Product details

The case examines the managerial and leadership skills of Meg Whitman, the CEO of eBay, the leading US-based on-line auction site. eBay''s business model and its growth since its inception in 1995 up to the entry of Whitman in 1998 are discussed. The case also traces Whitman''s rapid rise up the corporate ladder and examines the circumstances that led her to join eBay. Whitman''s managerial and leadership capabilities are also discussed in detail. The case also examines the reasons for Whitman''s emphasis on customers and describes the various strategies she formulated to make eBay a global on-line company. The case also examines the criticism levelled against Whitman and explores the future prospects of Whitman and eBay. The case is designed to help students: (1) understand how the eBay business model was leveraged by Whitman to make the company the undisputed leader in the on-line auction market; (2) understand Whitman''s business acumen, beliefs and convictions and the factors that contributed to her success; (3) examine Whitman''s management style and leadership skills, and how they helped eBay attain leadership in its industry; and (4) understand the various strategies adopted by Whitman for attracting big customers, building the eBay brand, and increasing its user base, revenues and profits, and helping eBay gain a competitive edge. The case is intended for MBA/PGDBM level students as part of the entrepreneurship curriculum. The teaching note does not contain an analysis of the case.