Subject category:
Economics, Politics and Business Environment
Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Version: 26 February 2013
Revision date: 12-Nov-2019
Length: 14 pages
Data source: Published sources
Abstract
Winner of a 2013 ecch Case Award Just weeks into her new job, Mia Foster, a first time CEO with no international management experience, is faced with a major challenge at Levendary Cafe, a USD10 billion US-based fast food chain. Strategically, many of her corporate staff have become concerned that the company's major expansion into China is moving too far from Levendary's well-defined concepts of store design and menu. Organizationally, Foster has been frustrated by the apparent unwillingness of Louis Chen, president of Levendary China, to conform to the company's planning and reporting processes. Meanwhile, financial evidence shows that Chen's efforts have produced strong results and suggests that he knows China far better than US headquarters does. The entrepreneurial Chen has resisted attempts by Foster and others to discuss corporate plans for China. As Foster flies to China to meet with Chen she faces a decision that will determine the future of Levendary China and perhaps the entire globalization effort: can she manage Chen at all, and if so, how?
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2011.Geographical setting
Region:
World/global
Countries:
China; United States
Featured company
Levendary Cafe
Industry:
Food services
Featured protagonist
- Mia Foster (female), CEO
About
Abstract
Winner of a 2013 ecch Case Award Just weeks into her new job, Mia Foster, a first time CEO with no international management experience, is faced with a major challenge at Levendary Cafe, a USD10 billion US-based fast food chain. Strategically, many of her corporate staff have become concerned that the company's major expansion into China is moving too far from Levendary's well-defined concepts of store design and menu. Organizationally, Foster has been frustrated by the apparent unwillingness of Louis Chen, president of Levendary China, to conform to the company's planning and reporting processes. Meanwhile, financial evidence shows that Chen's efforts have produced strong results and suggests that he knows China far better than US headquarters does. The entrepreneurial Chen has resisted attempts by Foster and others to discuss corporate plans for China. As Foster flies to China to meet with Chen she faces a decision that will determine the future of Levendary China and perhaps the entire globalization effort: can she manage Chen at all, and if so, how?
Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 2011.Geographical setting
Region:
World/global
Countries:
China; United States
Featured company
Levendary Cafe
Industry:
Food services
Featured protagonist
- Mia Foster (female), CEO



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