Sony vs Samsung (PDF)

"Sony vs. Samsung is business history at its best! It
explores the divergent fortunes of these two electronics giants in
the last decade and identifies the true reasons behind Sony's
decline and Samsung's rise. Contrary to popular belief, Chang shows
that success (or failure) does not simply arise from different
strategies. Rather, it emerges from major decisions that are deeply
rooted in the companies' organizational processes and their
executives' political behavior. This book is a must-read for any
senior executive."

--Constantinos Markides, Robert P. Bauman Professor of
Strategic Leadership and Chairman, Strategy Department, London
Business School

"Sea-Jin Chang has produced that rarity in a business book--one
that is as valuable to practicing managers as it is insightful to
academic researchers. In this fascinating comparison of two modern
global giants, he applies his high resolution research microscope
to their changing fortunes by dissecting their contrasting
strategies, and providing interesting insights into their divergent
organizational processes and management practices. This is a very
valuable contribution to the international business literature. It
will end up in as many corporate boardrooms as faculty
seminars."

--Christopher A. Bartlett, Thomas D. Casserly Professor
Emeritus, Harvard Business School

"Sea-Jin Chang has written a fascinating comparison of Sony and
Samsung that will be valuable to anyone interested in strategy,
organizations or international business. The interwoven and very
detailed case studies of two very different companies in
overlapping industries illuminate problems such as adaptation to
technological change (analog to digital), organizational
flexibility and globalization. His attempt to analyze both
strategic development and implementation is successful and very
useful. Both academics and practitioners will learn a lot from this
book."

--Stephen J. Kobrin, William Wurster Professor of
Multinational Management, The Wharton School, University of
Pennsylvania

"Refreshingly original and entertaining, this book analyzes major
strategic decisions of Samsung and Sony and highlights
organizational processes and top management leadership that have
shaped their performances. This is a must-read for all executives
who want to understand the strengths and weaknesses of Asian
competitors. It also provides penetrating insights to other Asian
companies with global ambitions."

--Myoung Woo Lee, President and CEO, iriver