HOCKEY CANADA: TO ACCEPT OR NOT TO ACCEPT?
CASE STUDY SOLUTION
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SYNOPSIS
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This case explores the complexities and challenges that can arise when evaluating a job offer that involves
a potential conflict between an individual’s passions and their professional prospects and personal
relationships. In January 2023, Stephanie MacLean, a recent business school graduate, faced a challenging
n
career decision. She had received a job offer from Hockey Canada’s Public Relations (PR) division for
what she had initially regarded as her “dream job.” However, after revelations in the news regarding the
tio
organization’s history of sexual assault, she now had reservations about taking up the offer. While tempted
by the opportunity to combine her passion for sports and her interest in PR, MacLean feared potentially
alienating her social and professional networks, damaging her personal reputation, and limiting her career
lu
trajectory. It was Friday, and MacLean needed to make a decision over the weekend.
So
The case further examines the role of hockey in Canadian culture from both critical and positive
perspectives. The case notes that while hockey has a multitude of benefits, both on and off the ice, there is
a need for major reforms in the sport to promote accessibility, respect, and safety for all players. The case
also illustrates some of the issues concerning systemic sexual misconduct within sports in general, revealing
that such misconduct transcends gender, geographical boundaries, and sporting disciplines.
OBJECTIVES
• Analyze and holistically assess an important early-career personal decision;
• Outline the implications of reputation management with respect to talent recruitment; and
• Identify the key risks and opportunities associated with joining an organization in crisis.
The Case Solution Starts From page 4
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ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
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1. What are the key risks and opportunities that MacLean faces in joining Hockey Canada at this time?
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2. How does an organization’s reputation impact its ability to recruit talent?
3. Would you recommend that MacLean accept the position?
4. If MacLean chooses to decline the offer, how should she go about doing so? Include strategies from
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Rebecca Knight’s article and supplement those with your considerations.
So
The Case Solution Starts From page 4
, ANALYSIS
1. What are the key risks and opportunities that MacLean faces in joining Hockey Canada at this
time?
Risks
Deciding whether to join Hockey Canada presents MacLean with certain risks and considerations, as is true
of the decision to join any organization. These are only heightened due to the circumstances surrounding
this organization at the time of the case. For MacLean, some key risks and potential consequences
e
associated with joining Hockey Canada at this time include the following:
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1. Personal Alienation: If she decided to join Hockey Canada, MacLean was afraid that she would alienate
her classmates and professional network and damage her personal reputation. She was also conscious that
m
the circumstances surrounding Hockey Canada could lead to her feeling isolated, as she could find herself
at odds with the organization’s values or ethical standards. Moreover, MacLean feared that the stigma
associated with joining an organization in crisis could affect how she was perceived both within and
Sa
outside the organization, potentially leading to feelings of estrangement and exclusion. She was also
concerned that she would end up constantly needing to justify her decision to join the organization rather
than being able to celebrate the accomplishment of obtaining her first full-time job.
2. Career Trajectory: MacLean was concerned about how joining Hockey Canada might impact her
n
tio
lu
3.
So
4.
The Case Solution Starts From page 4
CASE STUDY SOLUTION
e
pl
SYNOPSIS
m
Sa
This case explores the complexities and challenges that can arise when evaluating a job offer that involves
a potential conflict between an individual’s passions and their professional prospects and personal
relationships. In January 2023, Stephanie MacLean, a recent business school graduate, faced a challenging
n
career decision. She had received a job offer from Hockey Canada’s Public Relations (PR) division for
what she had initially regarded as her “dream job.” However, after revelations in the news regarding the
tio
organization’s history of sexual assault, she now had reservations about taking up the offer. While tempted
by the opportunity to combine her passion for sports and her interest in PR, MacLean feared potentially
alienating her social and professional networks, damaging her personal reputation, and limiting her career
lu
trajectory. It was Friday, and MacLean needed to make a decision over the weekend.
So
The case further examines the role of hockey in Canadian culture from both critical and positive
perspectives. The case notes that while hockey has a multitude of benefits, both on and off the ice, there is
a need for major reforms in the sport to promote accessibility, respect, and safety for all players. The case
also illustrates some of the issues concerning systemic sexual misconduct within sports in general, revealing
that such misconduct transcends gender, geographical boundaries, and sporting disciplines.
OBJECTIVES
• Analyze and holistically assess an important early-career personal decision;
• Outline the implications of reputation management with respect to talent recruitment; and
• Identify the key risks and opportunities associated with joining an organization in crisis.
The Case Solution Starts From page 4
, e
pl
m
Sa
ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS
n
1. What are the key risks and opportunities that MacLean faces in joining Hockey Canada at this time?
tio
2. How does an organization’s reputation impact its ability to recruit talent?
3. Would you recommend that MacLean accept the position?
4. If MacLean chooses to decline the offer, how should she go about doing so? Include strategies from
lu
Rebecca Knight’s article and supplement those with your considerations.
So
The Case Solution Starts From page 4
, ANALYSIS
1. What are the key risks and opportunities that MacLean faces in joining Hockey Canada at this
time?
Risks
Deciding whether to join Hockey Canada presents MacLean with certain risks and considerations, as is true
of the decision to join any organization. These are only heightened due to the circumstances surrounding
this organization at the time of the case. For MacLean, some key risks and potential consequences
e
associated with joining Hockey Canada at this time include the following:
pl
1. Personal Alienation: If she decided to join Hockey Canada, MacLean was afraid that she would alienate
her classmates and professional network and damage her personal reputation. She was also conscious that
m
the circumstances surrounding Hockey Canada could lead to her feeling isolated, as she could find herself
at odds with the organization’s values or ethical standards. Moreover, MacLean feared that the stigma
associated with joining an organization in crisis could affect how she was perceived both within and
Sa
outside the organization, potentially leading to feelings of estrangement and exclusion. She was also
concerned that she would end up constantly needing to justify her decision to join the organization rather
than being able to celebrate the accomplishment of obtaining her first full-time job.
2. Career Trajectory: MacLean was concerned about how joining Hockey Canada might impact her
n
tio
lu
3.
So
4.
The Case Solution Starts From page 4
