Conditions for Internal Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Numerous organizations find themselves in a “turbulent field”. The greater the complexity of their environment, the greater is their external uncertainty. It is possible to cope with these uncertainties by structuring the organization differently and bringing about a new way of thinking. Royal PTT Nederland NV (KPN) is an organization which has undergone a sweeping process of change. To be the best provider of information transport, the company had to change its internal working methods and adopt an “entrepreneurial” approach. Examines some theoretical notions of entrepreneurs and managers. Looks at two cases at PTT Telecom (one of KPN′s operating companies) in which the authors were involved. One case relates to the fundamentals of a major reorganization programme that got under way in late 1990 and will affect virtually all the company′s employees. The other case gives a detailed understanding of the introduction of a new company management style and the shared values based on it. Uses all this to draw some conclusions and to provide a platform for further discussions with regard to internal entrepreneurship.