個案資料

In July 2022, upon his return from vacation, Lamar Gilbert, the head of the French subsidiary of successful Swedish unicorn Virtual AB (Virtual), found himself abruptly grappling with an unsettling reality. Leo Svennson, his closest direct report, had been accused of sexually harassing two female colleagues. As he pursued an investigation into the allegations, Gilbert also realized Svennson had blatantly disparaged his authority behind his back. The French unit was in disarray and Svennson’s conduct was not the only cause. Despite Gilbert’s flattering track record, his influence had waned. In addition to removing Svennson, it was urgent for him to demonstrate more effective leadership behaviours and new influence tactics to put the French subsidiary back on track, before it was too late.

This versatile case is suitable for courses at the graduate-level, and can be used to explore the dynamic interplay of leadership, behavior, persuasion, and influence in organizational settings. The case touches on concepts such as leadership self-assessment, transformational leadership, ethical influence, and the journey of personal growth. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:</p><br><br><ul><li>Develop awareness around the potential indicators of team morale issues.</li><li>Grow an understanding of the importance of leadership behaviour and its impact on employee attitudes and behaviours.</li><li>Identify the necessary actions a leader needs to take to begin repairing a damaged organizational culture.</li><li>Recommend new leadership styles and influence tactics to restore a supportive atmosphere and reenergize the French unit of a fast-growing European unicorn.</li><li>Learn strategies for managing employee morale issues caused by a toxic employee.</li><li>Evaluate the protagonist’s mindset and ability to lead in the future, and in the process, self-reflect on one’s own choices at work.</li></ul>

• leadership behavior
• team morale issues
• influence tactics
• organizational culture
• employee attitudes
• leadership styles
• toxic employee
• European unicorn
• organizational leadership
• employee morale
• managing morale issues
• leadership and behavior
• graduate-level case study
• organizational influence
• leadership impact
• French subsidiary
• leadership strategies
• repairing organizational culture
• toxic workplace
• European business case
• leadership development
• effective leadership