Abstract

Learning Outcomes

This case explores how effective leadership and strong stakeholder relationships helped an automotive company navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining business continuity. Students will analyze how Isuzu’s leadership successfully managed employee performance, supplier relationships, and community involvement during a crisis. The case demonstrates the importance of strategic decision-making, business sustainability, and stakeholder management in maintaining operations during unprecedented disruptions. Students will also explore the role of diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, and the challenges faced by women leaders in the global business context. By the end of the case, students will gain insights into best practices for leadership, resilience, and maintaining meaningful relationships to drive organizational success in times of uncertainty.

Case Synopsis

Rita Kavashe is the managing director of Isuzu East Africa, the largest motor vehicle assembly company in Kenya in terms of market share by the time of this case study. Rita has stood out in the world of automobiles. She is relational, caring and effective as seen in how she relates with employees, suppliers, dealers and the community. Rita with the help of her team, has managed to steer the company to great success up to when the COVID-19 pandemic struck Kenya. As at July 2020 Isuzu maintained paying their employees and suppliers as usual in addition to funding community projects. The key learning outcome for this case is to demonstrate Rita’s success in leading Isuzu EA through maintaining meaningful relationships to enable business as usual for most stakeholders at the peak of the novel crisis. Can Rita maintain this in 2020?

Complexity/ Academic level

This case may be taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels in leadership, human resources and organizational behavior classes. The information provided is suitable for in class discussion on best practices for female advancement, challenges for women leaders and managing global businesses with a local MD. 

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Leadership and Management, Employee Performance, Stakeholder Management, Business Sustainability, Automotive Industry, Market Share Growth, Strategic Decision Making, Workplace Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Engagement, Business Continuity.

Citation

Njaramba, F., Ndunge, A., & Onukwuba, H. (2024). She Leads Isuzu East Africa. In Strathmore Africa Case Center. Strathmore Africa Case Centre. https://doi.org/10.70268/sacc-05-24-25

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Faith Njaramba, Angela Ndunge, Henry Onukwuba

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-05-24-25