Adrianne Howard

Abstract

This case comments on the proposed strategic alliance between two social services organizations representing the needs of African-Americans and Asian-Americans respectively. As negotiations proceed, differences in the leadership styles of the executive directors of each organization underscore a number of tensions in the larger community. As executive director of the center representing the African-American community, Adrianne Howard wants to ensure a relationship with Harry Kim, the executive director of the Asian-American Community Center that guarantees equitable distribution of finances and authority, and delivers potential advantage to her political ambitions. This balance between organizational and individual objections is the focus of the case study.