Leadership Culture and Ethics

LEADERSHIP, CULTURE & ETHICS

Among the cases discussed, Herman Miller is one of the most impressive cases that I have read, for it pursue an equal treatment to all levels of employees to achieve company’s goals, together. For instance, it implemented a productivity incentive plan, called Scanlon Plan, wherein sharing of increased profitability and ideas on improvements between committees is being emphasized. Underlying this plan were the principles of equity and justice for everyone in the company. Aside from that, Herman Miller also implemented a plan whereby all employees became shareholders. They are expected to live with values of inclusiveness and transparency in which the first one goes beyond toleration to understanding all the qualities that make people who they are, and the latter one begins with letting people see how decisions are made. With all these mentioned plans and beliefs plus the culture of “get your safety glasses back on”, Herman Miller’s values have shaped its strategy and approach to strategy execution as I learned from previous lectures, when you treat your employees the best, they will also treat your clients the best, which means more profitable opportunities.

Herman Miller surely knows how to deal with a secularized world where humanistic values are seen as conflicting with religious principles. As mentioned earlier, the company lives inclusiveness where in no people shall be embarrassed or treated unequally based on their religions, colors, age, skill levels, etc. Instead, a good leader should treat his people fairly and unbiased, and reward them based on the performance. Whit this said, the basis on deciding right and wrong should base on employees’ attitude toward work and not their beliefs in job non-related. Regardless of the differences of the employees, a company should let its people feel belong and comfortable to enhance productivity in order to achieve the ultimate goal, just like the Living Office of Herman Miller where people foster camaraderie, connection, spontaneous interaction, and group expression to retain the talent to drive innovation and execution. In addition, leaders should not just base solely on legal compliance as it is insufficient to establish corporate values. They should know and understand their employees well and respect every position by emphasizing transparency to deliver their ultimate goal. And to achieve that goal, aside from encouraging employees to contribute their best, all they need is everyone’s cooperation. Not to say, leaders play a crucial role on how to achieve the goal perfectly.