Task: Applied Oriented Discussion Question Scenario:
You are regarded as one of the premier Leadership consultants for Z2 Associates, an organizational consulting firm specializing in task environmental assessment, evaluation and design of strategically oriented systems. You have been retained by Wild Willy Enterprises (WWE) to assess and recommend various integrated systems (the Big Picture) for Virtual Reality, Incorporated (VRI) which is a subsidiary of WWE.
VRI is a manufacturer and distributor of virtual reality equipment and services. As stated by VRI's Executive Vice President of Marketing, Mr. Ernest Piney Dole, our products allow you to take a trip and never leave the farm. VRI currently maintains 33% of the market with total sales of 312 million dollars. VRI was the first firm to introduce this concept five years ago. Its closest rival, Existential Travels, possesses 26% of the market with annual sales of 246 million dollars. VRI maintains all research and production facilities in the United States but markets its products/services nationally and in five foreign countries. VRI's technology is extremely advanced and consistently changing. Although, there is uncertainty in marketing its products/services in both domestic and foreign markets because of the continuously changing technological advancements and consumer expectations. The market is primarily economically affluent adults; VRI is experiencing growth in the unique and luxury product/service market which experiences minimum downturns during recessionary periods. Presently, VRI considers itself in a good competitive position. It is beginning to separate itself from smaller competitors with its differentiated growth market serving the affluent, socially aware, and economically secured adult population.
Problem 1. As Z2 Associates' internationally recognized consultant for environmental assessment, strategic planning and leadership, you have been assigned as the Executive Consultant to work with Ms. Hillary Bobbitt, Executive Vice President for Corporate Planning of Wild Willy Enterprises. You have been asked by Ms. Bobbitt to discuss how Macroenvironmental Analysis (MEA) (a) describe the four critical environmental segments and identify one critical environmental issue for each of the four environmental segments as they relate to VRI and (b) state and describe how the application of the three goals of macro-environmental analysis could affect the leader's vision and eventual success of VRI.
Problem 2. Describe the (a) Environmental - Organizational Link Framework and (b) discuss how the degree of risk, information availability and environmental uncertainty could affect an individual's leadership style. Be sure to apply the Basic Leadership Model in the justification and support of your answer!