Case | HBS Case Collection | March 2011

Terror at the Taj Bombay: Customer-Centric Leadership

by Rohit Deshpande

Abstract

On November 26, 2008, heavily armed terrorists launched a series of attacks throughout the western-Indian city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay). One of the locations attacked was the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, which was occupied by the terrorists for over three days, resulting in the deaths of 34 people and 28 people injured. However, the Taj received praise in the aftermath of the attacks for the selfless actions of the staff in placing the safety of the hotel's guests before their own and working to save the lives of its guests. This case seeks to address how leaders develop a customer-centric organization, as well as how an organization saves its flagship brand after a crisis.

Keywords: Safety; Leadership; National Security; Service Delivery; Organizational Culture; Crisis Management; Customer Focus and Relationships; Brands and Branding; Accommodations Industry; Mumbai;

Format: Multimedia 1 pages EducatorsPurchase

Citation:

Deshpande, Rohit. "Terror at the Taj Bombay: Customer-Centric Leadership." Harvard Business School Multimedia/Video Case 511-703, March 2011.

About the Author

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Rohit Deshpande
Sebastian S. Kresge Professor of Marketing
Marketing

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