Dovercourt Case Summary

1. McCarthy has two options when it comes to dealing with Rapp’s decision to resign. He could either let him leave, or he could attempt to convince Rapp to stay with Dovercourt. Letting Rapp leave Dovercourt allows the board to find a replacement who matches their style, someone who hits the monthly quotas. However, keeping Rapp on board ensures stable public relations. Non-profit organizations thrive on a positive public image and Rapp is responsible for Dovercourt’s excellent reputation amongst the people of Ottawa. Finding a replacement with that positive of an effect on the community could prove to be very difficult for the board of directors.

2. If McCarthy does nothing, Rapp will most likely leave. Rapp feels he has been disrespected by the board’s demands and his duties of building Dovercourt’s reputation were stripped. Rapp is a very popular figure in the community. If Rapp were to leave, Dovercourt’s reputation may take a huge hit considering he’s adored by both gym members and the community.

3.
McCarthy does have a few bargaining chips he can play to help both sides come to an agreement. First off, the board is focused on creating monthly predictability within the company. Rapp, on the other hand, believes the focus should be placed on annual goals that fit the gym’s seasonal trends. For example, a focus should be placed on kids during the summer since they are on school break. McCarthy could side with Rapp on the idea of focusing on the seasonal goals if he also allows the board to fix Rapp’s unpredictable management style. The board has issues with Rapp’s focus, and believe he is too focused on brand promotion and not paying attention to the Gym’s facilities. The board was disappointed by Rapp’s decision to ignore important manners such as their small parking lot and dirty gym’s lockers. If Rapp were given the freedom to focus on the seasonal gym trends, he could focus on improving the Gym’s
facilities.

4. Leadership and management have very similar definitions, management is the process of controlling an organization while leadership is the directing of an organization or group of peoples. Dovercourt’s board of directors should make decisions based on what is best for the company. What may be in the best interest of Dovercourt Recreational Centre is keeping Rapp on board. Although he does not quite fit the strict monthly quotas, his success with his seasonal promotions benefit the company in the long term. Finding an adequate replacement for Rapp may take some time considering his great reputation with the people of Ottawa. His powerful public influence is often hard to come by and losing him to a competitor could be very damaging. Public Image is a top priority in building a successful non-profit organization.