Distinctive Competence and Rarity at Carnival Cruise Line

     While Chapter 5 had many interesting lessons in it about analyzing strengths and weaknesses based on the Resource-Based View, there were a couple of things in the Chapter that stood out as pertaining to Carnival Cruise Line. The first was institutional leadership as distinctive competence. It all starts with the top. Christine Duffy, President of Carnival, is the first female to hold the presidency of a cruise company. Since arriving at Carnival in 2015, she has implemented a family feel on the ships. Ships not only exude fun for everyone who works and travels on them, but Carnival has become a culture with an underlying mission of family. The company as a whole now recognizes many employees that serve both behind the scenes and on-board the ship. They think about the small things when it comes to treating every family like they are the only ones on board. Each ship has leaders and management that are fun, heart warming personalities that interact with families throughout the entire year. With Christine's leadership, Carnival Cruise Line has enhanced their values and their mission. Making Carnival an amazing place to work has first-hand made the cruising more enjoyable for guests. Her leadership and team portray institutional leadership in full as they ensure that people aren't just doing tasks - they are fulfilling a mission.

Christine Duffy
     The other thing that stood out in Chapter 5 was rarity. Carnival, while not the only company with access to the same amount or kind of resources, is very rare. Anyone can start a rental car company with enough money. Anyone can start a local hotel if they have the money. Carnival, along with other top cruise lines, have rare valuable resources when it comes to massive ships, ports, and market share. The aspect of owning the resources to have a cruise line or the capability to start one is very rare. Therefore, Carnival can been seen as rarity being a direct strength. Due to the large costs for entering into this part of the travel industry, Carnival will probably always be seen as having a rare product and brand.

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