Christine Lagarde (B): Being a Public Servant

Julie  Battilana; Carin-Isabel  Knoop

Case | HBS Case Collection | August 2018

Christine Lagarde (B): Being a Public Servant

by Julie Battilana and Carin-Isabel Knoop

Abstract

This case covers the career of Christine Lagarde from 2005 to 2011 after she joins the French Government. After serving several grueling years as Finance Minister during the financial crisis that started in 2007/2008, she is being considered as the next Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As the first female head of the IMF, she would lead a very complex, 187-member organization typically run by economists. The ability to shape better outcomes to some of the world’s thorniest problems appeals to her, but she needs to carefully consider the risks. For coverage of Christine Lagarde’s evolution from childhood to 2005, see “Christine Lagarde (A): A French Prime Minister Calls” (HBS No. 419-017). For coverage of her career from 2011 to 2018, see “Christine Lagarde (C): Managing the IMF” (HBS No. 419-019). For comprehensive coverage of her evolution and career, see “Christine Lagarde” (HBS No. 419-016).

Keywords: Personal Development and Career; Government and Politics; Financial Crisis; Power and Influence;

Language: English

Format: Print

18 pages

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Citation:

Battilana, Julie, and Carin-Isabel Knoop. "Christine Lagarde (B): Being a Public Servant." Harvard Business School Case 419-018, August 2018.

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Christine Lagarde (B): Being a Public Servant

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