ht individuals that had the technological know-how to bring it to the top. Intel’s skill and expertise proved to be a strength back in 1985 when Intel’s primary business was the memory chip. Japanese competitors started producing and marketing their memory chips at lower costs than Intel. However, Intel had the skills and expertise to abandon the memory chip business and put their full energies into a secondary microprocessor business. They wanted to become leaders of the industry and they proved that they knew what needed to be done to accomplish their vision. WEAKNESSESDiversityIntel is one of the most successful companies and it is hard to find a weakness in such an established firm. Intel is known for its strengths, competencies, and capabilities. However, one of Intel’s weaknesses is the focus on primarily microprocessors. The diversification of companies into other industries allows them to be less risky in case a rival developed a better product. For example, Microsoft is expanding into the Internet business to become more diversified. America Online and Netscape are merging to enhance their core business. Intel could become even more successful if it were to diversify into other industries. The company can be in grave danger if another firm was to rise to the top with the manufacturing of microprocessors or if technology promoted a more efficient product than the microprocessor. Leadership After Groves Andrew Groves has been the backbone of Intel for many years. Under Grove, Intel was very aggressive in protecting its technology. He is a hands-on manager whose high level of involvement and attention to detail inspired and intimidated subordinates. A big part of Intel’s success is Groves’ leadership style, competitive ability, and innovative mind set. Eventually, Groves will retire and the question will be what will happen to Intel? Will Groves’ successor lead Intel to remain on ...
