Case Questions: 1. Using the following table format, list the individuals discussed in the case. What is their title? Briefly describe their role in 1 or 2 sentences/phrases.

2. Recall from class that an organization's strategy and mission is supposed to guide the HR strategy. What is Cirque du Soleil's mission and strategy? Using the following table format, list three HR functions, describe what Cirque does to fulfill this function, and then describe how this action supports the organization's overall strategy.

3. Discuss the benefits and pitfalls to a centralized HR department as it pertains to this case. What did the company do and what were the problems associated with that choice? (Do a bit of research on the company today if you need to).What challenges do they seem to be facing? Have any big events occurred that have altered their path? Given your understanding of how they used HR to support their organizational strategy, what do you recommend they do from here?

4. In addition to being one of the co-founders, what was Guy Laliberté's role in the company's climate and culture? Provide three (3) examples from the case as to how Laliberté impacted the organization beyond its founding.

5. Explain how the different individuals discussed in the case must work together to achieve the organization's mission. Discuss at least three (3) functional relationships and what is critical for the individuals in these two roles to understand about the other. E.g., "Murielle Cantin, who recruits talent, must work closely with Marc Gagnon, chief operating officer, to make sure the individuals she is bringing in understand the freedom they are afforded in their artistic expression, but also the costs of that freedom. This is important because . . ."

Article: Cirque du Soleil (by Thomas J. DeLong and Vineeta Vijayaraghavan)