Corporate Entrepreneurship: How to Create a Thriving Entrepreneurial Spirit Throughout Your Company

7Controlling the Venture

What is the nature of a control system for corporate entrepreneurship? How should corporate entrepreneurial activities be evaluated? Should organizational control change from the traditional control system in place? Why are financial and nonfinancial methods of control important?

 

Scenario: American Greetings Corporation

American Greetings Corporation, the largest publicly traded greeting card company in the world, was started in 1906 by a Polish immigrant, Jacob Sapirstein, who moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He borrowed $50 to buy a supply of penny postcards, which he sold to drug stores, novelty shops, and confectioners. After the first week, he had sold enough cards to repay the loan and had an extra $50 to fund the following ...