Product details

By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies as described in our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.
You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.

Abstract

This case can provide an interesting focus for discussion on the management style of an entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial organisation, and traumatic circumstances that businesses face when major conflicts emerge in a family firm. In the first instance, Christy Kelleher, a self-made entrepreneur, and subsequently his daughter, Freda, over 25 years helped to create and develop a series of business enterprises that led to an employment level of 250-300 people. The original business commenced from a small merchandising stall, in the form of a mobile, miniature Irish thatched cottage! The case traces the relationship forged between the business and two features of the small County Cork village, its historic woollen mills (which had lain idle since 1975) and the romantic connections of Blarney Castle with its ''kissing stone'' and ''the gift of the Blarney'', (ie eloquence). As a result of the development of tourism/leisure interests, the Kellehers have begun to veer away from their firm''s original core business. The case poses the question of possible inherent dangers involved in such a diversification, particularly from a market mix viewpoint. The case also illustrates the delicate balance that often exists within family firms as a new generation takes control. The case concludes with the departure of Freda who had taken over from her father.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
250+ employees
Other setting(s):
1975-1995

About

Abstract

This case can provide an interesting focus for discussion on the management style of an entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial organisation, and traumatic circumstances that businesses face when major conflicts emerge in a family firm. In the first instance, Christy Kelleher, a self-made entrepreneur, and subsequently his daughter, Freda, over 25 years helped to create and develop a series of business enterprises that led to an employment level of 250-300 people. The original business commenced from a small merchandising stall, in the form of a mobile, miniature Irish thatched cottage! The case traces the relationship forged between the business and two features of the small County Cork village, its historic woollen mills (which had lain idle since 1975) and the romantic connections of Blarney Castle with its ''kissing stone'' and ''the gift of the Blarney'', (ie eloquence). As a result of the development of tourism/leisure interests, the Kellehers have begun to veer away from their firm''s original core business. The case poses the question of possible inherent dangers involved in such a diversification, particularly from a market mix viewpoint. The case also illustrates the delicate balance that often exists within family firms as a new generation takes control. The case concludes with the departure of Freda who had taken over from her father.

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
250+ employees
Other setting(s):
1975-1995

Related