Healthware S.p.A. – From an Underdeveloped Region of Italy – Can It Be a Global Firm?

Abstract

Healthware, a digital communication agency specializing in healthcare, is based in Salerno Italy. The firm has 72 employees in two countries as well as clients in 14 countries. The case illustrates the location trade-offs of operating – and growing – a global digital company far from the epicenter of Italian business. The theme is universal. Once the firm is far from a nation’s epicenter, a dynamism may be absent but the advantages are quite tangible: lower costs and employee stability. This teaching case is based on actual companies, people, and events, though some details have been dramatized or disguised.

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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Resources

Table A1: Human Resources Data

Contract type

2009 (end of Q1)

2008

2007

2006

Long-term contracts

31

27

24

23

Short-term contracts

31

30

10

4

Consultants

2

5

9

12

Trial

1

4

7

4

Total employees

65

66

50

43

Newcomers in the year

1

18

12

7

People fired

1

2

2

2

Trial ended without a contract

1

3

4

4

Newcomers/Total employees (%)

1.5

11

17

29

People fired/Total employees (%)

2

3

4

5

Total Turnover Newcomers + People fired/Total employees (%)

3

30

28

21

This case was prepared for inclusion in Sage Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

2024 Sage Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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