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Overview
Tesla, Inc. is an American electric vehicle and clean energy manufacturer and innovator
founded by Elon Musk, Martin Eberhard, Marc Tarpenning, JB Straubel, and Ian Wright
(Thompson et al., 2023). Established in 2003, Tesla is named after physicist Nikola Tesla, is
headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and has redefined automobiles while championing
sustainable transportation globally (Maradin et al., 2022). Tesla introduced its first electric
vehicle (EV), the Roadster, in 2008, which demolished the common belief that EVs were
incorrect. Tesla showed the world that EVs are neither slow nor have limited range (Gregersen &
Schreiber, 2023). With the release of the Roadster, Tesla embarked on a mission to accelerate the
world's transition to sustainable energy (Lobo, 2020).
A short year later, in 2009, Tesla unveiled the Model S, which resulted in Tesla getting
over 1,000 reservations and $40 million in financing, which was used to develop and expand the
company’s battery technology (Thompson et al., 2023). One short year later, in 2010, Tesla went
public, and its stock reached a value of $2.2 billion. Throughout the 2010s, Tesla continued to
innovate and bring EVs to the commercial market with the release of the Model S, Model 3, and
Model Y (Thompson et al., 2023). With each new model release, Tesla could offer clients EVs
with impressive acceleration, extended range, and better pricing. Beyond automobiles, Tesla is
an energy innovator, offering Solar Roof and energy storage solutions like the Powerwall and
Powerpack (Tesla, 2024; Tesla, 2024a). Through continuous innovation, Tesla continues to lead
the global movement toward sustainable energy and transportation.
Mission
According to Tesla's 10-K filing for 2022, the company’s mission is " to accelerate the
world’s transition to sustainable energy. We believe that this mission, along with our engineering
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expertise, vertically integrated business model and focus on user experience differentiate us from
other companies” (Tesla, 2023). Tesla’s mission demonstrates the company's commitment to
addressing environmental concerns and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Tesla aims to be pivotal in driving global efforts towards sustainable transportation and energy
solutions.
Tesla primarily provides electric vehicles, energy generation, and energy storage products
(Tesla, 2024b). Their electric vehicles, such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y,
are renowned for their high-performance capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and extended
range. Additionally, Tesla offers energy solutions, including solar panels and the Powerwall
energy storage system, contributing to a comprehensive eco-friendly product lineup. With their
expansive product lines, Tesla targets a broad spectrum of markets, including individuals seeking
electric vehicles for personal use, businesses integrating sustainable energy solutions, and
regions transitioning towards greener practices (Tesla, 2023). Their products cater to both the
automotive and energy sectors, with a global reach extending to countries where sustainable
transportation and renewable energy adoption are priorities
Tesla distinguishes itself from competitors through several key elements. First, Tesla is
dedicated solely to electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions, setting itself apart from
conventional automakers, who are heavily dependent on internal combustion engines (Maradin et
al., 2022). Tesla's vehicles are renowned for their advanced autopilot capabilities, regular over-
the-air software updates, and cutting-edge battery technology, positioning them uniquely in the
automotive and electric vehicle sectors (Chen & Mao, 2022). Additionally, integrating solar
panels with energy storage solutions offers customers a comprehensive solution for reducing
their environmental impact. This all-encompassing strategy and constant commitment to
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innovation underscore Tesla's distinctive position in the market and allows it to stand apart from
its competitors.
Customers
Internal customers refer to individuals or departments within an organization that rely on
the products, services, or information provided by other teams or departments within the same
organization (Goetsch & Davis, 2021). Internal customs emphasize the interconnectedness of
different units within a company by treating each department as a customer of the others.
According to Goetsch & Davis, internal customers can be employees or teams who depend on
the output of another department to fulfill their roles effectively, subcontractors, business
owners, and even suppliers. External customers are individuals or entities outside the
organization who purchase or use the products or services offered by the company (Goetsch &
Davis, 2021). They are the end-users or consumers of the company's goods or services and are
crucial in determining the business's success. According to Goetsch & Davis, external customers
can include individual consumers, businesses, or other organizations that engage in transactions
with the company for mutual benefit.
Tesla's internal customers encompass various departments within the organization, such
as manufacturing, research and development, marketing, accounting, sales personnel, department
heads, upper management, and suppliers. For example, the manufacturing team relies on research
and development to provide innovative designs. Marketing relies on manufacturing to deliver
products to promote. Accounting relies on accurate data from each department to generate
accurate financials for the boardroom and shareholders. As a complex organization, Tesla relies
on diverse skilled professionals across every department because each plays a vital role in Tesla's
success.
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Tesla's external customers encompass a broad spectrum of individuals and organizations.
Tesla's external customers include consumers, businesses, and government entities purchasing
electric vehicles and energy products. The end-users who buy Tesla vehicles for personal use,
businesses incorporating Tesla's energy solutions, and government organizations adopting
sustainable transport solutions collectively represent Tesla's external customers. These customers
drive demand for Tesla's products, influencing the company's market position and success. New
external customers emerge as Tesla expands its product line to include solar panels, energy
storage solutions, and other sustainable technologies. Lastly, investors and shareholders are
another crucial category of external customers for Tesla. Their confidence in the company's
vision and financial performance influences Tesla's access to capital, which is essential for
research, development, and expansion initiatives.
Value
As an accountant and MBA student, I bring a unique skill set that can contribute to
Tesla’s mission. By leveraging my accounting expertise, I can contribute to the accurate and
timely preparation of financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Tesla needs to ensure transparent financial reporting because it helps build trust with
stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators. I can also contribute to budgeting
and forecasting, ensuring financial plans align with Tesla's mission and goals. Accurate
forecasting is needed as it helps allocate resources and plan for future initiatives. Additionally,
because I have an understanding of financial risks, this allows me to contribute to risk
management strategies. Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks is vital for Tesla's
long-term success and mission fulfillment. Lastly, my ability to communicate financial
information effectively is valuable. Clear and concise communication with stakeholders helps
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them understand Tesla's financial health, progress, and commitment to its mission. As an MBA
student, I bring strategic thinking to the table. My coursework allows me to participate in
strategic planning discussions, helping to align financial strategies with broader organizational
goals. Being an MBA student reflects my commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.
In a dynamic business environment like Tesla, my ability to stay updated on industry trends and
apply new knowledge can contribute to Tesla's agility in pursuing its mission. My accounting
and MBA studies background equips me to promote and maintain ethical financial practices
within Tesla. Upholding ethical standards is crucial for the organization's reputation and mission
alignment. My combined accounting and business administration skills position me to be a
valuable asset to Tesla, supporting the organization in financial management, strategic decision-
making, and ethical business practices as it works towards its mission in the electric vehicle and
clean energy space.
Role of Christianity
There is no direct evidence to suggest that Christianity plays a significant role in the
organizational culture or values of Tesla. Tesla tends to emphasize innovation, sustainability, and
futurism rather than religious affiliations, but this does not mean teachings of the Bible are not
present within the company’s mission. Galatians 6:9 of the Bible states, "And let us not grow
weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (English Standard
Version, 2016). The passage advises against becoming tired or discouraged in consistently doing
good deeds. God teaches us that we must endure even when faced with challenges or obstacles.
In addition, this passage suggests that when we persevere, we will experience positive outcomes.
It is important to note that rewards may not be immediate but will come at the right time. God
teaches us that patience and persistence are virtues. This teaching is relevant to Tesla as it
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describes the type of leader that Elon Musk and the rest of Tesla's founders are. In the beginning,
when money could be hard to come by, and many doubted the company’s vision, the founders
continued to work hard to bring their vision of EVs for all to the market. It can be argued that the
work Tesla does is doing good for the citizens of the world. This is because Tesla’s primary goal
is to contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on fossil fuels which can
help ensure our earth and its resources are here for generations to come. By continuing to work
towards this goal, Tesla has become a major automotive manufacturer that offers
environmentally friendly products, which rewards the company with a vast amount of resources.
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References
Chen, R., & Mao, H. (2022). The impact of autopilot on Tesla. BCP Business & Management,
31, 89–95. https://doi.org/10.54691/bcpbm.v31i.2540
English Standard Version Bible. (2016). Retrieved
fromhttps://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible
Goetsch, D. L., & Davis, S. B. (2021). Quality Management for Organizational excellence
introduction to total quality (9th ed.). Pearson.
Gregersen, E. and Schreiber, B.A. (2023, October 24). Tesla, Inc.. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tesla-Motors
Lobo, A. (2020, March 25). A case study on Tesla: The world’s most exciting automobile
company. Medium. https://medium.com/@ashleylobo98/a-case-study-on-tesla-the-worlds-
most-exciting-automobile-company-535fe9dafd30
Maradin, D., Malnar, A., & Kaštelan, A. (2022). Sustainable and clean energy: The case of tesla
company. JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES,
05(12), 3531–3542. https://doi.org/10.47191/jefms/v5-i12-10
Tesla. (2024). Solar roof. https://www.tesla.com/solarroof
Tesla. (2024a). Powerwall. https://www.tesla.com/powerwall
Tesla. (2024b). About. https://www.tesla.com/about
Tesla. (2023). Annual report 2022. SEC.
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000119312523094100/d440358dars.pdf
Thompson, C., Lee, K., & Levin , T. (2023, June 22). Tesla history’s most important moments,
from its founders’ launch to bringing EVS mainstream. Business Insider.
https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-history-founders#2003-1
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