Merck salesman “haunted” by his past
Purpose – This paper aims to contrast the cultures of two organizations – the US Navy's nuclear‐submarine force and large pharmaceutical firm Merck – through the experiences of former naval officer turned pharmaceutical salesman, Howard Roark. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts and finishes with Howard Roark's appraisal. It considers the history of Merck, and Admiral Rickover and the nuclear navy, and explains Roark's employment history. Findings – The paper shows how Roark's challenges in adjusting to Merck were interpersonal and political, and how leadership skills need to be adapted according to the environment. Practical implications – The paper gives an insight into managerial skills, human resource strategy and organizational behavior. Originality/value – The paper illustrates the importance of being able to adapt to different organizational cultures.
Year of publication: |
2009
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Published in: |
Human Resource Management International Digest. - Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1758-7166, ZDB-ID 2082534-1. - Vol. 17.2009, 7, p. 26-28
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Publisher: |
Emerald Group Publishing Limited |
Subject: | Organizational culture | Organizational behaviour | Career development | Pay structures |
Saved in:
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