Question

Robin Hood and his Merry Men are now in trouble because wealthy travelers (their source of revenue) are avoiding the forest. As is often common in an entrepreneurial organization, the Merry Men were highly motivated by Robin Hood’s leadership. Therefore, Robin had previously relied on informal communication to organize and implement operations. Robin is pleased with the growing size and influence of his organization. However, growth has meant that specialized duties have begun taking up most of the men’s time, leaving a command vacuum between Robin and the first line recruits. In addition, they are now all located in a large encampment that can be seen for miles. This creates the probability of a surprise attack on their position. Growth has also put great pressures on resources, so now they must harvest the forest more thoroughly. Where will additional revenue come from? Rich travelers are avoiding the forest, so in desperation Robin is considering robbing the poorer travelers, which means his lieutenants must now tell their men to rob their brothers and fathers. What started as a rebellion is in danger of being routinized into banditry. Robin must therefore begin to evaluate the Merry Men’s mission in view of the changing environment.

1. What business is Robin Hood’s organization in?

2. What strategic problems does Robin Hood have?

3. What issues need to be addressed?

4. What decisions need to be made?

5. What strategy should Robin Hood implement?

Answer 1

Answer -

1. Robin Hood's organization was initially into philanthropy which later turned into robbery owing to the situation of less travelers on their route and resulting in their empty chests
2. Strategic problem that Robin Hood had were:

• Organization communication
• Placing the manpower
• Growth opportunities

3. The issue is to be addressed by realigning strategies with new conditions and challenges in place. Now when the problems are identified, business strategies needs to be mapped to solutions to those problems.

4. Decisions that need to be taken are:

• Where to place the manpower
• How to grow effective communication
• Avenues to achieve new slices of revenue

5. For deciding the course of action, Robin Hood shall have a meeting with the Merry men to discuss about the strategic dilemma and long term issues. The first line of action is to restructure organization hierachy and have decentralized system. New leaders should be hired and specialized people should be aloted finance responsibility. These could be the strategic options available to Robin Hood.