Week 2; Case Study - “Starbucks Structure”
March 19, 2012
Week 2; Case Study - “Starbucks Structure” For this assignment we were required to review the case study titled “Starbucks’ Structure” found in Chapter 3 of our The five functions of effective management text. We are required to write a paper that answers the four case questions of 1. Complete a job description and job specification for a Starbucks employee. 2. What form of departmentalization should Starbucks use? Should the form be changed in stores offering food products and lunch? Why or why not? 3. When the company began to experience financial problems, should the leadership try to centralize power and decision-making or decentralize the operation? 4. What form of organizational configuration best fits Starbucks? Before you can address the case study questions you need to get a little background on the company. What do you think of when someone says the word “coffee”. For me, the first image that comes to mind is the twin-tailed siren. If you don’t know what I am referring to it is the logo for Starbucks Coffee. Starbucks started operation in Seattle’s Pike Place Markets, Washington in 1971. They were originally known as Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spice and later changed their name to Starbucks Coffee Company. Starbucks are known worldwide and is leading retailer of specialty coffee market, it offers quality coffee while conducting business that produces social, environmental and economic benefits. They offer the best roasted coffee, handcrafted beverages, coffee experience products, excellence service and innovation, plus they are dedicated to produce a great coffee experience to customers. (Starbucks, 2011) Starbucks mission is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” (Starbuck, 2011). Basically what that translates to is they want to provide satisfaction not only to their