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  • April 2012
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People Express Airlines

By: Thomas R. Eisenmann and Lauren Barley
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:17 
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Abstract

Recounts the history of People Express Airlines, which grew rapidly after its inception in 1980 then failed spectacularly in 1986. Profiles People's aggressive strategy and its distinctive approach to human resource management, which emphasized job rotation and minimal hierarchy.

Keywords

Strategy; Air Transportation; Business Exit Or Shutdown; Business Growth And Maturation; Organizational Structure; Entrepreneurship; Failure; Human Resources; Business Startups; Air Transportation Industry

Citation

Eisenmann, Thomas R., and Lauren Barley. "People Express Airlines." Harvard Business School Case 812-134, April 2012.
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About The Author

Thomas R. Eisenmann

Entrepreneurial Management
→More Publications

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More from the Authors
  • Determinants of Early-Stage Startup Performance: Survey Results By: Thomas R. Eisenmann
  • Updating Dating By: Scott Duke Kominers, Thomas R. Eisenmann and Alan Lam
  • Poppy (B) By: Thomas R. Eisenmann, Scott Duke Kominers, Jeff Huizinga and Allison Ciechanover
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