Can Nice Guys Finish First

Case Study: Can Nice Guys Finish First?

By Jeffrey Pfeffer

I. Introduction

Adam Baker was on his way to the top of his life. He is the oldest son of a middle class family of North Carolina without family wealth and businesses to support his ambition in life, he knew that he would have to make his dreams come true through hard work and talent. SES is the company that he is working for. In here, he felt that this would allow him to thrive and start his ambition. When the opportunity appeared, Adam realized that he could create something of his own. The new venture, in which he had successfully persuaded SES to invest to and had seemed only fair for Adam that he should be appointed as the CEO of the chain hotels but the phrase that was said to him by his employer and mentor, Merwyn, disappointed Adam deeply. Since Adam is the brain of the business venture it seems indeed fair that he should be the new CEO of the hotel chain.

II. Objectives

We will be able to find out the best solution that would fit the situation of the two good friends without affecting their relationship. We could identify the proper approached to be exercised in situations like this. We will be able to find out what is the right decision that Adam Baker will be choosing. If either he will pursue to Merwyn that he must be the new CEO of the hotel chain or he will just accept the decision of Merwyn that he be more experienced for him to be able to handle to task of a CEO.

III. Issues/problems

The first issue in this case is whether Adam wants to get the CEO Job or wants to be the CEO. There’s a difference. Does he want the title so that he can have more status, or would he find the role meaningful and fulfilling? Being a CEO is a tough job. You have to make hard decisions. You have to watch what you say in every meeting. If Adam is mainly after the title and the status, he won’t be successful. He may not be able to tell whether he really wants the job until he gets more...