Scenario:
A family company (in the industry of your choice from those options above, but no real companies may be used) has been in business for over 40 years. They have always had a family member as president of the company. The business has been mostly conducted via email, phone, and in-person; but in general, the business systems are outdated. Now with the increasing competition, they realize that without change, the business may not survive. With no family member currently to lead the company, they must do an intensive search for an individual suited not only to their industry with the right expertise and education, but the right personality to lead the company into a new era.
This company has a culture that is currently very insular and most employees effectively pass their jobs on to someone else residing in the local community who they refer for the job; so all employees really feel like one extended family. They look to each other to help one another out in times of duress either at work or personally. Although their market has been predominantly in the U.S., with little or no diversity in the workforce, they are increasingly getting inquiries from Mexico and Latin America. There are 300 employees in this major metropolitan eastern city, and the salaries and benefits have always been on a par with the industry salaries elsewhere in the U.S. Their belief in family first, timely response to customers, and honesty have been hallmarks of this family business.
The founders’ remaining family members are not inclined or are unable to take over the business and have called you in as their consultant to tackle the executive search. In light of the possible future demands and needs of this company, address the checklist items.
Checklist:
• Identify the industry choice from the five options provided (you can name the company with whatever name you choose, but it should not be a real company). This will be the title of your paper. An example would be: Finding a new leader for Industrial Widgets Company (fill in the underlined part with your company name). Explain what the company makes or services it provides and the industry you chose from the options provided.
• Summarize the problem, and the company’s culture as presented in the scenario. Describe any changes that might be necessary and that will pertain to the type of personality the new president will need to have.
• Explain the traits and personality factors that should be considered when selecting the next president using the Reading from Chapter 5. Include the Big Five personality traits, Holland’s typology, and at least one other personality theory in your response (you may use the Internet but provide the source url).
• Explain how the personality of the new president you described previously would benefit the employees and the success of the company going forward.