Conumer Behavior

Assignment 2: Group Case Study – Frederick W. Smith - FedEx Authors: Submission:

Group Case Study – Frederick W. Smith - FedEx INTERNET RESEARCH QUESTIONS Question 1: How do the standards set by Fred Smith for FedEx teams improve organizational performance? Answer 1: Fred Smith has set industry-leading standards within the FedEx sub-culture. This has improved organizational performance significantly over the years. Smith had to restructure internal concepts of operations from the original construct because of competition from the marketplace. He advanced organizational performance by letting small teams tackle problems that are within their scope. More than one person is trying to solve a problem instead of a single manager. This promotes the idea of working groups and problem solving teams. Further, it is also apparent by the “golden package” idea that the goal of the company is to achieve on time delivery, no matter the situation. In general, individual performance is less important than reaching company goals.

Question 2: What motivates the members of FedEx to remain highly engaged in their teams? Answer 2: FedEx philosophy has improved towards a team-centered leadership approach. Managers are creating an environment that encourages employees to offer up ideas that would increase productivity. Fred Smith encourages his team members to think creatively and encourage

innovation in the workplace, along with creating a job-secure environment. Employees understand they have the choice to come up with new ideas even they are not at work. Not every idea must be a good one, according to the company.

Question 3: Describe the role FedEx managers play in facilitating team effectiveness? Answer 3:

Question 4: What type of teams does FedEx use? Provide evidence from the case to support your answer. Answer 4:

Question 5: Leaders play a critical role in building effective teams. Cite evidence from the case that FedEx managers performed some of these roles in...