Keywords
Citation
Barret, V. (2009), "Too smart for its own good (Ebay)", Strategic Direction, Vol. 25 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2009.05625ead.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Too smart for its own good (Ebay)
Article Type: Abstracts From: Strategic Direction, Volume 25, Issue 5
Barret V.Forbes, 27 October 2008, Vol. 182 No. 8, Start page: 110, No. of pages: 3
Purpose – Examines the reasons why Ebay is floundering. Design/methodology/approach – Reports on how Ebay’s (online auction company) growth is stagnant; looks at how its position is being seriously challenged by Google and Amazon, both of whom have been attempting to grab Ebay’s sellers and its 71 million visitors. Describes how Ebay has been unable to effectively fight off the opposition; highlights how under Meg Whitman, its previous chief executive, the company became focused on instant, measurable profit and failed to innovate. Describes how Ebay’s new chief executive, John Donahoe, is determined to bring about change; highlights how he has, among other things, lowered fees for listings and outlines how senior executives have identified the need for Ebay to return to its “fun” image and to end its focus on “convenience-oriented buyers”. Originality/value – Highlights how Ebay needs to return to its “fun” image to survive.ISSN: 0015-6914Reference: 38AA581
Keywords: Auctions, Business performance, Corporate strategy, Ebay, Electronic communications networks, Internet