Product Description
Abstract
On June 29, 2010, Hewlett Packard’s (HP) highly successful CEO Mark Hurd received a letter from a lawyer alleging he had sexually harassed a former HP contractor. Hurd shared the letter with HP’s general counsel Michael Holston. The case series follows the general counsel’s and the HP board’s decision-making process as they coped with the scandal.
Learning Objectives
This case series allows participants to discuss how the board and the general counsel (GC) can address a crisis that engulfs the CEO of a corporation. Faced with a potential scandal, what facts and possible consequences should the board and the GC take into account? How can they best address events and possibilities proactively?
Subjects Covered
Corporate Counsel, Ethics, Crisis Management
Setting
Geographic: United States
Industry: Technology
Event Year Begin: 2010
Accessibility
To obtain accessible versions of our products for use by those with disabilities, please contact the HLS Case Studies Program at hlscasestudies@law.harvard.edu or +1-617-496-1316.
Educator Materials
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Additional Information
Conversation Starters: Case Studies for Curricular Reform
The Balancing Act of a General Counsel
Copyright Information
Please note that each purchase of this product entitles the purchaser to one download and use. If you need multiple copies, please purchase the number of copies you need. For more information, see Copying Your Case Study.
