Harbus Case Analysis

1. What were the major barriers facing the students in creating the Harbus Foundation and what were the key elements that enabled them to succeed?

The major barrier facing the students was the fact that they were trustees, guardians of wealth which had been generated by their predecessors. The management of this wealth required change within the structures of an organsiation that would mean challenging culture, practice & norms, The change would also require for a shift in the education, skills & knowledge of the students. As stated fellow members of the board with Rebecca Braun where there in respect of the interest they had in journalism.

There was a “lack of support at the board of Harbus, Why: Fear, change, uncertainty, out of comfort zone. The current board of Harbus where engaging a new structure that would remove a buffer, comfort zone and ultimately challenge the organisation and its members. If it failed and Harbus has lean years ahead the current board would be under scrutiny and maybe there activities recorded negatively.

I believe the key elements which enabled them to succeed where

1) The Acceptance that there would be inefficiencies and the learning in meeting these challenges where an objective to meet

2) The board’s ownership i.e. “the creation of a foundation, which would be intentionally cumbersome, difficult to manage, a great learning experience, constant maintenance & attention.

3) Addressing skill / knowledge shortage. The board from the outset engaged networks, partnerships and professionals to address their weaknesses.

“The Harbus core capability basically is advertising and getting money in for its name – it’s not an investing company. It’s not a charitable company”.

Connection with other bodies where a good fit for each organisation.

2. What is your assessment of the design of the Foundation and its Strategy?

I believe the Foundation’s design and subsequent strategy allowed for the objectives of the founders...