Harley-Davidson: A Unique, Loyal Stakeholder Base
In this course we will look at Harley-Davidson Motor Company from a strategic management perspective. This organization is quite unique in that it has worked very hard through the years to build its brand and has acquired a loyal following. This loyal customer following has actually been quite a phenomonen and many have even identified it as "cultlike." That is to say, H-D is unique, particularly from a stakeholder perspective.
The corporation is now reaching to other countries in an attempt to expand its niche across borders and overseas. There is a lot of competition in the motorcycle market, including Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Indian, Victory, BMW, and Triumph motorcycles.
Although H-D dominated the heavy-weight motorcycle market in America for several years, in recent decades many of the above-mentioned competitors have developed cruisers and touring bikes of their own, emulating H-D's bikes to include a V-twin engine design.
Case Assignment
For this assignment, read the information in the background material, spend some time getting a feel for H-D's history, strategy and key stakeholders, and then write a 3- to 4-page report for your professor and the executives of Harley-Davidson by addressing the following assignment requirements:
- Discuss to what degree you believe Harley-Davidson is currently proceeding towards its mission, vision, and values.
- Identify two or three of H-D's most important stakeholders and discuss whether Harley-Davidson's current strategic direction is aligned with the needs of the corporation's stakeholders. Explain your reasoning.
- Based on your analysis and findings, what would you recommend to the executives of Harley-Davidson? Why? Explain your reasoning.