Quad Graphics Organizational Behavior

Quad Graphics Organizational Behavior

Joshua Houghton

Ashford University

BUS610 Organizational Behavior

Dr. Andree Swanson

November 1st, 2012

Quad Graphics Organizational Behavior

Every organization has a unique culture and core values that are found. These two elements can have many different factors that define that style; such as methods of communication, authority, motivational techniques and how they incorporate virtual organizational systems in today’s business world.

Quad Graphics is a very unique corporation that has been very successful and is known for its culture and unsurpassed technology in the printing industry. The owner had a was a firm believer that a company based on strong values, built by employee’s and owned by employees, were the right ingredients for a successful company.

The history behind Quad Graphics is a lesson in itself. A company that was started by one man and some close friends and family that believed there was a better way of doing business. Starting in 1971, with small rented warehouse, a press that was loaned to them and thirteen employees Quad Graphics began. There were many times that the employees had to draw numbers to see how would get a pay check, but due to the belief and the culture and strong values that were developed during the start-up. Quad Graphics is now the second largest printer in the western hemisphere, with annual sales of over 6 billion dollars.

In this paper, it will address elements, such as culture, communication, authority, motivational techniques and how some of Quad Graphics operations are considered a virtual organization. Some believe that leadership is the driving force to a successful business; I feel that culture is a major component in the success of a corporation because culture can defines the corporation and its leadership style and authority.

The Culture

Harry Quadracci once said, "If you want to understand Quad/Graphics, the best thing to think of is that we try...