The Organizational Culture Of Starbucks

The Starbucks mission statement (“Our Starbucks Mission Statement,” 2011) comprises two important elements (a) an overarching statement of purpose, and (b) a set of “guiding principles” that interpret the meaning of the mission statement relative to six important aspects of the company’s business model (See Appendix for a complete description of the Starbucks mission statement). The overarching mission statement – “To inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time” – explicitly conveys the firm’s intent to extend its global presence

Starbucks was bought out by current CEO Howard Schultz in 1987. Since then, Andrew Harrer (2012) reports the company has grown to operate over “17,244 stores worldwide” (para. 1). Fortune (n.d.) reports in its yearly 100 Best Companies to Work for that Starbucks employs “some 95,000 employees”. From only a handful of stores in 1987 to a billion dollar franchise today, the success of Starbucks is due in great deal to their corporate culture, specifically how employees, or as Starbucks calls them, partners are treated. Joseph Michelli (2007) echoes this sentiment, “A great cup of coffee is only part of the Starbucks success equation” (p. 767).

Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. Starbucks has lived up to that motto each and every year and with such great numbers and great feedback the company keeps on growing in the right direction. Starbucks is well known around the world for delivering fast, efficient coffee in all forms. From their frappachino’s, to their brew coffee and ice tea they are definitely the set example that other company’s in their area follow. They live by six principles that they practice each and every day they represent there coffee which has always been there passion to deliver

Starbucks started its growth in the early 1990s, with a game plan for Atmosphere, Quality Coffee, Customer Service, and Partner (employee) Satisfaction. Customers find the stores Welcoming and friendly for a great place to meet friends for a great cup of coffee or a local place for a great cup of coffee and a good book. Starbucks worked with coffee growers to offer a consistent brew and enforcing standards that have become the industry’s norms. Starbucks have put a lot into their training program to ensure properly trained employees to provide that consistent cup of coffee as well as improve employee retention. Starbucks believed in happy employees would promote a better experience for the customer. Since the 90s Starbucks have followed their 3 step plan. 1. Atmosphere: Every time you walk into a Starbucks, you know you will be greeted with a smile and a friendly attitude. 2. Continuity of Brand and Product: Every Starbucks has a similar feel, and your drink order will taste the same whether you are in New York or Spain. 3. Employee Satisfaction and Training: The training of the staff, in both how to be personable with customers and knowledge of the product offering

1. Suggest the key elements of Starbucks’ organizational culture that contributes to its success in a global economy. Indicate management’s role with creating and sustaining the organizational culture.

starbucks Corp., an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington, has expanded rapidly since its opening in 1971. These outrageous success was due to its well-developed strategy vision which lay out the company's strategic course in developing and strengthening its business. Starbucks is a global corporation that sells authentic coffee in 30 countries, reporting revenues of nearly $5.1 billion in 2006. The main goal of Starbucks is to embrace diversity by applying the highest standards of excellence. Starbucks strives to perfect the relationship with the working class by making the service as fast as possible because they believe that every customer has their own personal rate. One

Starbucks mission is to "inspire and nurture the human spirit-- one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time.”

Partner satisfaction: Starbucks firmly believes that satisfying their employees in-turn satisfies the customers. They adopted a positive working environment to facilitate this.

This is why, Starbucks places a great deal of effort into seeking the thoughts and opinions of its employees, and they value what the Baristas have to say, because they are the ones in direct contact with the company's customers. By regarding employees as communicators of its brand, Starbucks is manifestly taking a different path toward brand management than those normally followed by other marketers. Employees at Starbucks share a common goals and have common belief in the product they sell.

“We are not in the coffee business, serving people. We are in the people business, serving coffee”, Howard Schultz’s philosophy has shaped and continues shape Starbucks, the world’s number one specialty coffee retailer with over 21,000 outlets in more than 65 countries nowadays (Starbucks, 2011). Starbucks was founded in 1971 and Howard Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982. In 1987, Howard acquired Starbucks and changed the name to Starbucks Corporation.

Starbucks advertises two essential mission statements. First and foremost, it strives to “establish [ourselves] as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while [we] grow(s).” (Starbucks) Reflective of its mission, Starbucks bases its strategic campaign and communications on six indispensable philosophies; structuring a pleasant work environment in which employees are treated with “respect and dignity,” incorporating diversity in all business aspects, purchasing, roasting and delivering fresh coffee, retaining satisfied customers, giving back to the community and environment, and developing

Our coffee has always been, and will always be, about quality. Our employees are called partners, because it is not just a job, it is our passion. We treat each other with dignity, and respect, and hold each other to the same high standards. We connect with our customers; we laugh with, and bring a smile to their life. Making the perfect cup of coffee is one part of our role, connecting with them on a personal level is the other part. In each community we serve, Starbucks takes pride in being a part of the

The company has also developed a structure and control system. With the realization that human capital holds a vital role in the development and sustainability of any institution, that of Starbucks included, it has taken to task to protect the same. To develop this, the company has an elaborate system that ensures the production levels of the company are met with pride. This like other leaders in the same has entailed ensuring they have an empowering corporate culture, topped by ensuring their employees enjoy competitive benefits.

According to the case, in order to serve their customers with more than mere coffee, Starbucks strived to create their stores with a distinct feel, yet comfortable, relating to the cultural setting of a location. This made Starbucks fit its interior décor to the local architecture, especially in historic buildings. Also, Starbucks was willing (flexible) enough to adapt the food it offered in-store to local taste. For example, in Asia, Starbucks offers curry puffs and meat buns contrary to what is offered in North America or Britain.

Corporate culture is a key component to the success of Starbucks. When looking at the seven dimensions of corporate culture (fn textbook pg 338) Starbucks emphasizes Team and People Orientation along with Innovation and Risk-Taking and pose less emphasis on a competitive environment or an outcome oriented approach. (see appendix c) In order to ensure a strong corporate culture Starbucks utilizes innovative and simple ways to ensure the key values are deeply held and widely shared. (fn) By visiting up to 40 stores weekly by the CEO Richard Schultz, creation of Starbucks Broadcast News to convey company news, or administering an “attitude survey” every 18 months to all employees they ensure the company and its partners (employees) are connected. (fn textbook)