Publications
Publications
- January 2003 (Revised August 2003)
- HBS Case Collection
General Mills and the Hawthorne Huddle (A)
Abstract
Examines the role of General Mills in the formation and leadership of the Hawthorne Huddle. The Huddle was in the Hawthorne neighborhood in Northern Minneapolis, which in 1997 was plagued with high crime and poverty. The Huddle served as a forum, held the first Thursday of every month. Its goal was to improve the livability of the Hawthorne neighborhood by pooling the resources, experiences, and perspectives of residents, educators, law enforcement, business and social service professionals, elected officials, and members of the faith community. It discussed, and focused on solving, problems affecting the community. In late 2002, it faced the retirement of its leader, Reatha King, former president and now chair of the General Mills Foundation, who was revered throughout the community. General Mills and the Huddle were focused on developing a transition plan and new leadership model for the Huddle.
Keywords
Leadership; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Management Succession; Social Issues; Consumer Products Industry; Minneapolis
Citation
Barrett, Diana, and Sheila McCarthy. "General Mills and the Hawthorne Huddle (A)." Harvard Business School Case 303-067, January 2003. (Revised August 2003.)