Values_in_Business

Values in Business Mgmt 521 October 10, 2010 John Gallaudet Values in Business Values serve as a guide in deciding which situations we should enter and what we should do in those situations (Kahle, 1980). Each of us then, may make different decisions when faced with the same or similar circumstances, depending upon the types of values we possess. According to Dr. Susan K. Fan, “if values define how much something is worth or the degree of importance something is to an individual or an organization, then ethics can be considered as the code of conduct” (2010, p. 135). A leader’s values and ethics are critically important to the influence the leader has on his or her followers. In looking at the results of the Williams Institute Ethics Awareness Inventory (EIA ) self-assessment, uprightness and integrity are two characteristics I value in people. I also look for evidence of virtue in others, which includes honor, justice, and benevolence. In business, moral responsibility is extremely important and Kathy Kudler of Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) exercises moral responsibility not only in her own individual work ethic but also in her efforts to provide the best services and products for her customers. If I were a manager at KFF, I would strive diligently to ensure the highest quality customer service, product availability, and support to the local community. Customer Service Customer service and support are key features of almost any retail business. Employees must understand the importance of providing the best shopping experience for each individual customer. As a member of management at KFF, I would hire conscientious people with outgoing personalities who have demonstrated attention to detail in customer service in the past. Because my ethical profile is most closely associated with character, I tend to focus more attention on what it is good to be rather than what it is good to do. In consideration of my value system, hiring people with integrity and honesty would be very high priorities. These types of employees are more likely to understand the organization’s commitment to excellence in customer service and to work hard to maintain the customer friendly atmosphere of the stores. Product Availability and Quality The vision of KFF is to provide the finest in meats, produce, cheeses, and wine for its customers. Kathy Kudler has even hired specialists who advise and assist clients with their culinary needs. Similar to the vision of KFF, I believe in providing the best goods and services when operating a business. As a manager at KFF I would routinely review customer requests and suggestions for products to make sure that the store’s offerings are adequate to meet the needs of the customer base. Like Kathy Kudler, I would also make myself available to the staff and customers on an ongoing basis in an effort to monitor the changing product needs of the clientele. In an effort to achieve the vision of the organization, Kathy Kudler chooses to use only the finest organic ingredients and to avoid adding any unnecessary preservatives to the bakery goods sold at KFF. In a managerial capacity at this company, I would ensure that customers knew the care and consistency that goes into every product sold at Kudler Fine Foods. I would train and empower employees in each department to explain to customers that KFF offers only the finest quality meats, produce, cheeses, and wines. Support for the Community My EIA reveals me to look at benevolence as evidence of virtue in people. Benevolent people provide help or assistance to others not out of a desire for personal gain, but instead because they simply believe it is the right thing to do. Benevolent people are concerned about the well-being of others and are not usually driven by selfish motives. Kathy Kudler demonstrates the benevolence of her character in her choice to donate food to local homeless shelters and food kitchens. She also allows her employees to take home some of the perishable goods to share with their families. As founder and president of KFF, Kathy’s commitment to supporting her community is evident for all employees to see. As a manager I would work to ensure that community support is ongoing and that all employees can participate in some manner. One possible suggestion for fostering support at all levels within the organization would be to hold annual customer and community appreciation days. I would suggest various types of activities such as food tastings and cooking demonstrations that all members of the community could take part in. All employees would also be able to participate as a means of thanking the customers for their continued support while showcasing all that KFF has to offer. Conclusion Kathy Kudler of Kudler Fine Foods has a value system that drives her to show concern for her employees, customers, and community. As an organization, KFF appears to value excellence in customer service and providing shoppers with quality products. Like KFF, I value integrity in interaction and an ethical stance to do what is right. As a member of the management team at KFF, I would work to achieve the highest customer service, product availability, and support to the local community. My values seem to be in line with those of KFF and, as such, the vision of the organization would be well within reach. References Fan, S. (2010) CHAPTER 7: The Impact That Ethics and Values Have on Leader-Follower Relationships. (pp. 133-153). Lentz Leadership Institute LLC. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. Kahle, L.R. (1980, January). Stimulus condition self-selection by males in the interaction of locus of control and skill-chance situation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38(1), 50-56.