Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum,
Read Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs During Covid-19Links to an external site..
Read Effects of the Pandemic Crisis on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable DevelopmentLinks to an external site..
Watch the video Don’t Quit Your Job to Change the World – Be an IntrapreneurLinks to an external site..
The Covid-19 pandemic impacted everyone, including small and large businesses. Many companies did not survive the pandemic, while others found ways to not only survive but thrive in times of uncertainty. Many companies experienced a drop in demand, which might have been caused by government restrictions or due to confinement decreasing purchasing power. Some companies took advantage of the pandemic by offering home delivery, products to protect from the contagion, or new and innovative ways to operate their business (Miguel et. al, 2021).
In this discussion, you are looking at how change management impacted intrapreneurs after the pandemic. First, identify two companies that not only survived the pandemic but thrived. Second, contrast these two companies, identifying what they did that helped them to thrive in times of uncertainty. Third, address the following questions:
How did the industry they are in impact that success?
How did intrapreneurship play a role in these companies during the pandemic?
Lastly, step into the role of intrapreneurship and identify innovative ways you would recommend for the company you selected to continue to thrive.
The Role of Intrapreneurship in Business Resilience Post-Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly reshaped the business landscape, challenging companies to adapt swiftly to survive. While many businesses faced setbacks during this unprecedented time, there were some that not only managed to weather the storm but also thrived. In examining the impact of change management on intrapreneurs post-pandemic, two standout companies emerge as exemplars of resilience and innovation: Amazon and Zoom. These companies navigated the crisis successfully by leveraging intrapreneurship and adapting their strategies to the evolving market conditions.
Amazon: Revolutionizing the E-commerce Landscape
Amazon, a global e-commerce giant led by Jeff Bezos, witnessed a surge in demand during the pandemic as consumers shifted towards online shopping due to lockdowns and safety concerns. The industry Amazon operates in played a crucial role in its success, as the e-commerce sector experienced unprecedented growth during the pandemic. By swiftly adapting its operations to meet the increased demand, Amazon capitalized on its existing infrastructure and technological capabilities to thrive in times of uncertainty.
Intrapreneurship at Amazon was instrumental in driving innovation and problem-solving during the pandemic. The company encouraged its employees to think creatively and develop new solutions to meet the changing needs of customers. Initiatives such as expanding same-day delivery services, prioritizing essential items, and enhancing safety measures for employees showcased Amazon's intrapreneurial spirit.
To ensure continued success, Amazon could further innovate by investing in sustainable practices such as eco-friendly packaging, enhancing supply chain transparency, and expanding its reach into emerging markets. By fostering a culture of intrapreneurship that prioritizes sustainability and social responsibility, Amazon can solidify its position as a market leader post-pandemic.
Zoom: Redefining Remote Communication
Zoom, a video conferencing platform founded by Eric Yuan, experienced exponential growth during the pandemic as remote work became the new norm. The industry Zoom operates in directly impacted its success, as organizations worldwide turned to virtual communication tools to stay connected and productive. By offering a user-friendly platform with innovative features, Zoom quickly emerged as the preferred choice for remote collaboration.
Intrapreneurship played a pivotal role at Zoom by driving product development and customer engagement strategies. The company's agile response to the surge in demand for virtual communication tools exemplified its intrapreneurial mindset. Features such as virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms, and enhanced security measures were introduced swiftly to address evolving user needs.
Looking ahead, Zoom can leverage intrapreneurship to diversify its product offerings beyond video conferencing by venturing into areas such as virtual events, online education platforms, and telemedicine solutions. By encouraging employees to explore new ideas and opportunities for growth, Zoom can stay ahead of the competition and remain a key player in the post-pandemic era.
In conclusion,
the success of companies like Amazon and Zoom amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic underscores the importance of intrapreneurship in driving innovation and resilience. By fostering a culture that empowers employees to think like entrepreneurs within the organization, companies can adapt to change effectively and thrive in times of uncertainty. As businesses navigate the post-pandemic landscape, embracing intrapreneurship will be essential for sustainable growth and long-term success.