• Choosing between Job Role and Career Planning: The Dilemma Faced by the CEO of SOFA Studio

Abstract

The leading character of this paper is Vick Wang, the ex-CEO of Sofa Studio. He has taken the position of CEO since Sofa Studio was founded. He has established the management systems of the company from scratch and has successfully led team members to develop the company’s flagship original animation product – MuMuHug. As Sofa Studio grew in scale, Vick encountered the dilemma of whether to continuously take the managerial responsibility of being a CEO or to look for dream of being a creator that can rediscover his passion for creation and team building. This case embeds three topics for teaching: (1) the management styles required in different stages of organizational growth, (2) the characteristics and roles of managers, and (3) job motivation factors and personal growth needs. This paper attempts to highlight the dilemma encountered by Vick through these three topics, which should arouse students’ interest and attention in the following issues during class discussion: (1) what are the differences in the roles and missions of managers in different stages of organizational growth, (2) how to motivate employees when a gap exists between their job roles and career goals, and (3) ponder their own personalities, growth needs, and job cognition that are relevant to their future career and employment planning.

Keywords: Job Role, Career Planning, Job Motivation