Organizational Behavior and Communication

Organizational Behavior and Communication

Jennifer Perkins

June 17, 2013

COM 530

Brent Smith

Organizational Behavior and Communication: Starbucks

Starbucks is a popular place for people to meet up, hang out, or drive through for coffees and teas of all sorts. They also provide snacks and in some locations they have hot food as well. Starbucks are interspersed throughout major cities with larger populations. Starbucks coffee is sold in bulk or single servings along with an array of different cups, pots, etc. Starbucks is also a multimillion dollar company that contributes to community causes. Their values include supporting community organizations and caring for the planet. Some examples of community work they do is “…Conservation International, The Earthwatch Institute, Save the Children, Mercy Corps, the African Wildlife Foundation, and Planet Green” (SeaZone, 2009). Participating in community-oriented charities shows a genuine concern for the world around them and that profiting companies have a responsibility for the protection of the planet. Another value exhibited by this company is diversity in the workplace. They promote a positive work environment, along with serving the customer being a top priority. They live up to these values, as is apparent if one ever enters Starbucks and experiences these themselves.

Espoused vs. Enacted Values

Espoused values are values written in the code of conduct or business principles outlined for the world to see. Marketing experts sometimes determine the wording of such values to maximize reception of a company based on its values. When a company does not appear to hold true to these values, consumers lose faith in that company and that company will lose...