The following are the recommendations and Action Plan for the case of Johnson & Johnson.
It will
help the company improved its operations and solve the problem.
Recommendation
Strengthen Centralized Oversight and Coordination
Preserving the entrepreneurial spirit is important, but having a stronger centralized function
helps ensure everything runs smoothly. Creating a corporate office that sets strategies, allocates
resources, and addresses issues could bring more coordination across divisions.
Invest in Technology and Data Analytics
Using advanced technology and data analytics can help improve how data is shared, how
decisions are made, and how operations are optimized. Investing in these tools can provide valuable
insights into customer behavior and market trends, which helps in making better decisions.
Prioritize Quality and Safety
Quality and safety are crucial. Regular audits, inspections, and training can help maintain
high standards. Investing in risk management can prevent potential hazards and improve overall
safety.
Foster a Culture of Innovation and Collaboration
Encouraging employees to share ideas and work together can boost innovation. Creating
platforms for this can lead to great new ideas and improvements.
Diversify Revenue Streams
Exploring new opportunities and forming partnerships can help diversify income. This
reduces risks and captures growth opportunities in new markets.
Action Plan
Short-Term (1-2 years)
1. Centralize Quality Oversight
Setting up a centralized function at Johnson & Johnson to set standards, conduct audits, and
ensure compliance would involve developing a dedicated corporate office. This office would be
responsible for creating comprehensive guidelines for all business units, ensuring that quality and
safety protocols are uniformly applied. For instance, imagine a scenario where the company
standardizes the production process for all pharmaceuticals and consumer products, ensuring
consistency in quality and safety. The centralized office would conduct regular audits, scrutinizing
each division's adherence to these standards and pinpointing areas needing improvement.
For example, if J&J launches a new baby care product line, the centralized function would first
establish stringent guidelines for its production, from sourcing ingredients to packaging. It would
then periodically audit manufacturing plants to ensure compliance, identifying any deviations or
potential risks. These audits would generate reports to help improve processes and maintain high-
quality standards. Ultimately, this system ensures every division meets both internal standards and
external regulatory requirements, safeguarding the company's reputation and consumer trust.
2. Implement Data Analytics Platform:
Investing in a platform to collect, analyze, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) and customer
trends is crucial for a company like Johnson & Johnson. This investment would involve deploying
advanced data analytics tools that aggregate data from various sources, such as sales, customer
feedback, and market trends. For example, if J&J wants to track the performance of a newly
launched pharmaceutical product, this platform could provide real-time insights into sales data,
customer reviews, and prescription rates. By analyzing this data, J&J can identify any issues early on,
like a drop in sales due to negative feedback, and respond swiftly to mitigate the problem.
Moreover, such a platform can help J&J make informed strategic decisions. For instance, if data
analysis shows a growing demand for specific types of healthcare products in emerging markets, J&J
can adjust its marketing and distribution strategies to capitalize on these opportunities. This not only
improves operational efficiency but also aligns product offerings with market needs, ultimately
driving revenue growth. Advanced analytics can also predict future trends, allowing J&J to stay ahead
of competitors by proactively addressing customer needs.
.3. Conduct Organizational Assessment: Assess the current structure and processes to identify
areas for improvement.
Conducting an organizational assessment means taking a close look at a company’s structure and
processes to find ways to improve. For Johnson & Johnson, this would involve analyzing how the
company is organized, how its departments interact, and how efficient its processes are. For
example, they might review the workflow in their pharmaceutical division to see if there are any
bottlenecks slowing down drug development. This can involve surveys, interviews, and data analysis
to gather information on how things are currently done and where there are gaps or inefficiencies.
The goal is to identify areas where the company can be more efficient, reduce costs, or improve
quality.
Once Johnson & Johnson has this information, they can develop a plan to address these issues. This
might include restructuring teams to improve communication, implementing new technologies to
streamline processes, or changing policies to better support employees. For instance, if the
assessment finds that different divisions are duplicating efforts, the company could create a shared
services model to consolidate these functions and save costs. Overall, the assessment helps the
company understand its strengths and weaknesses and provides a roadmap for continuous
improvement.
Medium-Term (3-5 years)
1. Foster Collaboration
Forming cross-functional teams involves bringing together members from different departments
to work on a strategic project, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise contribute to the project's
success. For example, Johnson & Johnson could create a team with members from research and
development, marketing, finance, and supply chain to develop and launch a new medical device. This
approach encourages collaboration, leverages diverse skills, and fosters innovation. It also helps in
breaking down silos within the company, leading to more holistic solutions and faster problem-
solving. Such teams can drive significant improvements in product development cycles and market
responsiveness, ultimately enhancing the company's competitive edge.
2. Invest in Research and Development
Increasing funding for research and development (R&D) is essential for driving innovation at
Johnson & Johnson. By allocating more resources to R&D, the company can enhance its capabilities
to develop groundbreaking treatments and products. For example, increased R&D funding enabled
J&J to introduce innovative solutions like the first disposable contact lenses. Investing in R&D not
only helps in developing new products but also in improving existing ones, staying ahead of market
trends, and maintaining a competitive edge. This approach ensures that J&J can continue to address
emerging health challenges and meet the evolving needs of consumers and healthcare providers.
3. Expand Global Footprint
Identifying and pursuing growth opportunities in emerging markets involves recognizing regions
with rapid economic growth and industrialization, and strategically entering these markets to expand
the company's footprint. For example, Johnson & Johnson could target countries in Southeast Asia,
where rising incomes and healthcare needs create demand for medical products and services. By
investing in local manufacturing, forming partnerships with regional healthcare providers, and
tailoring products to meet local needs, J&J can tap into new customer bases and drive revenue
growth. This approach not only diversifies the company's market presence but also positions it to
benefit from the economic development in these regions.
Long-Term (5+ years)
1. Transform Organizational Culture
Promoting a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement at Johnson &
Johnson involves creating an environment where employees feel empowered to share ideas,
collaborate across departments, and continuously seek better ways to work. For instance, the
company can establish innovation labs where interdisciplinary teams work together on new projects,
like developing cutting-edge medical devices. By encouraging regular brainstorming sessions and
providing platforms for employees to share their ideas, J&J can harness the collective creativity of its
workforce. Continuous improvement can be fostered through regular training programs and
feedback loops, ensuring employees are always learning and evolving. This approach not only drives
innovation but also enhances employee engagement and satisfaction, ultimately leading to better
organizational performance.
2. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Focusing on environmental stewardship and social impact as part of Johnson & Johnson's core
strategy means integrating sustainable practices and ethical considerations into all aspects of their
operations. For example, J&J could implement a comprehensive sustainability program that includes
reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and using renewable energy sources in their
manufacturing processes. Additionally, they could enhance their social impact by supporting
community health initiatives, ensuring fair labor practices, and increasing transparency in their
supply chain. Such initiatives not only help protect the environment but also build trust and loyalty
among consumers and stakeholders, reinforcing the company's reputation as a responsible corporate
citizen.
Conclusion
Johnson & Johnson has a solid foundation with a diversified portfolio and strong financial stability.
However, to stay competitive, they need to address the challenges of decentralized operations,
quality control, and innovation. By following the recommendations and action plan, they can
continue to grow and provide long-term value.
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