Written Case Assignment #2

1. Terra Nova is currently at a turning point in the company’s timeline. Until recently, the company has been successful and growing and a leader in its industry. The financial downturns the company is currently experiencing are due to the complacency that started in top management and, in order to fix this situation, there must be multiple changes made. There is a large social disconnect between the younger and more senior members of the firm. Although Terra Nova has a hierarchical structure based on skill and demonstrated results, in recent years the senior partners received more support from the company leaders and benefits while the junior professionals feel undervalued and unappreciated. Because of this divide, the once pleasant and effective work culture has become negative, overly competitive and aggressive. This environment has sent many young professionals and potential hires away from Terra Nova. At a point in time where many of the key senior partners are looking to retire and will take their valuable knowledge and customer base with them, it is imperative that a new group of proven employees is in place and ready to advance to ensure the company’s success. 2. The Terra Nova Consulting culture is a discouraging factor for the company’s ability to change and grow. The older employees are complacent with the company and are resistant to any changes. Terra Nova has a flat organizational structure with no formal organization chart, which leads to position ambiguity and confusion among employees. Partners at Terra Nova can choose to be project managers but resent the flat hierarchy because they feel that they are experts in their fields and should not have to be told what to do. 3. Terra Nova Consulting is facing many barriers to change due to the employees’ resistance and unwillingness to change. The employees do not