBA Controversy is a Lesson in Cultural Ignorance vs. Cultural Intelligence. 2014. Web.
NBA. Our Calling and Values. n.d. Web.
United Nations Global Compact. The Power of Principles. 2015. Web.