Walgreen Organizational Behavior
Walgreen’s was founded in 1901, by Charles R. Walgreen Sr., in the city of Chicago. When Walgreen’s was opened, there were already 1500 pharmacy’s competing in the same market. He was determined to succeed and "by making certain drug items himself, Mr.Walgreen was able to ensure their high quality, yet offer them at lower prices than comparable merchandise" (Unknown, 2013). Today the organization is based on the same century old company culture reflecting the vision of its founder.
The culture of Walgreen’s is based on a common set of values and beliefs shared by employees of the entire organization. This often guides how members of an organization interact with each other and people on the outside. Walgreen’s organizational culture is based on “The Four Way Test”, introduced in the 1930’s by Charles Walgreen Jr, and based on the ethical business principles learned from his father. (Unknown, A Company Founded on Principles, 2013). The Four Way Test consists of the following questions:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Is it beneficial to all concerned?
The test can be found in every Walgreen’s store, and is the very first thing taught to all new employees. Walgreen 's also has a company creed which reads: "We believe in courtesy, in kindness, in generosity, in cheer, in friendship, and in honest competition" (Walgreen, 2013).
Organizational behavior is based on the way people within a company act. Every company has their own unique culture that includes such things as values, ethics, aspects and philosophy. There are many different studies of group dynamics to try and understand why groups of people act as they do. At Walgreen’s there is a very strong culture displayed by all employees, from the CEO down to the person stocking the shelves. All employees must adhere to a series of company policies that helps to define the work environment and how to interact
The culture of Walgreen’s is based on a common set of values and beliefs shared by employees of the entire organization. This often guides how members of an organization interact with each other and people on the outside. Walgreen’s organizational culture is based on “The Four Way Test”, introduced in the 1930’s by Charles Walgreen Jr, and based on the ethical business principles learned from his father. (Unknown, A Company Founded on Principles, 2013). The Four Way Test consists of the following questions:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Is it beneficial to all concerned?
The test can be found in every Walgreen’s store, and is the very first thing taught to all new employees. Walgreen 's also has a company creed which reads: "We believe in courtesy, in kindness, in generosity, in cheer, in friendship, and in honest competition" (Walgreen, 2013).
Organizational behavior is based on the way people within a company act. Every company has their own unique culture that includes such things as values, ethics, aspects and philosophy. There are many different studies of group dynamics to try and understand why groups of people act as they do. At Walgreen’s there is a very strong culture displayed by all employees, from the CEO down to the person stocking the shelves. All employees must adhere to a series of company policies that helps to define the work environment and how to interact
Bibliography: Unk. (2013). Mission Statement. Retrieved 05 2013, from Walgreens.com: http://news.walgreens.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1042 Unknown. (2013). A Company Founded on Principles. Retrieved 05 2013, from walgreens.com: http://www.walgreens.com/topic/sr/four_way_test.jsp Unknown. (2013). Our Past. Retrieved 04 2013, from walgreens.com: http://www.walgreens.com/marketing/about/history/hist2.html Walgreen, C. (2013). American National Business Hall of Fame. Retrieved 04 2013, from anbhf.org: http://www.anbhf.org/laureates/cwalgreen.htm Wasson, G. (2013). Reflecting Diversity in Our Mission. Retrieved 04 2013, from walgreens.com: http://webpickup.walgreens.com/topic/sr/sr_reflecting_diversity.jsp