Silvio Napoli at Schindler Case

SILVIO NAPOLI AT SCHINDLER INDIA (A)

1. As Schindler global top management ( Schindler & Bonnard), what are the positives and negatives of appointing Silvio Napoli for heading the Indian subsidiary?

Positives

• Silvio Napoli was young and was open & flexible to new ways and culture.
• He did not give a thought about leaving the assigned work in India after his entire family faced many fatal challenges in India.
• Vigilant decision making in choosing the sources to trust which could help in the establishment of the subsidiary.
• Thoughtful selection of the top management comprising of both generalists and specialists bringing in different perspectives required for the organisation
• Selection of employees from Otis (rivalry) company which could help in better understanding the mindset of the elevator market.
•  Bureaucratic Leadership style of Napoli was a favourable style required for building the Indian subsidiary as it brought in the needed control in the upcoming organisation

Negatives

• The leadership style created a fear among the employees of the company thereby restricting them from discussing the concerns related to the product.
• The differences in the working style of Silvio and the employees, Silvio had a punctual attitude whereas the employees were used to the culture of procrastination
• Feedback and the queries raised by the employees against the standardisation of the product was not considered.
• Lack of understanding of local market and culture thereby leading to a failed business plan.
• Rich experience in Europe but unfamiliar with Indian market
• Imposed his own way of management (dictate others what to do), however in India the way of doing business worked in a different way. It was more based on trust and building relationships.

1. As Silvio Napoli , how would you handle the challenges of rising transfer prices and non-cooperation by European plants.

• Diversifying the product offering by including customization of the elevators
• Better understanding of local market through
• Re-analysis of the business plan including the external  variables including government policies
• As a temporary resort, he should continue with the companies business plan of outsourcing key logistics and manufacturing function to gain competitive advantage