As a sophisticated means of managing A.B.B., though, Mr. Barnevik's system proved highly effective. In addition, it requires a chief executive officer with the rare dynamism and intelligence of Mr. Barnevik. While it may prove unwise to slavishly copy A.B.B., the company is inspirational in other ways. A.B.B.'s management style and philosophy could be summarized as management for and by grown-ups. The company is seemingly free of pointless in-fighting.
Constructive debate is welcomed.
Managers from different countries work together effectively. One gets the impression that decisions are thought through, backed by analysis, then made and carried out decisively. A.B.B. is a ringing endorsement for professional management at the end of the 20th century. None of this happened overnight or easily. But, it all happened deliberately.