Organizations differ considerably in the way they utilize management theory, as they confront contemporary management challenges. Here are two firms that present widely differing viewpoints: Accenture, a management consulting firm, and Wal-Mart, the giant retailer. View their web sites and then answer these questions:

1. Based on the information at the web site, which perspective on management seems most representative of each organization?
2. To which contemporary challenges is the organization responding, based on the information you can locate at its web site?

Internet Exercise

The closing case in Chapter 2 discusses changes made at ConAgra as the firm works to maintain its strong position in the U.S. food products industry. After viewing the firm’s web site, answer the following questions:

1. What are the major challenges facing ConAgra?
2. What seems to be ConAgra’s corporate perspective? How is it using management theory to address its challenges?
3. Do you think ConAgra is likely to be successful in meeting its challenges, given its corporate perspective? Why or why not?

Explore Further

Examine the web sites of other food product companies and compare their products, operations and challenges with those of ConAgra. For example, Kraft is the largest food company in the U.S., ahead of #2 ConAgra. How is each firm unique in its response to the challenges of the food products industry?