Oak Construction Case Study

OAK CONSTRUCTION Ltd

SCENARIO

Oak Construction Ltd is a large well-established but family-run manufacturers and distributors of high quality oak-framed buildings, supplying both commercial, trade and domestic buyers. A turnkey operation, over the years they have built up a reputation for good quality, friendly and reliable service. Most staff are experienced and long serving. Recently a board decision was made by the older directors to transfer much of the leadership of the organization to the next generation, and younger members of the family have been brought in to take over the day-to-day direction of the business. The company has continued to expand and as it has done so, much of its work has been outsourced. Some new and younger managers have been brought in with a remit to modernize work practices. This has caused some tensions between new and existing staff.

A crisis has arisen in which work on a major commercial customers’ building has come to a stop and the order is now late by 4 weeks and this is likely to drag on for several months. The customer has complained to the senior director and has threatened to a) cancel the order and b) never to use the company again. If this was to happen it would have a devastating effect on the company’s business and long term reputation as the client is extremely influential in the sector.

A senior director calls a meeting of key personnel to resolve the situation . . . . . .

Preparation for task

Read through the situation and leadership/management profiles

* 3 groups

* Appoint one only of the director (leader) profiles as directed

* Appoint all three managers

* Appoint two observers

* Rest of group are staff members – but one must represent the trade union

THE TASK

The designated director, in role, calls a meeting or meetings to deal with the crisis outlined above. A decision on the way forward has to be determined. This...