HBS Mount Everest 1996 Case Study

1. Teams. A. Discuss effective teams as it pertains to the case. B. Consider the idea of groupthink in the case. Provide examples. C. Consider the function of interpersonal trust. Provide examples from the case.

2. Communication and conflict. A. Discuss the consequences of candid communication or lack of candid communicatin between team members in the case. Provide an example. B. Consider the impact of perceived status differences between team members in the case. Provide an example. C. Consider the role played by listening, e.g., selective listening in the case. D. Discuss conflict, e.g., constructive conflict, and commitment. Provide an example from the case.

3. Consider what are the lessons for business leaders/ managers/ team members from your analysis of this tragedy? From your own experiences, can you identify a situation where some of the factors you describe, e.g., in the previous questions contributed to an organizations failure? How might you take corrective action to prevent that situation from occurring again?

4. From a motivation perspective, A. Pick a motivation model we discussed and apply it to one of the indiviudals in the case. B. What kind of individuals would aspire to have such goals (e.g., reach the summit of the highest mountain)? C. Might there be, and what might be the similarities with business leaders/ managers? Consider the qualities of Hall and Fischer. Are these the same attributes required to lead/ manage an effective project team in business situations?