Lewis and Lewis, P.C.

Lewis and Lewis, P.C.

Lewis & Lewis, P.C. is a small, Jackson-based accounting firm that

employs thirty-five people and was founded by Phil Willis in 1968. It exhibits

many interesting aspects of organizational behavior, which we will examine below

from several perspectives. After examining the company's current policies and

practices, we will evaluate its status in the transition from the "old" to the

"new" model of organization, and recommend some changes that may improve the way

Lewis & Lewis operates.

From a Strategic Perspective

Physical Description

Lewis & Lewis, P.C. is located in a quiet suburb of Jackson, Michigan.

It is a forty-five minute drive from Lansing. The two-storied building is built

on a slightly elevated hill with spacious parking lots in the back and to one

side. The outer walls are of a pleasant beige brick which is in keeping with

the calm atmosphere of the community and of the landscape. Right in front of

the building there are columns and the large main entrance is toward the rear

off the parking lot.

The appearance of the building is well harmonized with the surroundings.

However, it gives guests the impression of dignity and openness.

Directly inside the main entrance to Lewis & Lewis is a small but

welcoming lobby, with a natural stone floor, stylish but difficult to walk on in

heels. There is a narrow open closet for guests to hang their coats, and several

chairs arranged around a table on which are placed the company newsletter and

other publications. The receptionist's desk is facing the entrance door, and

behind it sits a friendly young woman. The partners' offices are found against

the two farthest external walls, noticeably removed from the rest of office.

The other external walls are lined with the offices of the professionals, with

large windows overlooking the pleasant exterior. The remainder of the office

space is segmented with partitioning walls, forming a sort of cubicle labyrinth.

In the center of this maze is a small kitchen where employees gather and

converse informally. Adjacent to the kitchen is a small work area with copy

machines and office supplies. In a corner of this floor is a set of uninviting

sta irs leading to the ground level, where the conference room is located. The

conference room itself is spacious and handsomely decorated, with a large table

and comfortable chairs, a video center with television and VCR. The seating is

limited to fourteen people.

Task and Job Description

Tasks are distributed on the basis of specialization: auditing, tax,

government and consulting. Very few tasks are performed by routine; each day

may include new procedures for each employee.