Starbucks as a Organization

Starbucks Coffee Company

Harold Van Wilson

University of Phoenix

Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks, is a US-based company that specializes in drinks, especially handcrafted and bottled coffee and tea. Other products include fresh foods such as sandwiches and pastries and merchandise such as coffee and tea-brewing equipment. The company, founded in 1971, currently operates around 21,878 retail stores in over 66 countries around the world. It has a total market capital of $85.98 billion and 191,000 employees worldwide (Company Website). This paper focusses on Starbucks and its culture. In particular, the paper assesses whether Starbuck’s espoused values align with its enacted values and the effect of such misalignments. The paper concludes by assessing how Starbucks could use conflict to improve communication among groups.

Starbucks organizational culture is built around the following values, philosophy and mission statement. Starbucks mission is “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time” (Company Website). Starbucks hopes to achieve this mission using the following four espoused values. First, by establishing a culture of warmth so that everyone feels welcome. Second, by confronting status quo to drive personal and organizational growth. Third, by being transparent, and acting in dignity and respect. Finally, by embracing continuous improvement and accountability. All these values culminate to the socially conscious corporate philosophy. Notably, Starbucks emphasizes on pursuing employee welfare first because treating employees well is the way toward high quality coffee and distinguished services, which ultimately attract customers.

To some extent, Starbucks enacted values align with its espoused values. Starbucks has implemented programs for health coverage, disability and life insurance as well as dental and vision plans for its employees, in line with its values of upholding dignity and building a...