Abstract

This case examines the leadership and entrepreneurial qualities of Henry Ford (Ford), the founder of Ford Motor Company. The case details how Ford’s vision (of producing an affordable car for the masses) and his innovations (Model T, moving assembly line approach, mass-production concept, Highland Park factory) transformed the global automobile industry. The case also examines Ford’s contributions in generating employment in the US and his best practices in managing human resources. Finally, the case discusses a few criticisms of Ford’s managerial practices.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Qualities that characterize an entrepreneur and a leader.

Keywords

Leadership, entrepreneurial, Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company, car, Model T, assembly line approach, mass-production, Highland Park, generating employment, US, managing human resources, criticisms, managerial practices