CASE STUDY 1 - CASE STUDY 1- ROBIN HOOD Summary To...

CASE STUDY 1- ROBIN HOOD
Summary
To understand the nature of this study, it is important to understand the background and
history related to this case. This case study is about a well-known individual, Robin Hood. Many,
including myself, can picture Robin Hood as an animated character in a cartoon but not
recognize him as a real person that dealt with real issues as a leader. This case study goes deep
into the life of Robin Hood and his conflict with his relentless rival, the High Sheriff of
Nottingham. Before this case continues, it takes us to an important setting; the Sherwood
Forest. It lets us imagine him walking through this forest, pondering about his campaign, the
disposition of his forces, the Sherriff’s recent moves, and the options that confront him.
While Robin Hood first began his campaign with the Sherriff and his administration, he
immediately realized that he had little to no resources and power. He could not take down his
strong structure without his own alliances. Robin Hood sought out to create a “band” of
members that have the same vision as he does; a deep sense of justice and willingness to serve.
After he successfully formed a band of dedicated members, he then created a bivouac style
hierarchy. With him being the supreme leader, making all of the important decisions, he created
a team of four lieutenants. Will Scarlet, in charge of intelligence and scouting, Little John,
enforcing discipline for professional skills, Scarlock, overseeing all finances for the band, and
Much the Miller’s son, provisioning the rapid growing band of Merrymen.
To Robin Hood, the thought of becoming increasingly popular and obtaining many
members, this was the start of many problems for him. When creating a hierarchy for his new
band, he did not foresee the significant difference in management-to-worker ratio. His
lieutenants quickly lost control of his Merrymen resulting in a lack of discipline and vigilance he
once envisioned to have. The amount of Merrymen he had not only overtook his plan of
excellence, the forest they get their food from was frighteningly scarce. Being the leader that
Robin Hood was, he searched for food in other towns but lost control of finances. Whether it be
poor bookkeeping or low funds, he and his band hit a rock bottom.
Robin Hood’s proposed solution was to change his policies over to a fixed transit tax. He
talked this over with his lieutenants and Merrymen and declined his attempt to reform. They
argued that their only strong allies are farmers and the townspeople and if we heavily tax them,