Grassroot Leadership - Ford Motor Co.
Ford has always attracted and nurtured capable managers and technicians, but it has failed to do the same for change agents and leaders. So, as part of the automaker's cultural overhaul, Ford is embarking on a sweeping attempt to mass-manufacture leaders. It wants to build an army of “warrior entrepreneurs” — people who have the courage and skills to topple old ideas, and who believe in change passionately enough to make it happen.
Ford Motor Company announced key changes to its senior management team as it continues to strengthen its automotive business, improve the company's operational fitness, and accelerate a strategic shift to capitalize on emerging opportunities. In announcing the leadership changes, Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett said Ford Motor Company is very fortunate to have an experienced and committed executive team in place to significantly strengthen their business while building towards their vision of becoming the world's most trusted mobility company. Their objective is to lead business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence and profitability.
Ford views grassroot leadership as the best vehicle for creating a successful business.
Who according to Ford falls into category of "warrior entrepreneurs"?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → People who have the courage and skills to topple old ideas
Option (1) People who are lethargic and show resistance to change — Incorrect. This is the opposite of what Ford wants. Warrior entrepreneurs push for change; they do not resist it.
Option (2) People who believe in smart work instead of hard work — Incorrect. The passage says nothing about smart work or hard work.
Option (3) People who think they know better than their leaders — Incorrect. The passage does not describe them this way. Ford wants to make them leaders themselves.
Option (4) People who have the courage and skills to topple old ideas — Correct. The passage calls warrior entrepreneurs people who have the courage and skills to topple old ideas, and who believe in change strongly enough to make it happen. Such people act as change agents: they lead others into new ways of working.
Note: The passage is the NCERT case study ‘Grassroot Leadership - Ford Motor Co.’, which has been reproduced by NTA in the exam.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Ford has always attracted and nurtured capable managers and technicians, but it has failed to do the same for change agents and leaders. So, as part of the automaker’s cultural overhaul, Ford is embarking on a sweeping attempt to mass-manufacture leaders. It wants to build an army of “warrior-entrepreneurs” — people who have the courage and skills to topple old ideas, and who believe in change passionately enough to make it happen.” |