Howard Roark and the ghost of Admiral Rickover

• Published in: Cross cultural management 2008-05, Vol.15 (2), p.194-216
• Main Authors: Langbert, Mitchell, Stanchina, Michael, Grunewald, Donal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptability; Armed forces; Careers; Case studies; Comparative analysis; Corporate culture; Human resource management; Interpersonal communication; Leadership; Managerial skills; Managers; Performance appraisal; Performance management; Pharmaceutical industry; Prescription drugs; Sales territories; Statistical analysis; Strategic management; Studies; Teams; Virtual offices
• ISSN: 1352-7606; 2059-5794; 1758-6089; 2059-5808
• DOI: 10.1108/13527600810870624

Purpose - This case study aims to illustrate the interaction of organizational culture, human resource (HR) policy and firm performance. It contrasts the cultures of two science-driven organizations - the Navy's nuclear submarine force and Merck, the large pharmaceutical firm - and traces the reaction of one individual to two organizations - the United States nuclear navy and Merck & Co., a large pharmaceutical firm.Design methodology approach - This paper is a case study based on field interviews and secondary sources.Findings - The task-oriented culture of the submarine fleet is compared to Merck's relations and team-oriented corporate environment. Management skills such as flexibility, power and influence, interpersonal communication, self-awareness and goal setting can influence career outcomes. Managerial skills are important in all settings, but a given style's efficacy is contingent upon organizational context. Adaptability is important, as is personal mission. Thus, the case examines how organizational culture, HR policies and leadership interact with an individual's career outcomes and organizational performance as well.Research limitations implications - Because this is a case study it is not generalizable. However, the issues depicted in the case have been recognized in the managerial skills literature. The case study serves to illustrate and deepen managerial skills concepts.Practical implications - This case study has illustrative value as well as hypothesis and theory-building value, but is not generalizable.Originality value - There is relatively little research on the specifics of how to apply managerial skills in a corporate setting. Hence, the case covers important, sensitive material of practical and theoretical value.