Research In Motion: Launching and Scaling the World's First Smartphone Empire (A)

In 2005, Research In Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry smartphone was a sensation. After its launch in 1999, the groundbreaking BlackBerry had captured the hearts and minds of corporate America through its secure wireless email service. The device was so addictive and easy-to-use that many began calling it the "CrackBerry." Buoyed by Blackberry's success, RIM experienced exponential growth, surpassing $1 billion in revenues. But the Canadian tech firm was suffering from growing pains. Co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie (HBS '89) had managed RIM since its early days with only 14 employees-now, it had more than 3,500. The co-CEOs struggled with day-to-day responsibilities, leading to delays in product development, sales, and network infrastructure. Balsillie and Lazaridis needed a way to manage RIM more effectively. In 2001, they hired Larry Conlee as COO. Though he brought product development on schedule and helped RIM mature into a more coordinated and efficient company, many engineers chafed under his top-down management style. In 2005, Conlee requested that the co-CEOs promote him to president, which would position him to introduce more formal systems to the entire company. This could free up the co-CEOs to focus on strategic goals. However, Conlee's promotion might also stifle innovation. With competition encroaching, this decision could prove crucial to the future of RIM. Should Balsillie and Lazaridis give Conlee the promotion he wants?

• Mobile and wireless technology
• Innovation
• Management styles
• Business management
• Product development
• Business growth
• Decision making
• Growth strategy
• Accounting