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  • November 1998 (Revised December 1998)
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Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (A)

By: Linda A. Hill and Kristin Doughty
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:16
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Abstract

Jeanne Lewis, after six years with Staples, Inc., is promoted to senior vice president of marketing. She is to work for fifteen months alongside her predecessor, a legacy in the organization, "learning the ropes" before he moves on. This case is set nine months after she begins working with the marketing department. Staples has just emerged from a period of prolonged litigation around an FTC antitrust suit challenging Staples' attempted merger with Office Depot. Post-merger, Lewis must determine how the marketing department can most effectively and efficiently help the company maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly competitive and complex market. Looks at the challenges a middle manager faces "taking charge" and managing change in a revitalization situation in which a more evolutionary approach is appropriate.

Keywords

Organizational Change and Adaptation; Management Style; Change Management; Marketing Strategy; Management Succession; Competitive Advantage; Problems and Challenges; Management Teams; Retail Industry; United States

Citation

Hill, Linda A., and Kristin Doughty. "Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (A)." Harvard Business School Case 499-041, November 1998. (Revised December 1998.)
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About The Author

Linda A. Hill

Organizational Behavior
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Related Work

    • November 1998 (Revised June 2000)
    • Faculty Research

    Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (B)

    By: Linda A. Hill and Kristin Doughty
    • March 2000 (Revised July 2000)
    • Faculty Research

    Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (A) (Abridged)

    By: Linda A. Hill and Jennifer Suesse
    • March 2000 (Revised June 2000)
    • Faculty Research

    Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (C)

    By: Linda A. Hill and Kristin Doughty
Related Work
  • Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (B) By: Linda A. Hill and Kristin Doughty
  • Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (A) (Abridged) By: Linda A. Hill and Jennifer Suesse
  • Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc. (C) By: Linda A. Hill and Kristin Doughty
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