Cisco began when husband-and-wife Stanford team Len Bosack and Sandy Lerner developed a university campus computer networking solution. From those humble beginnings, the organization has grown into a highly diversified, global technology leader always looking for the next new thing in a world of rapid change. Organizational growth has resulted in three distinct phases of organizational structure designed to meet the management and decision-making needs of the corporate giant as it has evolved. Will another phase be required as Cisco tries to stay competitive in an ever-changing environment?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS TO ASSIGN

1. Did the change to the new structure alleviate the problems experienced with the previous structure? Explain.
2. What is the value for a high technology Cisco to have such a strong emphasis on sustainability? Explain.