Build and Buy Strategy - the case of Muten Technologies
Localizing a workforce in a market abroad presents unique challenges. There are two main strategies to expand operations: you can build or buy. Through successful and failed cases, what are some lessons that can be applied?
At a glance
Focus
Organizational Behavior
Strategy
Build or Buy
Core Theme
Leadership in Decision-Making
Key Challenge
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Abstract
Muten Technologies, a fictional Japanese automotive company operating in Thailand for over 20 years, faced increasing challenges in localizing its workforce to reduce its reliance on expatriate executives. The high cost of expatriate support and the difficulty in finding Japanese executives willing to relocate underscored the need to integrate Thai talent into leadership roles. At the centre of this learning is the Operation Director, Akimasa, who had been transferred to Thailand to understand the needs of the Thai branch.
This case study explores 4 different cases of the Build and Buy Strategy from 4 different fictional companies. Through these cases, the lessons learned may just be what Akimasa needs to explore the strategies he may need to employ at Muten Technologies. The case is designed to engage learners to explore the nuances of global workforce localization and use these lessons to make decisions.
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(1) Regarding Case Study Content: This case study is based mainly on secondary data and analysis of publicly available information unless otherwise stated, and is intended solely for educational purposes. Any opinions expressed by the author(s) are designed to facilitate learning discussion and do not serve to illustrate the effectiveness of the company. Additionally, banner images and logos used in the case study are intended for visualization in an educational setting and it is not used to represent or brand the company. For any dispute regarding the content and usage of images and logos, please contact the team.
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