Decisions in Paradise Case Study

Decisions in Paradise Case Study
Nokia is considering establishing a greater presence here in Kava. I am taking this opportunity to analyze, synthesize, and prescribe new forces to help in the process. But I have noticed there are many challenges to overcome. Nokia is known for its exceptional relationship with the regions in which it operates out of. We have commitment to the families and communities that we serve. Therefore, when deciding to enter new markets we must thoroughly examine the risks and benefits of this major step for our company.
About Kava
There are multiple issues with the business scenario, since first of all that the place that was supposed to be paradise was a mess. Kava is an environmental mess due to recent natural disasters such as: typhoons, tornadoes, floods, fires, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. The majority of the population (over 50%) is under the age of 15. The economy thrives on petroleum, coffee, cocoa, spices, bananas, sugar, tourism, fishing, and natural gas, as well as inexpensive, quality labor. There was an Ethnic mix of indigenous South Pacific tribes, Asian (Chinese primarily), French and Spanish. The people of Kava were in chaos, because no one spoke the same language and when a significant event occurs no one can agree on anything due to their cultural and language differences. There could be a few benefits that could come out of this. One benefit would be the inexpensive quality of labor. Another benefit could be natural gas and petroleum at this time in age because gas is so important. The people have so many different languages that this could be helpful to the company in many ways. Kava obviously needs a sturdy business that will help them come together and thrive in the future. With the benefits that Kava does hold I believe that there is a lot we can do to help the region and their business culture.
Kava has been faced with many disasters that have just made life and business so hard for them. Natural disasters are always a threat to the island and as with everywhere else in the world they are at risk for terrorist attacks. Our company members that reside here on the island have only a trailer to work out of. The government is fairly organized into local, state and national levels. There are faith-based organizations that are available for assistance and a lot of the businesses here support the economy. The Kava government is looking forward to our company coming to their island to offer increase stability in these troubled times. The government here is hoping that our commitment to people and communities and out business sense will make their economy stronger.
Taking Advantage of the Cultural Mixing Pot
I believe the first step for Nokia to establish a greater presence in Kava is by providing training to the island’s young people, since the young people are the future of the island and its largest population demographic. Early focus for moving operations to Kava will include organizational processes with a step-by-step plan, human resources evaluation, and study of ethical dilemmas that they might encounter. This project will take more man power than the two of us presently in Kava; a team will need to be assigned to help work the project.
This project will be one of the company’s largest endeavors, we will need to ensure that we have one controlling master schedule so that individual aspects of this project do not spiral out of control
Research of the culture must be done to ensure the success of the venture, before attempting to market services to a foreign country we must understand the culture and the differences
. In understanding, respecting and accepting the different culture and the ability to set our own aside we will see a smooth transition when collaborating with the local government, parents of the children as well as the minors. A well devised progress plan will be necessary when discussing the project with the local government showing them the benefits of our project to their island and the people as each milestone is reached.
The company also needs to investigate the number of employees that this venture will need to complete and begin recruiting current employees and outside candidates if necessary to help with the project. In planning for employees we will need to investigate housing in the area as well as ascertain a central office location, since we will need to improve upon our current trailer office.
Financial planning must also be completed, although we are beginning this project in the role of philanthropy our goal is to eventually open an operating facility in the region with the ability to employ the minors that we are training today thereby helping the community and building our business success.
By structuring a plan to formally educate the young people of Kava, we will help the island economically by looking toward the future and our ultimate goal of opening a facility that will employee the islanders that we have trained, this is a positive situation for both parties involved as we improve their standard of living while we gain access to a more cost effective workforce to improve our operating margin. Conforming as much as possible to their culture and respecting their differences, we will win their respect and trust. Implementing the above plan will also help other countries who obtain supplies and services from Kava by keeping the island alive and economically viable. Better education will help them overcome the many obstacles they are faced with on a daily basis.
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Nutt, P.C. (1987). Making tough decisions. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass