Growth accelerates
From 1986 growth becomes rapid. As the partners are now heavily burdened with organizational tasks, there is a loud call for massive change. In a major offensive, word processing is automated on an Ericsson system and accounting and project management system consisting of 300 individual programs is developed for administration. This provides a foundation for further growth. But it does not ease the burden on partners as managers. In order to preserve some degree of freedom, a hierarchical structure is introduced. Senior engineers are to manage the activities of employees. This, however, results in greater organizational overhead than before. And communication between management and project managers suffers to such an extent that at the end of the 1990s, despite a move to user-friendly Macintosh computers, efficiency sinks to an all-time low.
At this time, management and employees work together to develop the Drees & Sommer corporate philosophy: The new rules for working together, core values and employee responsibility come at exactly the right time. The corporate philosophy is supplemented by the Drees & Sommer bonus system allowing every employee to benefit from the company's performance.
- 1988 Frankfurt regional office founded
- 1989 The newly founded DS-Consult undertakes administrative services for all Drees & Sommer offices
- First cooperation with English and Dutch partners
- 180 employees manage projects with a budget of DM 30 million
- General managers and employees develop the Drees & Sommer corporate philosophy