Case | HBS Case Collection | 2002 (Revised from original 2000 version)

Individual and the Corporation, The: Kathy Levinson and E*TRADE (A)

by Joseph L. Badaracco Jr. and Susan Harmeling

Abstract

Kathy Levinson, the president and COO of ETRADE and a lesbian mother of two children, must decide whether and how to participate in the "No on Knight" campaign. The campaign opposes California ballot proposition 22, which requires California to recognize only marriages between a man and a woman. This case provides background for Levinson's decision, in which she must balance her obligations as an executive with her personal values and commitments.

Keywords: Conflict of Interests; Leadership; Managerial Roles; Values and Beliefs; Decision Choices and Conditions; Diversity Characteristics; Gender Characteristics; Financial Services Industry;

Citation:

Badaracco, Joseph L., Jr., and Susan Harmeling. "Individual and the Corporation, The: Kathy Levinson and E*TRADE (A)." Harvard Business School Case 301-057, January 2002. (Revised from original October 2000 version.)