There has been a bomb that apparently blew Boston’s subway Southern Station and created chaos, injuries and even deaths to be sustained by people within the area. Gerald Smarten, the CEO of Kaspa Financial Services was therefore currently faced with a dilemma on whether he would concede to the police contact of Paul Schlesinger, the organization’s chief of security, that their office could potentially be used as a triage center and a temporary morgue; or decline. Specifically, the question that needs to be answered is: How should Gerald Smarten balance the needs of Kaspa and the community?
Company’s History and Growth
Although little details were provided about Kaspa Financial Services, it could be deduced from the case facts that it is an expanding global organization as revealed from their plans to acquire “Huadong, a Shanghai-based investment firm” (Case#325 1). Their building was termed the Kaspa Tower which could be indicative of the large buildings built in Massachusetts Likewise, as traders of financial securities or stocks, they apparently have investments for clients in offices located in New York and Chicago, as mentioned (Case #325 3). Their ground floor apparently houses their lobby and cafeteria, which was identified as a potential space for the victims of the bomb attack.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Company
The strengths of Kaspa could be seen in terms of the immediate action, response, and
abilities to generate the needed information given the situation at the soonest possible time, as
noted by the members of the executive management team: from the CEO, CFO, Senior VP of Marketing, Chief Security Officer, CIO, head of HR, among others. There were apparent weaknesses in terms of agreeing on a common ground as to the most appropriate course of action to resolve the issue at hand.
Status of the External Environment
The external environment is currently in a state of chaos and emergency where victims of apparent terrorist attack need immediate assistance and help. Given the location of Kaspa Tower, it could be deduced that their organization is the most strategically located within the area of the bomb which was detonated and where victims could readily be sent for immediate relief. Other building and organizations were suggested but it could be assessed that their ground floor lobby and cafeteria are conducive spaces to house these victims and those who would be applying emergency assistance.
Corporate and Business Level Strategy
As a large and expanding global financial organization, Kaspa Financial Services need to build a good corporate image, especially one which conforms to social responsibility. The organization does not exist in a vacuum and factors in the external environment affect and influence their future growth.
Alternative Courses of Action
- Decline Earmarking the Lobby and Cafeteria as Triage Center and Morgue
Pros: This option would protect the organization from possible legal implications that could ensue for offering their facilities; and would avoid disruption of operations.
Cons: Declining would not be good to their corporate image as it implies indifference to social responsibility and turning away their backs to those in need; it could have significant repercussions to future investors and clients.
- Agree on Offering their Space as Triage Center and Morgue
Pros: This option would boost the organization’s image as it adheres to social responsibility; a good corporate image has been proven to create positive impact on performance, productivity, financial success as more investors patronize their services.
Cons: Disruption of operations; uncomfortable feeling that the space has been used as temporary morgue and triage; and potential liability and legal issues.
Recommendation
Gerald Smarten should agree to offer their space as triage center and a temporary morgue given that in emergency situations, organizations are expected to abide by ethical principles and social responsibility to community members. Organizations that actively promote and implement social responsibility generate positive corporate image which boosts patronage from clientele, make employees more productive and generate financial success.
