Harman InternationalEdit
Harman International Industries, commonly known as Harman, is a major player in audio technology that designs, engineers, and markets sound systems for home, professional, and automotive applications. The company maintains a diverse brand portfolio that includes JBL, AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, and Mark Levinson, among others. A long-standing emphasis on engineering excellence, reliability, and consumer-friendly premium sound has helped Harman become a global supplier to households, studios, concert venues, and carmakers. In 2017, Harman was acquired by Samsung Electronics, bringing the American-based operation into a broader, technology-driven ecosystem while preserving the brand identities that have defined the company for decades. Samsung Electronics
From its founding in 1980 by Sidney Harman, the firm built a reputation around solid engineering, durable products, and a business model that centers on premium sound experiences rather than gimmicky features. The company’s roots reach into the mid-20th century with brands such as Harman Kardon and JBL, which provided the foundational technologies that Harman would later unify under a single corporate umbrella. Over time, the portfolio expanded to include AKG, Infinity, and Mark Levinson, broadening Harman’s reach across consumer electronics, professional audio, and in-vehicle sound systems. Sidney Harman
History
Harman International emerged as a consolidating force in the audio industry, bringing together several storied brands under one roof. The company leveraged the strengths of its consumer lines—JBL’s mass-market loudspeakers, Harman Kardon’s design-forward home audio, AKG’s studio-quality headphones and microphones, along with Infinity and Mark Levinson’s premium lines—to create a diversified product strategy. The growth model emphasized a mix of branded consumer products, licensed technology, and high-performance professional gear used in recording studios, live venues, and broadcast settings. The strategic push toward automotive audio systems, where high-fidelity sound is a differentiating feature for premium vehicles, became a crucial pillar of Harman’s identity. JBL Harman Kardon AKG Infinity (brand) Mark Levinson
The transformation in the 2010s culminated in Samsung Electronics’ 2017 acquisition, a move that paired Harman’s audio prowess with Samsung’s scale in semiconductors, displays, connectivity, and consumer devices. The arrangement positioned Harman to participate more fully in connected-car ecosystems, smart home platforms, and cloud-enabled audio processing, all while maintaining brand autonomy. Samsung Electronics
Brands and products
Consumer audio brands: JBL is known for robust portable speakers and home audio systems; Harman Kardon emphasizes stylish, design-forward sound for living rooms; AKG focuses on studio-grade headphones and professional microphones; Infinity and Mark Levinson offer premium listening experiences across speakers and amplifiers. JBL Harman Kardon AKG Infinity (brand) Mark Levinson
Automotive audio: Harman’s in-car audio systems are integrated into a wide array of vehicles, delivering immersive sound through multiple channels, digital signal processing, and advanced acoustics. The automotive division helps carmakers differentiate their products through tailored sound experiences and vehicle-wide audio architectures. In-vehicle infotainment Car audio
Professional audio and music production: Harman’s professional lines support live sound, studios, broadcast, and cinema applications, with products and systems that are trusted in demanding environments. Sound reinforcement Studio
Corporate governance and strategy
Harman operates as a subsidiary within the Samsung Electronics family, combining independent brand management with the backing of a global consumer-electronics giant. The strategic emphasis remains on high-margin, high-fidelity products, and on growing the firm’s footprint in automotive and connected-audio ecosystems. This includes investment in software-driven audio processing, acoustics research, and partnerships with automakers and technology platforms. Samsung Electronics
The company’s approach reflects a broader belief in the benefits of global supply chains, scale advantages, and continued innovation in acoustics and wireless audio technologies. This is complemented by an outreach to professional markets where reliable, monitor-grade sound reproduction matters for studios, theaters, and venues around the world. Studio
Controversies and debates
Like many large technology firms, Harman faces debates about the optimal balance between shareholder value, corporate responsibility, and social initiatives. A right-leaning view typically argues that the core duty of a corporate entity is to maximize long-run value for owners and workers, while resisting mandates that impose costs or risk unrelated political disputes on product development and market strategy. In this frame, some critics of corporate activism argue that focusing on social issues can distract from product quality, profitability, and competitive strength; proponents contend that inclusive, well-governed workplaces attract top talent and reduce risk over time. Samsung Electronics
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and other “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) initiatives are common in large multinationals, and Harman is no exception. Supporters say these efforts improve innovation, moral legitimacy, and risk management; opponents claim such programs can be distracting or appear to privilege ideology over performance. In this context, critics often label these moves as “woke capitalism,” while supporters argue the business case is clear: diverse teams produce better products and better long-run results for shareholders and customers alike. From a practical standpoint, product quality, reliability, and cost control tend to anchor investor confidence, even as companies pursue broader social commitments. The controversy over these issues remains a live debate, with companies frequently arguing that responsible behavior and market success are compatible, not mutually exclusive. In-vehicle infotainment ESG DEI
Labor relations and manufacturing practices are another area of discussion. As with many global manufacturers, Harman’s operations span multiple jurisdictions with varying labor standards and regulatory regimes. Proponents of flexible labor markets argue such arrangements support competitiveness and price stability for consumers, while critics worry about worker protections and job security. The right-of-center perspective often stresses the importance of keeping skilled manufacturing jobs domestic where possible, while recognizing the realities of global supply chains and international competition. Labor union
Intellectual property and competition are ongoing concerns in the high-tech audio space. Harman’s brands rely on advanced signal processing, acoustic modeling, and proprietary audio engineering. Protecting these innovations while competing with other major electronics and audio firms requires careful stewardship of R&D budgets and licensing strategies. JBL AKG Harman Kardon