BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a multinational corporation which produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles. The company was founded in 1916, and has since grown to become one of the leading manufacturers in the automotive industry. In this essay, we will explore the organizational structure and culture of BMW.
Starting with the organizational structure, BMW follows a divisional structure, which means that the company is divided into several distinct business units, each with its own management team and resources. These business units are responsible for specific products or markets, and have a high degree of autonomy in decision-making.
One of the main divisions within BMW is the automotive division, which is responsible for the production and sale of BMW automobiles. This division is further divided into several sub-divisions, such as BMW M (for performance vehicles), BMW i (for electric and hybrid vehicles), and BMW Motorrad (for motorcycles). Each of these sub-divisions has its own management team and operates independently, with the overall automotive division providing guidance and support.
In addition to the automotive division, BMW also has a financial services division, which provides financing and leasing options to customers, and a customer service division, which handles after-sales support and customer service.
The organizational structure at BMW is relatively flat, with a relatively small number of management layers separating the top executives from front-line employees. This helps to promote a culture of openness and transparency, and allows for quick decision-making and adaptability to changing market conditions.
Turning now to BMW's corporate culture, the company places a strong emphasis on innovation and quality. BMW's mission statement is "to be the most successful premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world, and to be the leading provider of premium products and premium services for individual mobility." This focus on being the best in the industry is reflected in the company's commitment to continuous improvement and the development of cutting-edge technology.
Another key aspect of BMW's culture is its emphasis on sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals for reducing its environmental impact, including a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. BMW also has a strong corporate social responsibility program, with a focus on supporting education and training initiatives, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion.
Overall, the organizational structure and culture at BMW are focused on excellence, innovation, and sustainability. These values have helped the company to become a leader in the automotive industry, and will likely continue to drive its success in the future.