Boeing's Focus on Cost and Shareholders Over Safety and Quality Control Led to Recent Troubles
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Boeing made strategic mistakes over the past 20+ years, like moving headquarters away from production, that weakened quality control and oversight. This contributed to recent safety issues.
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The 787 "Dreamliner" program pioneered an outsourcing model where suppliers took more responsibility. This made quality hard to control.
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Under CEO McNerney, Boeing pressured suppliers to cut prices, damaging relations. His successor Muilenburg focused on shareholders over safety.
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Whistleblower Ed Pierson witnessed rushed, unstable 737 production that skipped inspections and fixes. The recent panel blowout reflects ongoing cultural issues.
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CEO Calhoun must reconnect executives to production, listen to staff concerns, and nurture a culture focused on quality first, not just shareholders. Boeing's future depends on it.