Anne Livingston and Power Max Systems (A)

Interviewing with the Power Play Software Engineering Team
Authors: Maus, Pamela J.; Gentile, Mary C.
Source: Harvard Business School
Year: 1994
Company Name: Power Max Systems
Number of pages: 9

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Abstract:

Follows the entry and early experiences of engineer Anne Livingston, an African American woman, as she joins Power Max Systems in 1991 as software engineering manager for the new product development group. Power Max is facing stiff competition and wants to be first to market with what is being billed as a revolutionary mass media product. Livingston faces the challenge of bringing a product focus and customer orientation to the largely young, white, male staff of engineers that is responsible for designing and developing this new broad-based consumer product. Teaching Purpose: Emphasizes the process of entry into a new work group. In addition, there is an opportunity to understand how entry is complicated when the entrant is of an identity group that is different from that of the majority.