Assignment:
Part 1
Uber: A Broken Culture
The upbeat tag line at the transportation company Uber's website ("Get there, your day belongs to you") stands in stark contrast with the company that has experienced multiple scandals over the past several months: the company's culture of sexism, a legal battle with the company's investor (Google), and hefty fines ($20M) levied by the Federal Trade Commission, among other things, have led to the recent departure of Uber's co-founder and CEO. In response, the company has recently hired Bozoma Saint John to repair the company's image. A native of Ghana, Ms. Saint John is well-spoken and accomplished.
Watch the following video interview, and then respond to the following questions.
CBS News. (28 July, 2017) Meet Bozoma Saint John: The woman tasked with fixing Uber's image. CBS News.
In Module, we discussed four antecedents for successful organizational transformation-as you recall, one of these was the Organizational Culture. Ms. Saint John has specifically been tasked with changing Uber's culture.
• Is there an "organizational transformation" needed by Uber that extends beyond the reparations of the company culture that are so clearly needed?
• What should be the expected outcome (value/ benefits) of Uber's organizational transformation?
• What challenges confront Ms. Saint John in her role as the organization's change leader? (Hint: Be sure that you consider both organizational and individual resistance to change).
The following article may also help you in formulating your response:
Solon, O. (2017, 28 July). Can Bozoma Saint John repair Uber's troubled image? The Guardian.
Part 2
Change Leader Characteristics?
• Identify what you believe to be at least three (3) characteristics and/or past experiences that make Ms. Saint John an excellent choice as the company's change leader. Be sure to justify your choices.
• Respond to at least two (2) of your peers' postings. Consider the following article in your response:
Clay, B. (2010, 10 August). Six characteristics of highly effective change leaders. Innovation Excellence.