Examining the industry comparative traits of hardware and software manufacturers

A survey of senior managers from 18 firms comprising 20 different operational divisions was conducted to determine the perceived difference between hardware and software companies. The survey questions addressed the structural, managerial, financial, product, and personnel distinctions between hardw...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inInformation & management Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 171 - 178
Main Authors Newman, Robert C., Newman, William A., Evans, Gerald E.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.11.1987
Elsevier Sequoia S.A
Subjects
Computer industry
Computer industry management style
Computer peripherals
Corporate culture
Differences
Executives
Hardware firms
Hardware/software firm differences
Human resource management
Management styles
Manycompanies
Polls & surveys
Software firms
Software industry
Hardware firms
Software firms
Hardware/software firm differences
Computer industry management style
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:A survey of senior managers from 18 firms comprising 20 different operational divisions was conducted to determine the perceived difference between hardware and software companies. The survey questions addressed the structural, managerial, financial, product, and personnel distinctions between hardware oriented and software oriented companies. The results indicated that there are sizable factor and cultural differences between computer hardware and software firms. Software firms are smaller, more intellectually diverse, and more vulnerable than hardware firms. Hardware companies have considerable economic inertia and continuing revenue streams. These differences require unique management approaches and styles.
ISSN:0378-7206
1872-7530
DOI:10.1016/0378-7206(87)90054-1