Case for Critical Thinking

Case for critical thinking: Quality can endure despite environmental shocks

1. What elements of the general environment would have most impact on Mercedes cars and Haines Signature boats?

Mercedes Benz and Haines Signature boats would have been impacted most by the economic, sociocultural and technological changes in the general environment over the past 120 years. Being known as companies who produce high quality products with equally expensive price tags would limit their revenue potential during economic hardship, placing financial strain on the companies. The companies would have been exposed to constant changes in sociocultural values, affecting the success of their products. As consumers values change the need for specific products also change. Unless companies are prepared and constantly envisioning future cultural trends the success of their business can be easily jeopardised. Companies who don’t promote their product to appeal to current sociocultural values loose the consumer product relationship they strive to build, leading to decrease in product sales and revenue. Technological conditions also have an impact on how these companies accomplish their business. Operating strategies can be dramatically altered based on changes in the technological environment. Competitiveness within the manufacturing industry is reliant on the general state of technology, scientific advancements and development availability.

2. What do you feel the organisation cultures of these companies would be like?

The organisational cultures governing Mercedes Benz and Haines Signature boats are considered similar, both companies portray observable cultures and core cultures. The core cultures of Mercedes Benz are considered to be their focus on innovation, technical advances and high quality products along with 120 years of car building experience. Having their brand names recognised by celebrity’s Janice Joplin and her song “Mercedes Benz” and Clint Eastwood’s reference to a Mercedes Benz as a precision-engineered vehicle all attributes to their observable culture. Haines Signature Boats has been referred to the “Mercedes Benz of boats” and have followed closely in their footsteps focusing on innovation, unique designs and quality products. All demonstrated by 50 years of business experience. The family owned business has been awarded Boat of the Year and Australian Marine Industry Federation awards, contributing to their observable