Robin Hood

A Case Study
Misti Walker
5/9/2009

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1. What problems does Robin Hood have/ what issues need to be
addressed?
Robin Hood has many issues that need to be addressed. The most immediate
problem is that the band is overstaffed and with insufficient resources to sustain it.
Just as the numbers of Merrymen are growing, travelers are beginning to find
alternate routes through the forest to avoid apprehension, causing a decline in the
band’s revenue stream. This, along with other changes in the external environment
is making the band’s business model obsolete. These changes must be addressed
along with the structuring and training of the ever-growing band of Merrymen. In
short, Robin needs to select a new strategy and rally the Merrymen behind the
cause, training new members and practicing change management to get the older
members on board.

2. Do Robin Hood and the Merrymen need a new mission? New objectives?
A new strategy?
Robin Hood and his band are in need of a fresh strategy in response to external
happenings. For instance, travelers are beginning to avoid the forest, despite
added cost and inconvenience, to protect their belongings. Also, Robin’s plan to
force the Sheriff out of Nottingham by causing unrest is not working. Indeed, the
Sheriff is using powerful connections to apply added pressure to Robin and the
Merrymen. To further complicate matters, some of the barons that appointed
Prince John to the throne are now campaigning to clandestinely raise the ransom to
free King Richard. These barons have offered Robin Hood the chance to help in this
mission in exchange for future amnesty. While the return of King Richard and the
ousting of King John is what Robin wants, the risks involved in such a deal are very
high. The unofficial mission of the gang is “rob from the rich and give to the poor”.
However, the true goal of the organization is to remove the amoral Sheriff from
office, as evidenced by the consideration of Robin to institute a fixed transit tax. A
more appropriate mission would be “rid Nottingham of the corrupt King John and
Sheriff”. The gang also needs to outline some objectives, as this has not been done
in the past. For example, each Merryman shall produce enough loot each day to
pay for his own food.

3. What strategic options does Robin Hood have? Is continuing with the
present strategy an option or is the present strategy obsolete?
In regards to strategy, Robin Hood must weigh the benefits and risks of the
following:

• Form a strategic alliance with the barons to rescue King Richard

• Expand the organization into areas outside Sherwood Forest
• Kill the Sheriff as a defensive strategic move
• Switch to a fixed transit tax for an offensive strategic move

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The current strategy of the group is becoming obsolete at a hurried pace, as
wealthy patrons are avoiding the forest. With a growing army of men to feed,
Robin must develop a new strategy or significantly alter current practices.

4. Why not try to end the campaign by killing the Sheriff?

Robin has considered killing the Sheriff to end the feud, but decided against it
because it would only satisfy his thirst for revenge without improving the matter.
The next Sheriff would undoubtedly be just as bad if not worse because the Sheriff’s
association is devoid of values. Also, with the Sheriff’s high-powered friends and
increasing resources, the chances of succeeding in the slaying are dim. If there is
an unsuccessful attempt on the life of the Sheriff, retribution will be fierce.

5. What are the pros and cons of accepting the offer of the barons to
assist in securing King Richard's release from prison?
Working with the barons to free King Richard would provide Robin Hood with
amnesty and a resolution to the campaign against the Sheriff. However, if the plan
proves unsuccessful, King John will unleash his vicious and volatile side to ensure
Robin Hood’s demise.

6. What action plan would you recommend to Robin?

To achieve the goals of the organization and return to a law-abiding life, Robin
should accept the offer of the barons to work on freeing King Richard.

7. How should Robin implement the recommended plan? What action steps
will need to be taken to make the recommended strategy work
successfully?
While this is the riskiest strategy, the rewards are great. To implement the plan
effectively, Robin Hood needs to immediately send some of the new men home, so
as not to attract any more attention to the group. With the remaining members,
Robin Hood should spend some of the gang’s free time