Whole Foods Case Study Questions

Whole foods Case 2

Questions for Analysis

1. What is your opinion about John Mackey’s social mission at Whole Foods as a corporate strategy? Discuss the specific values in his “Declaration of Interdependence.”

John Mackey’s strategy focuses beyond profits. It is known how the companies that create a since of value and purpose in their environments have outstanding financial performances.  There is a lot to learn from Mackey and his commitment to having a sustainable future. His social mission at Whole Foods has come to be recognized as a very social conscious brand. This has gained customer loyalty and even increased the difficulty for new entrants into natural food retailing industry. Every company should imbed a CSR plan into their strategy. Competitors are growing in mass numbers impacting many businesses.

John Mackey’s “Declaration of Interdependence” is the intertwined relationship of the business as a whole. Mackey’s view is similar to Marxism philosophies in the sense that Mackey values his employees and knows how important they are to the company. Mackey’s doesn’t give the employees the control of the business but the power to boost them to their full potential. He gives rewarded recognitions as a whole, allowing creativity and innovation to be flourished. This leads to the growth of the company’s value and their success.

1. Will Mackey’s plan for how teams operate be effective? Do you agree with the idea of publicly shared performance data and its links to compensation?        

Corporations must understand that it is not only about the skills but about positive social relationships. “Constructive social relationships can bring about a positive feedback loop as employees assist one another in a virtuous circle.” Society has demanded higher quality foods, a place where they can be happy and guilty free where they can spend their money. In a corporate perspective, it is clear that having managers that are pleasant and valued do retain skilled employees and are most likely not to quit their jobs. Not only having the best managers but retaining them and capable employees, produces the highest proficiency for the business. The togetherness, the job satisfaction shows in the company’s performance.

I do agree with the idea of publicly shared data. Corporations that are private tend to have unethical practices and reduced customer loyalty. Whole Food’s performance data indicates that they are a strong company and by sharing their data to the public, including their employees, tells us that they truly consider their staff to be important and trustworthy. The company can do better when everyone knows so they can do what is best for the company. “Without such information, people can't make good decisions in their daily work.” “Studies indicate that commitment grows and turnover declines.” (What Your Employees Don't Know Will Hurt You And that includes a company's financial results, KAREN BERMAN AND JOE KNIGHT, February 27, 2012, WSJ)