1. How would you describe the strengths and weaknesses of Mary's and José's leadership on this project?
2. Do you see any problem in targeting part of the fundraising campaign directly toward the Hispanic community?
3. The Latin America leadership profile stresses the importance of team-oriented leadership and deemphasizes individualistic leadership. How does the leadership of Mary and José compare with the Latin America profile?
4. How do Hispanic cultural dimensions help explain the resistance some people felt and expressed toward the renovation project?
5. If you were Mary or José, how would you temper your excitement about renovating the new fire station?
The Hispanic Center is a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of Hispanics in River City. Hispanics make up about 13% of the population and are the fastest growing segment of the community, growing at about 10% annually.
Mary Davis and José Reyna are two newly appointed board members who have led a transformation of the center, including renovating the facilities and shifting the focus of some of the programs. They secured a new space for the center and raised $1.3 million for its renovation. With only $100,000 left to raise, Mary and José proposed a new series of fundraising initiatives aimed at the Hispanic community that would focus on smaller donations and an event that would cost $75 per ticket. At this suggestion, other board members began to express frustration. Some argued for smaller fees; others disagreed with the new "green" renovation plans; and some asserted that the goals were too lofty and out of character for the needs of the community.