...Unit 5-Whole Food Market Case Study Analysis Kaplan University School of Business MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Author: Andrea Reed Professor: Dr. Marian Leerburger Date: November 21, 2012 Whole Food Market Case Analysis Introduction In 1978, John Mackey opened a natural foods grocery called Safer Way that focused mainly on vegetables. The store was not very successful and in 1979 Mackey joined with Craig Weller and Mark Skiles and they started Whole Foods Market. What Craig, Weller and Skiles wanted to do was change the world’s diet to a healthy one. Whole Foods not only has markets they have several other business; Allegro Coffee company, Pigeon cove seafood processing and Produce Field Inspection Office and Select Fish (Harasta and Hoffman, 2007). Whole Food Markets looks forward to one day providing the highest quality good tasting foods available. Synopsis of the Situation Whole Foods Market is a leading seller of natural and organic food. With over 100 stores their goal is to become one large store instead of a number of small ones. Whole Foods Market would like to make shopping for food into a pleasant, fun experience. It is the desire of Whole Foods to make the customer think of home when they enter one of their markets. The vision of Whole Foods is to have a brand known worldwide, and to introduce the future generation to a healthy diet and be the best in food retail( Key Issues With the growing demand will World Food Market be able to...
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...Ronald White: BA 427, Winter 2013: Whole Foods Market case study: As stated in the case study, the Whole Food Market Company’s vision and strategy is to offer "the most flavorful naturally preserved and fresh foods available.” The company intends to market their products in "appealing store environments that make shopping at whole foods interesting and enjoyable." The company's cofounder and CEO, John McKay, believes that the availability of high quality natural and organic foods, supported by education and socially conscious activities will "gradually transform the diet of individuals in a manner that would help them live longer, healthier, more pleasurable lives." (Case study, p.1) The company believes that its dedication to supporting organic farming, with programs such as the Whole Planet Foundation micro-loan program, supporting food banks, sponsoring neighborhood events, and donations to local nonprofit groups will generate the reputation and word of mouth needed to support the further success from a marketing standpoint. The company's image is further supported by its continued listing in the Forbes Best Places to Work list and recognition in health magazines. The vision is encompassed by the company motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.” These principles are of the utmost importance to the company. By supporting the whole foods industry, healthier people from healthy food, and a healthier planet through green movement in agriculture and operations, this...
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...COMPANY BACKGROUND Whole Foods Market was founded in Austin, Texas, when four local businesspeople decided the natural foods industry was ready for a supermarket format. Their founders were John Mackey and Renee Lawson Hardy, owners of Safer Way Natural Foods, and Craig Weller and Mark Skiles, owners of Clarksville Natural Grocery. The original Whole Foods Market opened in 1980 with a staff of only 19 people. It was an immediate success. At the time, there were less than half a dozen natural food supermarkets in the United States. It has grown in leaps and bounds since then. Today, they are the world’s leader in natural and organic foods, with more than 310 stores in the North America and the United Kingdom (About Whole Foods Market). During its 31-year history, Whole Foods Market has been a leader in the natural and organic food movement across the United States, helping the industry gain acceptance among growing numbers of consumer concerned about the food they eat (Thompson, Strickland, & Gamble, 2010, p.C-2). The company seeks out the finest natural and organic foods available, maintains the strictest quality standards in the industry, and has an unshakeable commitment to sustainable agriculture. Add that to the excitement and fun they bring to shopping for groceries, and you start to get a sense of what they are all about. John Mackey, the company’s cofounder and CEO, believes that Whole Foods’ rapid growth and market success has much to do with its having “remained...
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...University 1- Introduction In our third case study for the MBA Integrative Project; we the students are require to generate a report using the Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model to conduct an analysis of Whole Food Market’s inputs and how they align with the current company strategy, as well as its outputs. In this case study we will use the strategy we previously discussed in Module 1 and using the Porter’s three generic competitive strategies to analyzed organizational categories input to the strategy using the congruence model. The model should be able to help us determine how aligned the inputs are with the strategy. The model will give us three categories for inputs: the environment, resources and historical inputs and three categories for outputs: organizational level, group level and individual level to help us determine the congruence of the outputs. While conducting the Congruence Model we will use the inputs and outputs categories to determine the organizational level congruence of the Whole Food Markets; using all these various aspects the model will give us a good vision of the current organizational structure and performance of the company. Lastly we will analyzed all three level of organizational inputs and outputs and determine how each of these categories interact with each other to determine their similarity to was the Whole Foods Market business strategy. 2- Whole Foods Markets Inc. Strategy The Whole Foods market’s business strategy is based on their reputation...
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...JOB EVALUATION WHOLE FOODS MARKET Job Structure for Whole Food Market Comfort Cooper DeVry University –Keller School of Management May 22, 2015 Job Evaluation for Whole Foods Market Introduction To begin the evaluation process for Whole Foods Market it is important to understand the dynamics behind the company. Whole Foods Market was founded in Austin, Texas, when four local business people decided the natural foods industry was ready for a supermarket. Whole Foods’ job structure is divided into teams and are grouped are grouped by which departments the team members work. This structure created by company is not a “happenstance” model, it is methodical because Whole Foods relies on the store, the organization, and the community it operates within to run smoothly and is profitable, which why each team member is responsible for ensuring that the operation of the teams run smoothly. Whole Foods along with many other companies want to attract and retain employees who share the same core values. The model that Whole Foods has created is one where high quality and organic products are sold, providing excellent customer service and supporting their Team Members or in layman employees happiness and growth. Whole Foods core values center around building communities and creating partnerships that last a lifetime. To analyze the jobs presented in the case study, I used the information from the job descriptions to determine the job structure for Whole Foods Market. Evaluation...
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...Organizational Behavior 18 February 2013 Belief and Support of Human Capital: Case Study Analysis of Whole Foods What role, if any, does McGregor’s Theory Y play at Whole Foods? Explain? The primary focus of this case study analysis shall be to examine the methods of Whole Food’s distinctive approach and development to the implementation of creative management strategies and how they can continue to successfully help them to maintain growth in their company. The underscoring premise of McGregor’s Theory Y primarily rest on the assumption that that the role of management is develop the potential of their employees and help them to realize their potential to meet the common goals of their organization (Steward, 2010). With this underlining thought in mind McGregor’s Y Theory plays an intricate and crucial role at Whole Foods. According to our textbook, Organizational Behavior, by Robert Kreitner and Angelo Kinicki, and the company’s primary mission directives, Whole Foods goal is for upper management to share the responsibility with their frontline managers in the development of a successful work environment (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2013, p. 30). Whole foods promotes their employee teams to be self-directed and take initiative and responsibility for operating together for the benefit of their entire business organization. To this end John Mackey, Cofounder and Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market promotes through the application of McGregor’s Theory Y the happiness and growth of all...
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...Core Values and Strategy, Organizational Behavior and John Mackey CEO at Whole Foods Market 2013 A Case Study J H W State College This paper was prepared for Organizational Behavior September Semester, taught By Professor Core Values and Strategy, Organizational Behavior and John Mackey CEO at Whole Foods Market 2013 Introduction This case study research investigation will evaluate the organizational behavior theories and John Mackey’s Management concepts of Core Values and Strategy “Conscious Capitalism” approach at Whole Foods Market. The five organizational behavior theories that were chosen for this study are; Theory X/Y , human and social capital, the profile of the 21st century manager, Carroll’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility Pyramid, and the seven moral principles. Whole Foods Market was founded in Austin, Texas, by four businesspeople that decided the natural foods industry was ready for a supermarket. The original Whole Foods Market opened in 1980 with a staff of only 19 people and became an overnight success. Most of the success was attribute to the quality standards, a devotion to community and environmental responsiveness, a healthy growth model and highly-regarded employment practices. What Role Does McGregor’s Theory Y Play at Whole Foods? Theory Y believes employees are proficient in setting goals on their own; they can do it with little to no guidance from others. They are responsible, willing to take on new...
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...Whole Foods Case Study Questions Ebony Middleton 04/18/2016 Whole Foods Case Study Questions 1. Analyze effects of the democratic approach to store operation and hiring new associates on store performance. I think that equality is a democratic approach that Whole Foods best exemplifies. They give managers and ground level employees the same benefits and competitive salaries. In order to improve and become the best of the best, Whole Foods give their employees the freedom to make decisions, share their opinions, and be involved in every aspect of the company. One of the main aspects that Whole Foods’ employees are able to be a part of is the hiring process of potential employees. They seem to do everything as a whole and be united in their decision, which is very rare in most organizations. A positive image would also be a democratic approach that works in Whole Foods’ favor. Just by being one of the few companies to give their employees such freedom within the workplace it puts them in a positive light, which would make people proud to work for them. As a result their workers will do everything they can to positively represent Whole Foods all the time. Their teamwork helps the company to flourish and keep consumers satisfied. 2. Whole Foods now faces a significant amount of competition. How should it respond to the changes in the competitive landscape of its industry? What future challenges do you envision for Whole Foods Market? In today’s food industry...
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...Job Evaluation at Whole Foods Market Job Evaluation at Whole Foods Market Deb France HR 598 Compensation DeVry University-Keller Graduate School of Management Introduction The goal of any company is to attract and retain employees who share their core values. Whole Foods Core Values include selling the highest quality natural and organic products, satisfying and delighting customers, supporting their Team Members (Whole Food Employees) happiness and growth, creating wealth through profits and growth, caring about the communities and our environment, creating win-win partnerships with their suppliers and promoting the health of their stakeholders through healthy eating education. I will take these core values and apply them to the job analysis and prepared job descriptions when determining the job structure at Whole Foods. Evaluation of Jobs and Job Structure In looking at the job descriptions provided in the case study, I was able to assign job titles in the following manner: Job A- Prepared Foods Team Member Job B- Customer Service Team Member Job C- Prepared Foods Department Team Leader Job D- Prepared Foods Supervisor Job E- Dishwasher Job F-Customer Service Front End Supervisor Job G- Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader Job H- Associate Store Team Leader Job I-Grocery Retail Team Member The job structure that I came up with put the above jobs into two categories: Managerial and Store Support. In the Managerial structure I would place Job C, Job D,...
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...Unit 5 Whole Foods Case Study Analysis Kaplan University School of Business MT460 Management Policy and Strategy Author: Jonelle Newman Professor: Dr. Norris Date: March 29, 2014 Whole Foods Market Case Study Analysis Introduction Whole Foods Market began with a vision from entrepreneur John Mackey and his chain of stores has been successful for 30 years. Whole Foods Market focuses on natural and organic food items. One of the reasons why Whole Foods has been so successful is because their stores are different than its competition and the differentiation “allows them to charge a premium price for premium products.” (Pearce & Robinson, 2013, p. 29-1). Whole Foods focuses on natural and organic foods which is a definite plus as more people become focused on wellness and eating healthier. This leading supermarket chain does not waiver on its core values and mission and their mission statement which has also become their motto is simple: “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.” (Farfan, 2014). Synopsis of the Situation Whole Foods has grown drastically over the years. The growth of the supermarket chain has been credited to store openings, acquisitions, and mergers. It is necessary to note that although the company’s total sales continue to increase; the operating margin and stocks have declined. (Pearce & Robinson, 2013). Key Issues There are key issues that have been attributed to the decline of the company. The recession caused...
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...Executive Summary As reported in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September, 27, 2015, Whole Foods Markets, Inc. continues to be the leading natural and organic foods supermarket (and the 5th largest public food retailer and 10th largest food retailer based on industry 2014 sales rankings), currently operating 431 stores in 42 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, 10 in Canada and 9 in the United Kingdom. In this case study, “ WFM” or the “Company” will refer to the parent company and the name “Whole Foods” will refer to its stores and grocery business generally. What started as a single small natural foods store called SaferWay in Austin, Texas in 1978 led to the opening of the original Whole Foods Market in 1980, followed by a combination of building new stores and acquiring existing ones. WFM went public in 1992 and not only continued to increase the number and size of Whole Foods stores, but also raised industry standards for the production and distribution of natural foods as well as promoting respectful and sustainable farming and business practices. Additionally, WFM is regularly recognized as one of most desirable employers, with human resources and management practices that allow for more regional discretion and local involvement plus genuine employee input, enhanced employee education and development, and relatively higher compensation within the industry. Founder and CEO John Mackey strives to balance his health- and environment-oriented...
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...Case Study Assignment One (1) Student name: _Noria Hadfeg_ MGT- 3620- Organizational Behavior Prof. Castro WHOLE FOODS MARKETS Pages: 534-538 Case Questions 1. How would you assess the emotional intelligence of Mackey? -He is known for being casual, opinionated, and very direct. On a scale of CEO directness, Mackey might rate an 8 or 9 . On a scale of CEO competitiveness, he is off the charts as judged by most observers. Current and calculating, forthright and aloof, humble and arrogant, good-natured and prickly, rebellious and open-minded, and impatient and impetuous. Mackey calls himself pro-customer but acknowledges that he runs a store with higher profit margins and prices, often than almost any other grocer. 2. How would you evaluate Mackey in relation to model of goal setting and performance? Identify specific behaviors and decisions to assess Mackey with respect to the dimensions of this model. Mackey is a strong supporter of free market economics. He is one of the most influential advocates in the movement for organic food. Mackey is a major philanthropist who has contributed up to $1 million a year to animal welfare groups and other charities. 3. What model of leadership does Mackey best represent? Identify specific examples of Mackey’s behaviors and decisions to support your interpretation. Transactional leadership model, involves motivating and directing followers primarily through appealing to their own self-interest...
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...1. What are the chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursuing? The chief elements of the strategy that Whole Foods Market is pursing is providing the finest quality of products in the market that is free from preservatives and other genetically engineered products that reduce the quality of being organic. This means that it is has the least amounts of processed prods and are naturally preserved. Whole Foods Market strives to eventually dominate the local market and eventually the international market. They promote the vision of Whole Food, Whole People, Whole Planet. 2. Is the strategy well matched to recent developments and conditions in the natural and organic foods segment of the food retailing industry? Yes, their strategy is definitely well matched as Whole Foods focuses on supplying consumers with the healthiest products available. The products are without pesticides, hormones, and other genetically engineered products that could affect health, community, and agriculture. The quality products at Whole Foods have a flavorful taste and are preferred by the demands of health conscious consumers and the current trends of a healthy lifestyle. 3. Do you think John Mackey has a good strategic vision for Whole Foods? Why or why not? What do you like/dislike about the company’s motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet?” Do the motto and theprinciples underlying it (Exhibit 1) really matter at this company or arethey just nice words and cosmetic...
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...profit is not a bad thing. One technique is for a business to cut prices, thereby becoming more competitive -- a plus for the consumer. Another is when a company or CEO uses devious tactics or unethical means to influence the market for corporate or personal profits. According to a statement made by Brian Schactam from CNBC, “John Mackey used a pseudonym on financial message boards to bash rival Wild Oats as a bad business not worth its stock price.” Those inaccurate postings concerning Wild Oats caused their stock prices to fall and deterred other investors from buying the stock. That tactic is highly unethical. An article on Daily Finance blogging dated July 11, 2007 cites the following statements and sources made concerning Whole Food CEO: “John Mackey often criticized Perry Odak, Wild Oats' former CEO, who resigned last year. "While Odak was trying to figure out the business and conducting expensive 'research studies,' to help him figure things out, Whole Foods was signing and opening large stores in OATS territories," Rahodeb wrote in 2005. "Odak drove off most of the long-term OATS natural foods managers" and brought in executives who "didn't know too much about the natural/organics industry or their customers." The CEO of Whole Foods Markets Inc. (NYSE: WFMI) is proving to have an ability, rare among CEOs, to hang himself with his electronic words. The Wall Street Journal reports that between January 2000 and last August, John Mackey used the name "Rahodeb" --...
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...Whole Foods Market: A Strategic Analysis Adrienne Lee Richard Linowes Spring 2009 General University Honors 5/6/2009 1 WHOLE FOODS MARKET: Strategic Company Analysis EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Whole Foods Market, Inc. has long been admired as an innovative company with quality standards, a devotion to community and environmental responsiveness, a healthy growth model and highly-regarded employment practices. However, the company has faced recent difficulties as a result of the economic recession, increasing competition, and complications from acquisitions. To revitalize the company from historical lows in its toughest year in history, Whole Foods Market must reassess its costs, refocus its expansion strategies, and promote its brand to compete for the diminishing consumer spending dollar. During the changes in strategic initiatives, it is also important for the company to keep Whole Foods Market’s mission and its brand value intact. The chain is known for its high standards, quality, and ethical practices; this image is at stake when any changes in brand or reputation are made. It is of utmost importance to balance the positioning in order to increase awareness and sales, but at the same time avoid diminishing the brand and message of the company. Without the value behind the Whole Foods brand, the company will not survive—recession or not. If Whole Foods can successfully complete these initiatives that include major restructuring while also generating public relations...
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