A CHILLING DISCOVERY AT FAMILY FROZEN FOODS, INC.

Abstract

This case deals with the challenges faced by a new C.E. 0. in assuming control of a company with a long established management team who had a very close relationship with the previous C.E.O. Ruth Davis, the C.E.O. of Family Foods, has inherited the entire business after the unexpected death of her father, the founder and C. E. 0. Upon taking over the company and getting to know the situation facing her, she discovers a pattern of behaviors, decisions, and issues related to that management team that does not reflect an organizational culture that is as professional as what she'd like to see. The organizational culture is particularly troubling for her in two important ways. First, the members of the management team don't seem to be showing her the respect that she feels she deserves. More importantly, she is concerned about a potentially unethical relationship between the management team and a key vendor.  She wonders what she should do about the relationship between the company’s purchasing agent and that vendor which may have resulted in a significant additional cost to the company.

This case is intended for an undergraduate or graduate course in Small Business Management, Business Strategy, Business Ethics, or Principles of Management.  Key topics for discussion include ethics, codes of conduct, organizational controls, organizational culture, and change.