Associate Professor Essay

Teaching Note: Case 1 – Robin Hood

Case Objectives

1. To provide an introduction to the conceptual framework of strategic management using a non-business situation. 2. To introduce students to the process of problem identification and potential solution analysis that will be used in case discussions throughout the semester.

See the table below to determine where to use this case:

|Chapter Use |Key Concepts |
|1: Strategy Concept |Leadership for strategic management; sustainable competitive advantage; vision, mission, strategic objectives;|
| |external environment; internal environment; …show more content…
• Should Robin Hood accept the Baron’s offer to join in freeing King Richard? • Should Robin Hood impose a fixed transit tax in order to increase revenue?

Consequences to be considered include: • Does the change in the external environment mean that the original mission is no longer valid? • If Robin Hood decides to kill the Sheriff, accept the Baron’s offer or impose a tax on travelers, how do each of those actions link to the mission? • If the mission changes, to what degree does Robin Hood have to worry about the loyalty of stakeholders?

One other issue concerns the rapid growth of the organization. In the space of two years the organization grew from fragmentation and obscurity to a strong regional presence. Competitive strategy is about sustaining a position in the industry. Growth implies that strategy has to be flexible enough to adapt. Does Robin have a sustainable strategy?

3. What is the role of the organizational leader as strategist and articulator of global goals?

See Chapter 1, Exhibit 06: The primary role of the organizational leader is to articulate vision, mission and strategic objectives. Leaders must also be proactive, anticipate change and continually refine changes to their strategies. This requires a certain level of “ambidextrous behavior”, where leaders are alert to opportunities beyond the confines of their own jobs, and are also cooperative and seek out opportunities to combine their efforts

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