Case Analysis Build a Bear

Understanding the People Who Work at and Patronize Build-A-Bear

By

Kenneth McLain

MBA 530, MBOL1, Organizational Behavior

Dr. Shannon Jackson

Saint Leo University

Abstract

This paper provides an academic case analysis of understanding the people who work at and patronize Build-A-Bear Workshop. The four areas of focus being: 1) The personality characteristics of Maxine Clark and the implications they have in her position as CEO of the Build-A-Bear organization, 2) Desired personality characteristics for Build-A-Bear associates and how these characteristics influence work behaviors, 3) Maxine Clark’s perceptions of Build-A-Bear customers and their influence in developing the business model, and 4) Whether or not I would enjoy working at Build-A-Bear Workshop?

The intent of this paper is to provide an analysis of the Build-A-Bear Workshop business model and the personality characteristics its founder and CEO, Maxine Clark, has on influencing the organizational culture along with associate behavior. The points of concentration include 1) The personality characteristics of Maxine Clark and the implications they have in her position as CEO of the Build-A-Bear organization, 2) Desired personality characteristics for Build-A-Bear associates and how these characteristics influence work behaviors, 3) Maxine Clark’s perceptions of Build-A-Bear customers and their influence in developing the business model, and 4) Whether or not I would enjoy working at Build-A-Bear Workshop?

The Personality Characteristics of Maxine Clark and the Implications they have in her Position as CEO of the Build-A-Bear Organization

Based on my review of the case background noted in the text book, I would consider Maxine Clark to be an ENTP (Extraversion, Intuition, Thinking, and Perceiving) on the Myers-Briggs personality indicator, falling under the intuitive type. The potential implications of her personality...