Theory marketing partners

Consider the following Quantum Leap Marketing Partners case study.

Quantum Leap Marketing Partners is a small, privately held firm with 30 employees that provides marketing consulting, advertising, and digital marketing services. The company’s founder, John Thomas, was recently ousted by the other partners, and the firm barely survived this change of leadership. Everyone in the company is anxious and the culture is “dis-eased.” Employees tend to keep their heads down, stay quiet, and try to go unnoticed for fear of losing their jobs. Many employees forego lunch and breaks so as not appear like “slackers.” Infighting is high as employees seek to ensure their own job security. Frankly, they seem depressed and unwell.

The new managing partner, Stan Simons, is very concerned about low morale, attrition, and lack of motivation. Clients are also expressing their concerns and a few who were loyal to the founder have left the firm. Employee attitude cannot sink any lower, nor can the firm afford to lose any more clients. The partners fear they may be losing control of the organization.

This case study presents a complex situation with multiple layers of organizational and behavioral dysfunction. You will likely see that many of the OD theories you read about this week can provide a framework through which you can identify and understand what is currently happening at this firm. Do you believe that different theories may provide varying insight? Which theories do you believe would be most helpful in clarifying, understanding, and mitigating the situation?

To prepare:

Review the Quantum Leap Marketing Partners case study in light of this week’s Learning Resources.
Consider which theories might explain the issues faced by the organization.
How might the theories covered in this week’s learning resources be applied to mitigate these issues?