Globalization Becomes Truly Global: Lessons Learned at Lenovo

"Lenovo, one of the world's largest manufacturers of personal computers, is a prime example of [an] 'emerging-market' multinational ... With its 2005 acquisition of IBM's personal computer division, it is arguably the first multinational with its roots in an emerging market to reverse the traditional direction of globalization. Over two decades, the company has developed a unique global structure and business strategy that has its products, people, and facilities in 160 countries. Here are four lessons that we've learned along the way that can help other global companies—and those with global ambitions—derive economic and social value from globalization."