Camosun College
Summary
Gull Products INC. is a small business in Moose Jaw that supplies commercial products to other regional business. A big multinational corporation, Delnex, has moved into their area and could possibly represent one of Gull’s biggest customers. Phil, the sales supervisor and the key decision maker, leads the discussion on how to acquire Delnex as a customer. The sales team has four member; Bob, John, Cindy and Joe. Bob has the most experiences, John is a hard worker, Cindy is the newest member but has ties to Delnex from her old position, and Joe is their highest seller.
Issues
Elements of this case that are relevant to the course concepts are the; Team effectiveness Model, 5’s of Team Member Competency, Stages of Team Development. Issues and problems are that Phil is more focused on getting to play a round of golf. He doesn’t consider any other alternatives, which could result in Gull Inc. potentially resulting in not acquiring Delnex as a customer. Cindy’s idea is completely ignored and she is barely given a chance to speak. On top of that Phil called Cindy’s approach a ‘feminist’ way.
External & Internal Factors
External factors are the threat of other merchants approaching Delnex. Another factor is Delnex might not be interested in doing business. Internal factors are Gull Inc. culture and values from the top down, the competency of the sales reps. Another internal factor is equality; Phil should dismiss Cindy’s response in a feminist way.
Analysis
My first alternative is to take Cindy’s approach of an informative soft sell. Pros of this are their reputation and relationship with Delnex. A con of this approach is Cindy’s team members don’t value her opinion and not support her.
Secondly they could take Joe’s approach and have an informal meeting on the golf course with Phil. A pro is they could be impressed by the private club and its ameniti.es and be swayed to do business with them. A con of
References: McShane, S.L. & Steen, S.L. (2012). Canadian organizational behaviour, eighth edition. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. USA.