To nurture transformational technology, build a community like Sam Walton’s

Abstract

Purpose – The authors examine the approach by which Sam Walton, a 48-year-old when he took his first technology course, drove creation of a new set of technology for retailing. Design/methodology/approach – By breaking Walton’s approach into five stages, the authors show how his way of working points to a credible path for leaders with limited background in technology to lead technological change. Findings – Senior leaders can apply Walton’s systematic way of leading for creation of excellent processes to accomplish customer-focused technology innovation in the modern era. Practical implications – Five elements of Walton’s tech innovation leadership are reviewed and analyzed. Originality/value – This article offers insights about how Walton was able to form a tech savvy team of managers and synthesize a vision about the potential of technology to produce operational breakthroughs far in advance of his competition.