Interface Inc Case Studyv2
The Interface Model
Abstract
Sustainability is a word that has become quite common in today’s business and political world. It is defined as “able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed, involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources or able to last or continue for a long time.” (Merriam-Webster on line dictionary, 2015) Where in business it is often confused or aligned with the term Lean. Lean sees waste as non-value added to the customer; green sees waste as extraction and consequential disposal of resources at rates or in forms beyond that which nature can absorb. As listed by the company’s web site: “The vision of Interface is to be the first name in commercial and institutional interiors worldwide through its commitment to people, product and place. We will strive to create an organization wherein all people are accorded unconditional respect and dignity, one that allows each person to continuously learn and develop. We will focus on product through constant emphasis on quality and engineering which we will combine with superior attention to our customers ' needs. We will honor the places where we do business by endeavoring to become the first name in industrial ecology, a corporation that cherishes nature and restores the environment. Interface will lead by example and validate by results, leaving the world a better place than when we began.” (Interface, Inc, 2015)
Interface, Inc. was founded by Mr. Ray C Anderson in 1973 in Atlanta, Georgia and remained as the President and CEO until 1996 when Mr. Charlie Eitel was named President and Chief Operating Officer (CEO). Mr. Anderson had worked for Milliken & Co as a research manager, when he decided to start his own business, with only fifteen employees starting out, including Mr. Anderson himself. This began as a joint venture of private investors and a partnership with a larger European corporation Carpets International (CI), a
Abstract
Sustainability is a word that has become quite common in today’s business and political world. It is defined as “able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed, involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources or able to last or continue for a long time.” (Merriam-Webster on line dictionary, 2015) Where in business it is often confused or aligned with the term Lean. Lean sees waste as non-value added to the customer; green sees waste as extraction and consequential disposal of resources at rates or in forms beyond that which nature can absorb. As listed by the company’s web site: “The vision of Interface is to be the first name in commercial and institutional interiors worldwide through its commitment to people, product and place. We will strive to create an organization wherein all people are accorded unconditional respect and dignity, one that allows each person to continuously learn and develop. We will focus on product through constant emphasis on quality and engineering which we will combine with superior attention to our customers ' needs. We will honor the places where we do business by endeavoring to become the first name in industrial ecology, a corporation that cherishes nature and restores the environment. Interface will lead by example and validate by results, leaving the world a better place than when we began.” (Interface, Inc, 2015)
Interface, Inc. was founded by Mr. Ray C Anderson in 1973 in Atlanta, Georgia and remained as the President and CEO until 1996 when Mr. Charlie Eitel was named President and Chief Operating Officer (CEO). Mr. Anderson had worked for Milliken & Co as a research manager, when he decided to start his own business, with only fifteen employees starting out, including Mr. Anderson himself. This began as a joint venture of private investors and a partnership with a larger European corporation Carpets International (CI), a
Bibliography: Interface, Inc. (2015, 02 02). Retrieved 02 02, 2015, from http://www.interfaceglobal.com/ Lampikoski, T. (2012). Green, Innovative, and Profitable: A Case Study of Managerial Capabilities. Technology Innovation Management Review , 4-12. Merriam-Webster on line dictionary. (2015, 02 08). Retrieved 02 08, 2015, from Merriam-Webster on line dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable