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Ob Within Worldcom

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Organizational Behavior within WorldCom
WorldCom entered the telecommunications market as LDDS in 1983, founded by Bernie Ebbers in Jackson, Mississippi. The company grew dramatically through numerous acquisitions and adapted the name “WorldCom” in 1995. In 1998, WorldCom purchased MCI, the nation’s number two long-distance provider, for $37 billion. WorldCom, considered a major success story of the 1990s, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2002. With 65 successful acquisitions, including 11 major companies between 1991 and 1997, WorldCom’s accumulated debts reached $41 billion with assets of $107 billion (Beltran, 2002). WorldCom operated the largest Internet network at the time and employed 60,000 people in 65 countries. The downfall of the colossal giant devastated many shareholders and stakeholders both internal and external. Many believe this collapse inevitable given the factors of the company’s poorly planned growth strategy, unethical behavior, and poor corporate governance.
Organizational Structure and Growth Strategy
Revenue growth by acquisition laid the foundation for WorldCom’s corporate strategy. Although this strategy propelled WorldCom to the forefront of the telecommunications industry by consolidation, it left the management and leadership unprepared for the challenges of merging corporate cultures. Integrating two very different business leadership styles into a smoothly functioning business requires thoughtful planning and considerable attention. Without a carefully planned transition, the acquisition process potentially decreases the value of the firm for shareholders and stakeholders. Unfortunately, this happened with WorldCom and proved detrimental to the future of the organization. As organizations merge, senior management must participate from the top down. WorldCom’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bernie Ebbers, appeared

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