H. Irving Grousbeck

H. Irving Grousbeck
Adjunct Professor, Organizational Behavior
Contact Info
H.IrvingGrousbeck
Academic Area: 
Organizational Behavior

Teaching Statement

Irv Grousbeck was cofounder and codirector of the Business School’s Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and coauthor of the textbook "New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur." His teaching centers on an objective means to develop a greater understanding of the issues faced by entrepreneurial companies and individuals. His course, Conversations in Management, places students in the role of CEO and challenges them to deal with difficult managerial issues by assessment, prescription, and execution, including frequent role-plays. Mr. Grousbeck also teaches a course at the Stanford Medical School, Managing Difficult Conversations, for GSB and medical students who aspire to improve their ability to deal effectively with difficult interpersonal situations.

Bio

With a partner, Grousbeck founded Continental Cablevision (later Media One) in 1964. He was President of that company through 1980, and Chairman through 1985. He was a Visiting Lecturer and then Lecturer at Harvard Business School from 1981-85. He became a Visiting Lecturer at Stanford in 1985, a Lecturer in 1986, and a Consulting Professor in 1996.

Grousbeck has served on numerous for-profit and not-for-profit Boards over the past 37 years, including (currently) Asurion Corp., ResponseLink, and the Boston Celtics. He was a Trustee of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, Chairman and President of Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Chairman of the Board of Sponsors of New England Eye Bank, Overseer of Children’s Hospital (Boston), and Chairman of Menlo School and College. He is the principal owner of the Boston Celtics.

He holds an MBA from Harvard University, and Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.) degrees from Amherst College.

Academic Degrees

  • MBA, Harvard University, 1960
  • BA, Amherst College, 1956

Academic Appointments

  • At Stanford University since 1985
  • Codirector, Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Stanford Business School, 1996-2013
  • Lecturer, Harvard Business School, 1981-1985
  • Instructor, Harvard Business School, 1962-1964

Professional Experience

  • Chairman, Continental Cablevision, Inc., 1980-1985
  • President, Continental Cablevision, Inc., 1964-1980
  • Cofounder, Continental Cablevision, Inc., 1964

Awards and Honors

  • Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.), Menlo College, 2016
  • Doctor of Humane Letters (Hon.), Amherst College, 2000
  • Distinguished Teaching Award, MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business, 1987

Publications

Books

Howard H. Stevenson, Michael Roberts, H. Irving Grousbeck Homewood: Irwin, 1999.

Teaching

Degree Courses

2019-20

This case-based course is offered for students who want to refine their ability to manage challenging professional conversations. The class, which is limited to 32 students, will focus on the preparation for and execution of role-played dialogue...

2018-19

This case-based course is offered for students who want to refine their ability to manage challenging professional conversations. The class, which is limited to 32 students, will focus on the preparation for and execution of role-played dialogue...

2017-18

This elective 1-unit course is offered to 2nd-year, 3rd-year, and 4th-year Medical students, Residents, and Fellows, and to 2nd-year MBA students who aspire to improve their ability to deal effectively with difficult interpersonal situations....

This case-based course is offered for students who want to refine their ability to manage challenging professional conversations. The class, which is limited to 32 students, will focus on the preparation for and execution of role-played dialogue...

Stanford Case Studies

2018 Search Fund Study: Selected Observations | E662
Peter Kelly, H. Irving Grousbeck, Austin Yoder, Sara Rosenthal2018
Lighthouse | E628
H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2017
2016 Search Fund Study: Selected Observations | E605
Peter Kelly, David Dodson, H. Irving Grousbeck, Susan Pohlmeyer, Sara Rosenthal2016
Bernard Wilsey | E583
H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
Coley Andrews | E567
H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2016
ConvenientMD | E550
H. Irving Grousbeck, Ryan Kissick2016
FreeMobility | E618
H. Irving Grousbeck, Jim Ellis, Graham Weaver, Sara Rosenthal2016
Richardson County Community Association Vignettes | E568
H. Irving Grousbeck, Bethany Coates, Sara Rosenthal2016
Wind River Environmental | E231
H. Irving Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2016
Healthy Buildings | E563
H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2015
Starling Systems Vignettes | E570
H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2015
Aegis Systems Corp. | E511
H. Irving Grousbeck, Jason Luther2014
Bonobos, Inc. Building A Technical Team | E514
H. Irving Grousbeck, Yin Li2014
Search Funds - 2013: Selected Observations | E521
David Dodson, Peter Kelly, H. Irving Grousbeck, Jason Luther, Sara Rosenthal2014
MobiChair | E491
H. Irving Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2013
Motivating Others - Selected Vignettes | E469
H. Irving Grousbeck, Justin Randolph2013
Two Interpersonal Challenges | ETH12
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2013
Beautycounter | E456
H. Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2012
Huntington University | E439
H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2012
Search Funds - 2011: Selected Observations | E446
H. Irving Grousbeck, Arar Han, Sara Rosenthal2012
Serena and Lily | E438
H. Grousbeck, Sara Rosenthal2012
Trunk Club | E458
H. Grousbeck, Austin Kiessig2012
John Stanton: Managing Successful Partnerships | E429
H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2011
Nuru International | E417
H. Grousbeck2011
Starling Systems | E425
H. Grousbeck2011
Compass Ventures | E378
H., Grousbeck, Claire Magat2010
Cutting Short a Long Goodbye | ETH20
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2010
Dr. Curley's Perfect Storm | ETH10
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2010
Emergency Room Vignettes | ETH8
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2010
Franklin Warranty | E390
H. Grousbeck, Arar Han2010
In the Line of Fire | ETH9
H. I. Grousbeck, Alexander Tauber, Elizabeth A. Zambricki2010
Search Funds - 2009: Selected Observations | E386
H. Grousbeck, Aimee LaFont Leifer, Tjarko Leifer, Lisa Sweeney2010
A Brief Note on Difficult Discussions Between Doctors and Patients | ETH11
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2009
Andy Smith's Struggles | ETH7
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber2009
Helping to Ease the Pain and Suffering | ETH6
H. I. Grousbeck, C. G. Prober, Alexander Tauber, Elizabeth A. Zambricki, Julie Makinen2009
Nixon, Inc. | E333
H. Grousbeck, Jocelyn Hornblower2009
Two Miscellaneous Vignettes | ETH14
H.I. Grousbeck, C.G. Prober, Alexander Tauber, Elizabeth A. Zambricki2009
Vector Healthcare | E346
H. Grousbeck, Claire Magat2009
Revolution Foods | E322
Bethany Coates, H. Grousbeck2008
Satura Cakes | E281
Katherine Bose, H. Grousbeck2008
Search Funds 2007 Selected Observations | E282
H. Grousbeck, Sean Harrington2008
ESPA Extended Service Plans of America | E242
Patrick Arippol, H. Grousbeck2007
John Stanton: Managing Through Adversity | E275
Bethany Coates, H. Grousbeck2007
The Private Bank | E253
Katherine Bose, H. Grousbeck2007
Carteleras de Puerto Rico | E235
H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2006
Rick Corcoran | E233
H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2006
Tea Collection | E227
H. Grousbeck, Joshua Spitzer2006
Three Common CEO Missteps (A Perspective From The Boardroom) | E201
Harold Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Jeffrey Pfeffer, Alex Tauber2006
Coinstar | E180
H. Grousbeck, Timothy Groseclose, Alicia Seiger2005
JetBlue Executing the Plan (A) | E182A
H. Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alex Tauber2005
JetBlue Executing the Plan (B) | E182B
H. Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alex Tauber2005
McQueeney's Publishing | E191
H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2005
Search Funds - 2005: Selected Observations | E215
H. Grousbeck, Mike Harkey2005
Wild Planet | E193
H. Grousbeck, Joshua Spitzer2005
A Note On Boards of Directors | E175
H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2004
Graham Weaver | E110
H. Irving Grousbeck, Janet Feldstein, Jason Luther2004
Insight Data Systems | E170
H. Grousbeck, Alex Tauber2004
Prospect Colleges | E179
H. Grousbeck, Alicia Seiger2004
JetBlue | E150
Harold Grousbeck, Joel Peterson, Alicia Seiger2003
PDQ Personnel Services | E158
Jamie Earle, H. Grousbeck2003
Peter Kelly and Med-Mart | E124
Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2003
Search Funds 2003 What Has Changed Since 2001? | E162
H. Grousbeck, Mu Li2003
Silicon Valley Bank and Bladerunner Technologies | E159
Jamie Earle, H. Grousbeck2003
Valley Fire Protection | E137
H. Grousbeck, Alicia Seiger2003
Amy Baker and Nature's Cure | E105
H. Grousbeck, J. Feldstein2002
eBay | E74
H. Grousbeck2002
Gordon Biersch Vignettes | E121
H. Grousbeck, Andrea Higuera2002
New England Monthly | E4
Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel2002
SpaWest, Inc. | E132
H. Grousbeck, Andrea Higuera2002
Susan Nimoy and Mark Borden | E113
Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2002
TRACE DIE CAST | E139
H. Irving Grousbeck2002
YourDesktop Corp. | E141
H. Grousbeck, Mu Li2002
Arrival Communications | E101
Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2001
John Stanton (B) | E20B
Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck, Nick Mansour, Joseph Welsh2001
Northwest Security Services | E103
Christopher Flanagan, H. Grousbeck2001
The Dolores Project | E104
Janet Feldstein, H. Grousbeck2001
Carillon Assisted Living | E75
H. Grousbeck, Keith Sigg2000
Discovery Zone | E63
Harold Grousbeck, Pratap Mukherjee2000
Jetsort | E58
Nathaniel Durant, Harold Grousbeck2000
Phoenix Industries | E26
H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare2000
RentWise | E81
Harold Grousbeck, Brian Trelstad2000
Vicinity Corporation | E71
Nathaniel Durant, H. Grousbeck2000
BestOffer.com | E78
H. I. Grousbeck, Keith Sigg1999
Trellis | E67
Harold Grousbeck, Pratap Mukherjee1999
Dan Moss | E59
Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
David Dodson II | E51
Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
InterMarket | E52
Harold Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
Note on Angel Financing | E50
Harold Grousbeck, A Tauber1998
Valuation Techniques | E53
Charles A. Holloway, H. Irving Grousbeck, Alex Tauber1998
Eller Media | E40
Harold Grousbeck, N Mansour1997
Gordon Biersch | E2
H. Grousbeck, Nick Mansour, L. Snedeker1997
MSA Industries | E36
Harold Grousbeck, N Mansour1997
Ariel Capital Management | E28
H. Grousbeck, B. Keare1996
Sierra Expressway | E31
H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
StorMedia , Inc. (A) | E30A
H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
StorMedia, Inc. (B) | E30B
H. Grousbeck, Brian Keare1996
Downtown Daycare | E25
H. Grousbeck, Joseph Welsh1995
Elmer Stephens | E18
H. Grousbeck, Joseph Welsh1995
Emergency Roadside Assistance | E21
Lauren Dutton, Jim Ellis, H. Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1995
Shelter Bay Bank Card | E19
H. Grousbeck, J.M. Welsh1995
Discounter's Supply, Inc. | E14
H. Grousebeck1994
Donna Bookout-Coe | E15
Jim Ellis, H. Grousbeck1994
Florida Air, Inc. | E13
H. Grousebeck1994
Spanos & Yecies | E11
H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1994
Supercuts ® | E12
H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1994
ColeTek, Inc. | E10
H. Grousbeck, J. Ellis1993
Fresh Choice | E8
Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1993
Precision Printing | E5
Harold Grousbeck, Kevin Taweel1993
Kirk Riedinger and Jamie Turner | SB102
Harold Grousbeck, David Dodson1987

Stanford University Affiliations

Stanford GSB

Service to the Profession

  • Former Vice Chairman: Massachusetts Board of Higher Education

Director

  • Alta Colleges
  • Asurion, Inc.
  • Boston Celtics
  • ResponseLink

In the Media

Fortune, December 1, 2000
New York Times, November 6, 1999
The Christian Science Monitor, October 10, 1997

Insights by Stanford Business

October 20, 2017
Stanford GSB faculty and industry leaders help young executives of search fund companies navigate their new roles.
September 25, 2015
Acquiring an existing company has lower risks than starting your own business.
August 20, 2015
The founder of online tool Mavatar discusses consumer behavior, persistence, and the value of transparency.
August 6, 2014
A cosmetics company CEO faces a tough choice as her team members disagree.
March 21, 2014
A case explores the challenges Gregg Renfrew faced in launching her non-toxic cosmetics business – and asks you what to do next.
October 28, 2013
A serial female entrepreneur advises women to take risks early in their careers.
October 7, 2013
What are the characteristics of an entrepreneur? What are the risks? H. Irving Grousbeck explains.
May 1, 2007
Entrepreneurs share notes on hiring, firing, and promoting employees in a growing company.

School News

April 22, 2019
The longtime professor talks about building Stanford GSB’s startup curriculum, refining ethics, and keeping pace.
April 12, 2019
Nova Credit, which began as a class project, helps immigrants and visitors to the U.S. bring their credit histories with them.
March 2, 2018
Turned off by corporate fraud, she discovered the tools to start a venture born of passion, where she could set the tone.