Human Resources: British Petroleum Case

Table of contents :

Question 1

• What was BP’s overall strategy with respect to organizational processes since Horton’s appointment as CEO and through Simon’s term?
• Did this strategy focus on people management and, if yes, in what ways?
• Was it successful or unsuccessful? How?

Question 2

• Describe first Horton’s and then Simon’s leadership styles.
• Identify the differences, if any, between them.
• How do you perceive these two leaders and, in view of class readings and discussions, how appropriate or inappropriate in your opinion their actions might have been?

Question 3

• Do you believe Horton’s and Simon’s leadership styles to be determined by personality or do you see them as acquired or both?
• Bearing in mind class discussions and readings, justify your answer.

Question 4

• What similarities and / or differences can you detect between the leadership styles of Emma, Jobs, Horton and Simon?
• When analysing your personal leadership style, who would you more easily identify with and why?