Prahalad, C. K. (1941–2010)

Abstract

The article considers the career of the business management theorist C. K. Prahalad through a discussion of three of his main works. Following discussion of the future-oriented nature of his thinking, the article considers the first of Prahalad’s books, The Multinational Mission, in which he argued that multinational companies should aim to achieve a balance between global scale and local demands. In what is perhaps the best known of his titles, Competing for the Future, he challenged much of the conventional wisdom about competitive strategy, highlighting concepts such as the resource-based view of the firm and strategic intent. Finally, in Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid, Prahalad turns his attention to how entrepreneurs can address the needs of the poorest in society, who may – contrary to expectations – prove to be the fastest-growing consumer segment. A short conclusion highlights that Prahalad has practised what he has preached, putting into effect some of his key business messages.

This entry was originally published on Palgrave Connect under ISBN 978-1-137-49190-9. The content has not been changed.