Provides a framework for understanding the exercise of interpersonal influence in organizations. Describes some of the "myths and realities" of management that new managers discover--specifically, that managers are dependent on a complex network of relationships to get work done, and that they must influence others by relying on sources of power other than their formal positional authority. Describes influence as exchange within these networks of mutually beneficial relationships. Also discusses tactics for avoiding the abuse of power and influence.
Newell is a $1.5 billion manufacturer and distributor of low-tech home and hardware products, geared to serve volume purchasers. In 1992, Newell is considering two approaches to expand its current product line with the acquisitions of Sanford Corp., a $140 million manufacturer and marketer of writing instruments and office supplies, and Levolor, a $180 million manufacturer of window blinds. The case focuses on Newell's enduring corporate strategy as a guide for selecting appropriate acquisitions to grow the company.
This case is about a small "outdoor-adventure" business at a crossroads. The business was originally founded by a man and a woman to serve the counseling and team-building needs of local schools and hospitals. Its discovery by corporate clients presents a "big-business" opportunity. The protagonists, however, are not sure they want to leave the realm of part-time "fun" and enter the realm of potentially lucrative full-time business.
Examines the experience of Polaroid of Shanghai Ltd. (PSL), a joint venture between the U.S.-based Polaroid Corp. and the Shanghai Motion Picture Industry Co., within the framework of China's foreign investment climate. Discusses the evolution of foreign investment in China, from the so-called treaty ports in the mid-nineteenth century to the creation of Special Economic Zones in the latter part of the twentieth century. A major section on the current investment regime details the negotiation and approval process, management and labor relations, the foreign exchange system, and the macroeconomic environment.
Managers report that action planning to resolve interpersonal and organizational challenges is far more demanding than diagnosing them. Although there are many frameworks for evaluating their diagnoses, there are few for evaluating their action plans. Reviews the major criteria for assessing an action plan. Includes a short list of "Key Elements of Action Planning," and a longer list of "Criteria for Evaluating an Action Plan." The list of criteria is written as a series of questions to ask yourself when assessing an action plan.
The manager of information and technology at a flower auction house must decide on the pace at which information technology changes should be introduced. The issues raised in the case pertain to the formulation and implementation of information technology strategies, and illustrate the potentially integrative role of information technology, different levels of information technology strategy, online bidding, and the establishment and maintenance of information systems for clearing channels.
The manager of information and technology at a flower auction house must decide on the pace at which information technology changes should be introduced. The issues raised in the case pertain to the formulation and implementation of information technology strategies, and illustrate the potentially integrative role of information technology, different levels of information technology strategy, online bidding, and the establishment and maintenance of information systems for clearing channels.
The early 1990s saw a new wave of start-ups in the U.S. airline business. One entrant, Kiwi International Air Lines, took to the skies in September 1992 with a strategy of attracting small-business travelers looking to save money but lacking the flexibility to book in advance. Fares were to be pegged to the lowest restricted fares in the market, but offered on an unrestricted basis. Another setting in which entrants have recently sought to capture market share from large, established players is the U.S. credit card industry. In the early 1990s, the industry witnessed an onslaught of new players wooing customers with offers of low interest rates and small or nonexistent fees. This case explores some aspects of the game between small-scale entrants and large-scale incumbents.
This case examines the career path of Merck's CFO, Judy C. Lewent, as a way of tracing changes over time in Merck's finance function. It describes the adoption of innovative quantitative analytical models, changes in job definitions and in the organization of the financial area, and the evolution of professional relationships between finance and other professionals at Merck. These issues are all examined in the context of changes in the drug business.
In the midst of dramatic changes in the information systems industry and declining profits at the ABC Co., the vice president in charge of the sales and service division, Jeff, and his managers attempt to transform their division. The transformation gets off to a good start but soon runs into problems as the managers are forced to lay off employees and to cancel a conference intended to move the transformation forward. Jeff wonders what he should do next as some members of his management team resign and morale is low.
Discusses global accounting policies for intangible assets other than goodwill. How financial analysts deal with the diversity in these practices is also covered.
What does an up-and-coming beverage company do when demand begins to exceed production? Students must wrestle with the options of cutting back on flavors or product lines and allocating demand to some outlets and geographic areas or coming up with other creative solutions to deal with the problem. Snapple also had to confront strong competitors (Coke, Pepsi, Nestea, Lipton) that were threatening to take share from Snapple in the very category it had created. The system of contract production and independent distributors further complicates Snapple's ability to implement short- and long-term solutions that would balance push-and-pull marketing. A teaching note is available to registered faculty.
This case traces the evolution of Bacardi Limited's Mexican operation from its inception in the 1930s to its current team-management structure. The case provides an opportunity to examine the growth and maturation of an entrepreneurial organization. It also portrays a variety of managerial styles and structures, affording a discussion of their appropriateness for the competitive environment in each era of the company's life. By extension, students and executives find this case a particularly useful vehicle for exploring and questioning their own managerial styles.
Designed to introduce the concepts of power and power dynamics to students in the MBA second-year elective course Power and Influence. Defines "power" and "influence," and explores the role of power dynamics in managerial work and in the life of organizations. Combats popular notions that "power is evil" and that "power corrupts" by illustrating how power is necessary to bring about productive and creative resolutions to organizational conflict. Describes the positional and personal sources of individual power, and concludes with implications for assessing power dynamics in organizations as an important element of one's career management.
The case 'Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.' focuses on the evolution of Wal-Mart's remarkably successful discount operations and describes the company's more recent attempts to diversify into other businesses. The company has entered the warehouse club industry with its Sam's Clubs and the grocery business with its Supercenters, a combination supermarket and discount store. Wal-Mart experienced a drop in the value of its stock price in early 1993, which it still has not made up. Wal-Mart has advantages over its competitors in areas such as distribution, information technology, and merchandising, to name a few.
Transportation Displays, Inc. has gone through a series of restructurings. This case describes the last few stages, which substantially reduced debt and increased the ownership of management.