Activity 1: Let's Get Started! (Warm-up)
- What comes to mind when you hear 'HP'? How has it changed computing or printing?
- HP started in a garage. What challenges did early tech startups face?
- Beyond hardware, what makes a company a lasting tech pioneer?
Activity 2: New words and phrases
Let's explore some key terms and phrases related to technology, entrepreneurship, and the founding story of HP. Understanding these will help you discuss the topic more effectively.
1. Startup (noun): A newly established business, especially one that is small and often uses innovative technology.
Example: HP began as a classic Silicon Valley startup, operating out of a small garage.
2. Innovation (noun): The introduction of new methods, ideas, or products.
Example: HP's early success was built on continuous innovation, like their first audio oscillator.
3. Corporate culture (noun phrase): The shared values, beliefs, and practices that characterize a company's employees and management.
Example: The "HP Way" became famous, emphasizing trust, respect, and open communication in its corporate culture.
4. Diversification (noun): The business strategy of a company expanding its operations into new product lines or markets.
Example: HP's diversification from electronic test equipment into calculators, computers, and printers fueled its growth.
5. Research and development (R&D) (noun phrase): The investigative activities a business conducts to improve existing products or create new ones.
Example: HP's strong commitment to R&D allowed it to consistently introduce groundbreaking products.
6. Personal computing (noun phrase): The use of computers by individual users, especially for personal or professional tasks.
Example: HP played a significant role in the rise of personal computing, developing early desktop computers.
7. Global market (noun phrase): The worldwide market for goods and services, often characterized by international trade and competition.
Example: HP grew to become a major player in the global market for computers and printing solutions.
8. Brand reputation (noun phrase): The overall public perception of a company or product, built over time through experiences and interactions.
Example: HP built a strong brand reputation for reliability, quality, and engineering excellence.
Activity 3: Reading - HP: From a Garage to a Global Tech Pioneer
Read the following passage about the early days of HP and its transformation into a global technology pioneer, focusing on key innovations and business strategies that built its success. Pay attention to the concepts discussed.
The story of Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the foundational companies of Silicon Valley, began in 1939 in a small garage in Palo Alto, California. Stanford University classmates Bill Hewlett and David Packard, with just $538 in capital, founded the company. Their initial product was an audio oscillator, an electronic instrument used for testing sound equipment. One of their first major customers was Walt Disney Productions, which purchased eight oscillators for use in the production of the movie *Fantasia*.
From these humble beginnings, HP quickly established a reputation for engineering excellence and innovation. The founders fostered a unique corporate culture, famously known as "The HP Way," which emphasized trust, respect, open communication, and decentralized management. This culture encouraged creativity and risk-taking among employees, laying the groundwork for continuous innovation.
In the following decades, HP diversified its product portfolio significantly. While electronic test and measurement equipment remained a core business, the company ventured into new areas. In the 1960s, HP introduced its first computers, including the HP 2116A, a minicomputer. A major breakthrough came in 1972 with the HP-35, the world's first handheld scientific calculator, which quickly replaced slide rules for engineers and scientists. This product demonstrated HP's ability to miniaturize complex technology and bring it to a broader market.
The 1980s saw HP's entry into the personal computing and printing markets, which would become central to its identity. The HP LaserJet printer, introduced in 1984, revolutionized office printing with its speed and quality. HP's personal computers also gained traction, making it a significant player in the burgeoning PC industry. The company's relentless investment in research and development (R&D) allowed it to stay at the forefront of technological advancements across multiple sectors.
Through strategic diversification, a commitment to innovation, and a distinctive corporate culture, HP transformed from a garage startup into a global technology giant. Its strong brand reputation, built on reliability and quality, enabled it to maintain leadership in various segments of the global market for decades. The legacy of Hewlett and Packard's entrepreneurial spirit and their unique management philosophy continues to influence tech companies worldwide.
Activity 4: Discussion
Now, let's discuss the following questions about the broader themes inspired by HP's story. Use insights from the reading passage and your own thoughts to answer.
- How can a startup grow into a global leader?
- What makes a strong corporate culture important?
- How does R&D drive a company's long-term success?
- What are the benefits of diversifying product lines?
- How do companies build and keep a good brand reputation?