In major corporations where a strategic goal is not being realized, changes within the organization often take place. It is important for the Board of Directors and the leaders in the organization to determine exactly what is halting successful goal achievement, and what needs to be done about it. In the case of Harrison-Keyes, the plan to strategically implement and align an electronic book format has not gone well. The Board of Directors has therefore elected to replace Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meg McGill with William Guardo in an effort to revitalize the plan.
Situation Background (Step 1)
Harrison-Keyes is a global publisher of print products, specializing in professional-level books. With over a century of literary success, Harrison-Keyes is now experiencing major competition from large retailers in the industry.
In an effort to shift the organizations strategy, the Board of Directors took the advice of former CEO Ms. McGill to shift the strategic focus of the organization to publish e-books. The Board depended on the leadership team to successful implement the shift; however, Ms. McGill failed to execute the necessary leadership. In other words, she failed to lead her leaders, a critical function of the CEO.
According to the Management Library's On-Line Organization Development Program, "the chief executive officer is the singular organizational position that is primarily responsible to carry out the strategic plans and policies as established by the board of directors." (Module #3, ¶1, 1999). She essentially failed to ensure that her leadership team was capable or prepared to carry out the strategic change. Although many critical areas needing consideration prior to plan implementations were ignored, one of the most damaging omissions was the p ...