IIM Calcutta

Strategic Management

Robin Hood
December 16th, 2009

Submitted By:

Group A5 – Section A

Ajay Bansal 023/46

Alpesh Chaddha 026/46
Aman Deep 027/46
Amit Gupta 032/46
Amol Deherkar 040/46
Ankit Jain 048/46
Amit Nagdewani 036/46
Avinash Pandit 085/46
Gautam Adukia 022/46
Ankit Kumar Singh 404/16
Problems
The revolt which originated out of the personal conflict of Robin Hood against Sheriff and
his administration has continued for a long time but still there is no culmination in the sight.
The elongated battle would only wear down Robin and his men down because the Sheriff has
no constraints on resources. In addition the Sheriff was getting stronger and it would not be
possible to continue with the current approach of “robbing the rich and giving to the poor”.
The purpose of the rebels was to oppose how the administration was being done and not to
become bandits. So a strategy is required to solve the cause of the problem rather than
continuing with the current tactic.

The increasing size of the group is of immediate concern for Robin Hood. As his movement
is gaining popularity, more and more people are coming over to join the movement. A large
sized group though advantageous during battles, is accompanied by a threat of detection and
economic challenges. Demand for food is increasing, and supply is getting limited as higher
quantities have to be supplied in bigger vehicles, increasing the risk for detection. Due to
increased size, the frequency of the attacks on the travelers has had to be increased. This has
caused a decrease in number of travelers through the forest, resulting in a decrease in income.

Another issue which became evident with the growing size of the group was the lack of
structural dynamics. Robin Hood was the supreme leader of the group and he had only four
lieutenants, Little John, Scarlett, Much and Scarlock to lead the team. This lack of leadership
had a significant impact in the falling discipline in the group as the leadership was not able to
keep a close eye on the new recruits. With the increasing size, it is vital that a new structure
with more width and depth be formed so that the work can be delegated and responsibilities
be clearly defined.

Alternative Strategies
Kill the Sheriff: Although the struggle against Sheriff started with personal vengeance, the
movement had grown against his policies. This strategy would impart a sense of
accomplishment in the movement though the motivating force behind the movement would
be lost.

While killing Sheriff would reduce the problem in the short term, later on another Sheriff
with similar policies might be appointed.

Join the Barons: If Robin joins the Barons to free King Richard, the Lion Heart, he would be
given future amnesty. But there was no talk of replacing Sheriff in their agreement.
Moreover, in the short term, there would be no additional stream of income from this great
risk Robin would be taking against Prince John. This is one of the riskiest alternatives but if
successful it would have the best after-effects. It would bring the king back. He is already
popular among the masses that seem to dislike the prince.

Limit the size: With the increasing size of the group, comes the problem of managing it. The
objective of the group is still not clear. Robin Hood can limit the size of the band which will
help him in maintaining the proper discipline and will be able to nurture a team of elites
which will help him getting past his goal. This will place the band as it was used to be one
year before, and owing to relatively small size, it would be easier to plan and manoeuvre.
This would also reduce the food and income constraints currently experienced by the band.
But the strength of the band lies in the numbers which they cannot negotiate upon.

Negotiations with Prince John: King John is unpopular among the masses and helping
Robin can assist him in gaining the popularity. In return Robin can negotiate to get the
Sheriff replaced and make the policies and administration acceptable to the masses. This may
seem as the most simple and effective solution but considering the prince’s eccentric nature it
wouldn’t be wise to bet on this option.

Recommendation
In the short term, the only feasible option seems to limit the size of the group, while
increasing the organization and thus the effectiveness of the group. Responsibility should be
delegated amongst a larger set of people, and everyone should know their purpose in the
movement. Once the group has regained its strength, they can start recruiting in a planned
and organised fashion.

In the long run, Robin has to realise that success of the movement lies in dissolution of the
Sheriff’s powers and establishment of a better administrative structure. To achieve his goal,
Robin should join hands with the Barons in their conquest to free King Richard. Moreover,
he has to ensure that the Sheriff is removed and his oppressive policies are abolished. He
should join the Barons only if he foresees a reasonable chance to free King Richard.
Negotiation with Prince might also achieve the same end but looks less probable to succeed
due to unpredictable nature of Prince John.