Facts

a. Robin Hood’s revolt began as a personal crusade against the High Sheriff of
Nottingham and his administration.
b. Robin Hood welcomed people in his group, which resulted in the group
Merrymen.
c. Robin ruled supreme, making all important decisions.
d. Robin Hood has 4 lieutenants:
● Will Scarlett - in charge of intelligence and scouting
● Little John - in charge of discipline implementation and archery skills
● Scarlock - in charge of finances
● Much- in charge of provisioning

Illustration 1: Organizational Structure

e. Merrymen’s growth caused satisfaction and concern for Robin Hood. Satisfaction
because Robin believed that strength lies in numbers which means bigger force
against the Sheriff. Concern because resources are becoming scarce and
discipline is becoming hard to enforce.
f. Robin Hood began to think that a new policy should replace the old one, which
his lieutenants disagreed with.
g. Merrymen’s mission is “Rob from the rich and give it to the poor”
h. Sheriff used his political connections to obtain reinforcement. He had powerful
friends at court, and was well regarded by the regent, Prince John.
i. Robin Hood contemplated killing the Sheriff.
j. There is a conflict with some Barons and Prince John, wherein Prince John lives
in fear because of the Barons.
k. Conspiracy of King Richard the Lionheart released from jail in Austria where
Robin Hood is invited to join.
l. Robin entertained the possibility of killing the Sheriff.

Strategic Analyses:
A. SWOT Analysis for Robin Hood
Strengths
● large manpower
 ● brand name of the group
● Robin Hood as the leader

Weaknesses
● increasing number causes resources to become scarce
● lack of discipline within the group
● sources are declining

Opportunities
● imposition of tax
● expansion of base and operation
● practice self-sustenance by trying to grow own food
● join the conspiracy to free King Richard

Threats
● travelers avoiding the forest
● growth of Sheriff’s forces
● spies may be present within the group

Problems:
1. Merrymen’s continuous growth caused resources to become scarce.
2. Merrymen’s continuous growth affected discipline implementation and caused
lack of discipline.
3. Robin Hood feels detached and disconnected to almost half of Merrymen.
4. Travelers, especially those with the most to lose, were now avoiding the forest.
5. Contemplation of taxing townspeople to support the group.
6. The Sheriff's force and influence are getting stronger and larger.
7. Merrymen’s revenue is declining.
8. Robin was offered participation in a conspiracy in exchange for potential future
amnesty, a perilous proposition.
9. Merrymen’s growth pushed travelers to avoid the forest causing less resources
for robbery which is how Merrymen gets some resources.

Strategic Issues:
1. Organizational Structure: With the expansion of the Merrymen, maintaining
discipline and cohesion within the group becomes increasingly challenging. The
lack of a formal organizational structure and clear lines of authority can lead to
issues of coordination, communication, and accountability.

2. Leadership and Decision-Making: Robin's leadership is put to the test as he

navigates the complex challenges facing the Merrymen. Effective decision-
 making, delegation, and conflict resolution are essential for maintaining morale
and unity within the group.

3. Resource Management: As the Merrymen's numbers grow, the forest's resources

become strained. This resource scarcity threatens the group's ability to survive
and thrive. Moreover, the need to procure additional resources from nearby
villages exposes them to the risk of detection and retaliation.

4. External Alliances and Threats: Robin Hood faces both threats and opportunities
from external actors, such as oppositions—the Sheriff and nobles—and potential
allies. Building strategic alliances and managing rivalries effectively are critical to
the group's survival and success.

5. Mission Adaptation: The group's original mission of robbing the rich to give to the
poor may need to be reevaluated in light of changing circumstances. As the
Sheriff tightens his grip on the region, Robin and his men must consider
alternative strategies for achieving their objectives while minimizing risks to
themselves and their supporters.

6. Sheriff's Dominance: The Sheriff of Nottingham's increasing power and influence

pose a significant strategic challenge to Robin Hood and his Merrymen. The
Sheriff's control over the region's resources and his aggressive tactics make it
difficult for Robin to operate freely and sustainably.

Alternative Strategies:
a. Diplomatic Engagement:
Pursue diplomatic engagement with sympathetic nobles, clergy, and
villagers to build alliances and garner support for the resistance movement. This
strategy involves negotiating treaties, alliances, and agreements to strengthen
the group's position and increase its leverage against the Sheriff.

Pros:
● Builds alliances with sympathetic nobles, clergy, and villagers, increasing the
group's strength and leverage.
● Provides access to resources, intelligence, and support from external sources.
● Enhances the group's legitimacy and credibility, bolstering its moral authority and
popular appeal.

Cons:
● Requires compromise and negotiation, which may dilute the group's objectives
and principles.
● Risks betrayal and infiltration by double agents or spies working for the Sheriff.
● May be perceived as weakness by hardline elements within the group, leading to
internal dissent and division.
 b. Joining Hands with the Barons:
Accept the conspiracy of freeing King Richard of Lionheart from jail in Austria.

Pros:
● Sheriff will be overthrown and his rule will be minimal
● It would give Robin Hood with amnesty
● King Richard will be able to answer the peasant’s needs and concerns.

Cons:
● The Barons and King Richard might not follow their words of giving Robin Hood
amnesty
● If the plan is unsuccessful, Prince John will cause Robin Hood’s demise.

c. Kill the Sheriff:

The Sheriff’s power is getting strong because of his wide connections and
support from Prince John. This strategy aims to eliminate the Sheriff as a means
of disrupting the oppressive regime and weakening its control over the populace.
It is a drastic and high-risk approach that seeks to remove a key figurehead and
disrupt the power structure, with the hope of catalyzing broader resistance and
bringing about positive change. However, it raises significant ethical, strategic,
and practical considerations, including questions of morality, potential backlash,
and the need for meticulous planning and execution.

Pros:
● Satisfaction of personal vendetta against the Sheriff.
● Removing the Sheriff from power can disrupt the oppressive regime and weaken
its control over the region, potentially creating opportunities for positive change
and reform.

Cons:
● Killing the Sheriff may escalate violence and retaliation from the authorities,
leading to further bloodshed, reprisals against innocent civilians, and a cycle of
revenge and retribution. This could result in increased surveillance, arrests, and
persecution of Robin Hood and his followers.
● Would not lead to accomplishment of the ultimate goal.
● It challenges the principles of non-violence and respect for human life that are
central to many ethical frameworks.

d. Proper Structuring of the Band:

In order to increase the level of implementation of discipline and vigilance
of Merrymen, a proper recruitment process should be implemented. A good way
 to do this is by having recruiting supervisors and having Human Resource
policies especially for proper conduct and recruitment.

Pros:
● Proper structuring instills discipline and order within the band, ensuring that
members adhere to rules, protocols, and codes of conduct. This minimizes the
risk of internal conflicts, dissent, and disunity, fostering a cohesive and
disciplined fighting force.
● This facilitates more efficient planning and execution of operations, maximizing
the band's effectiveness in resisting the Sheriff's forces.
● Structuring the band enables the identification and utilization of individual
talents, skills, and expertise. This allows for specialization in various roles, such
as scouting, archery, reconnaissance, and logistics, optimizing the band's
capabilities and effectiveness in different aspects of their operations.
● A structured hierarchy facilitates the delegation of responsibilities and the
empowerment of leaders and officers within the band.
● A well-structured band is more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges
and setbacks.

Cons:
● Overly rigid structures can stifle creativity, innovation, and flexibility within the
band.
● A structured hierarchy may lead to tensions and power struggles among leaders
and members of the band.
● Concentration of power in the hands of a few leaders or officers can create
opportunities for abuse, corruption, and authoritarianism within the band.
● Established structures may resist change and innovation, clinging to outdated
practices and traditions.

e. Create New Tax Policy:

This strategy aims to generate revenue to support Robin Hood and the
Merrymen.

Pros:
● Collecting tax from the townspeople would provide Robin Hood with a source of
revenue to support his band and their activities, such as providing for the needy,
funding resistance efforts against the Sheriff, and maintaining operations in
Sherwood Forest.

Cons:
● Idea disagreed by the Lieutenants.
● Against Merrymen’s motto “Rob from the rich and give to the poor''.
● May raise ethical concerns and lose of support from townspeople, as it involves
imposing financial burdens on already struggling individuals and families.
 f. Expansion of Territory:
Involves the acquisition of new lands, territories, or domains to increase
the geographical reach and influence of Merrymen.

Pros:
● It could lead to new sources of revenue and resources.
● Expansion can increase the Merrymen's influence and leverage in the region.

Cons:
● It will bring new responsibilities, including governance, administration, and
defense of newly acquired territories.
● Expansion can create internal friction and tensions within the band.
● It may cause dilution of Robin Hood’s control over the band.
● The group may catch the attention of the Sheriff and Prince John.

Strategic Recommendations:
1. Enhance Organizational Structure/Restructuring
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and chains of command within the
Merrymen to improve coordination, decision-making, and accountability. Foster a
culture of teamwork, loyalty, and mutual respect to strengthen organizational
cohesion and resilience. Decentralization is a possible suggestion for better
communication, supervision, and control.
Illustration 2: Revised Organizational Structure 1
 Illustration 3: Revised Organizational Structure 2

2. Policy Revisions
The band’s mission should be clearly stated. Was the band initially created to
fight against the Sheriff or to help the poor by robbing the rich? Evaluate the risks
and benefits of each approach and adapt policies accordingly. Additionally,
acceptance of new members should be managed. In accordance with the group’s
mission, who should be accepted to the group and who doesn’t not fit.

3. Expand Resource Base

Diversify sources of provisions and supplies to reduce dependence on the
forest's resources. Explore opportunities for trade, barter, and alliances with
sympathetic villages, traders, and sympathetic nobles to secure additional
resources and support.

4. Forge Strategic Alliances

Identify potential allies among rival outlaw bands, sympathetic nobles, and
discontented villagers to strengthen the group's position and increase its
leverage against the Sheriff. Negotiate mutually beneficial agreements and
alliances to consolidate power and resources.

5. Strengthen Intelligence and Surveillance

Invest in gathering intelligence on the Sheriff's activities, patrols, and supply
routes to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for disruption. Develop a
network of informants and scouts to monitor enemy movements and gather
valuable information.