The challenges of Drug Mart Araujo to innovate: a real teaching case on culture and innovation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18568/internext.v20i03.843Keywords:
Innovation, Organizational Culture, Teaching CaseAbstract
Objective: The teaching case on Drug Mart Araujo, the largest pharmacy chain in the state of Minas Gerais and the seventh largest in Brazil, aims to explore the challenges faced by a family-owned business, with a century of history operating in a highly dynamic and competitive market. It emphasizes the need to balance innovation with tradition. The case aims to enhance students’ understanding of how family businesses can navigate organizational change while maintaining their cultural identity, highlighting the importance of innovation and strategic management. Method: This teaching case is based on qualitative single-case research, which included eight in-depth interviews, a focus group, direct observation, and a review of documents and institutional materials provided by the company, as well as website analysis. Key Findings: By studying and analyzing the case through the dilemmas faced by the organization, students can apply management theories and innovation strategies to real-world situations, helping them understand the complexities of balancing tradition and innovation and maintaining business longevity amid market changes. Relevance/Originality: The case enables professors to explain key concepts and helps students apply management and innovation theories to practical scenarios. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: The theoretical contributions include discussions on balancing innovation and tradition in family businesses. Methodologically, it offers an interdisciplinary teaching case that links people management and innovation, thereby broadening pedagogical possibilities.
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