Case | HBS Case Collection | 1995 (Revised from original version)

Suzanne de Passe at Motown Productions (A)

by Linda A. Hill
 

Abstract

Illustrates: 1) the impact of a manager's leadership style on corporate culture, direction, and performance; 2) the concept of fit between leadership style and the requirements of situations in which managers find themselves; and 3) the need for managers to adapt their styles as situational requirements change. More specifically, it provides an opportunity to look at some of the special issues of: 1) being a black woman manager, 2) the advantages and disadvantages associated with a "family corporate culture," and 3) managing in a creative business.

Keywords: Management Style; Leadership Style; Organizational Culture; Change Management; Situation or Environment; Creativity; Race Characteristics; Gender Characteristics; Relationships; Management Teams; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Music Industry;

Language: English Format: Print 16 pages Purchase

Citation:

Hill, Linda A. "Suzanne de Passe at Motown Productions (A)." Harvard Business School Case 487-042, October 1995. (Revised from original November 1986 version.)

Related Work

  1. Case | HBS Case Collection | 1996 (Revised from original 1996 version)

    Suzanne de Passe at Motown Productions (A1)

    Linda A. Hill and Jaan Elias

    Illustrates: 1) the impact of a manager's leadership style on corporate culture, direction, and performance; 2) the concept of fit between leadership style and the requirements of situations in which managers find themselves; and 3) the need for managers to adapt their styles as situational requirements change. More specifically, it provides an opportunity to look at some of the special issues of: 1) being a black woman manager; 2) the advantages and disadvantages associated with a "family corporate culture"; and 3) managing in a creative business. Does not substantially differ from the (A) case, but it does emphasize more strongly Suzanne de Passe's success. Students have misunderstood the standards of the entertainment industry, and this case makes Motown's accomplishments clearer.

    Keywords: Management Style; Leadership Style; Organizational Culture; Change Management; Situation or Environment; Creativity; Race Characteristics; Gender Characteristics; Relationships; Management Teams; Success; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Music Industry;

    Citation:

    Hill, Linda A., and Jaan Elias. "Suzanne de Passe at Motown Productions (A1)." Harvard Business School Case 497-015, October 1996. (Revised from original August 1996 version.)
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Linda A. Hill
Wallace Brett Donham Professor of Business Administration
Organizational Behavior

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