Writing Assignment

Running Head: A Primer on Organizational Culture

A Primer on Organizational Culture

Royneshia smith

Belhaven University

Author’s Note:

This paper was prepared for Ethical Problems in Business 624, taught by Dr. Eleanor Nabor.

Introduction

In 1851, Rowland Hussey Macy founded a small dry goods store in New York called Macy’s. He was the son of a Nantucket-based shopkeeper. When he was fifteen years old, Rowland sailed on a whaling ship. After four years of sailing, he returned home to Massachusetts where he began to work in his father’s shop before opening his own business in Boston. Shortly after opening his needle and thread business, it failed (Hanson, 2017).

Around the early 1840’s, he proceeded to open a dry goods store with his brother, but just like the first business it failed also. Following events of failed businesses, one day Rowland wanted to give the dry good business another chance. This time the store pulled $11.06 on the first business day and from that day sales continued to grow. For the year, the store sales ended with a gross totaling around $85,000 (Hanson, 2017). R.H Macy’s success has resulted in a big part of his advanced sales and advertising practices over the years which eventually transformed the retail industry. Overtime, the company expanded and began to offer services such as same-day delivery, buy online and pick-up in store, and apple pay mobile payment etc.

There are approximately 50+ people employed at the Macy’s located in the Galleria including managers, security, sales associates, floaters and ringers etc. Currently, I am a Fragrance Sales Associate at Macy's located in Houston, TX. My role within the company is to advertise different fragrances to help customers decide what kind of fragrance best fit their needs. When I am advertising these fragrances, it also helps me because I am commissioned. Therefore, the more I sell the more I receive a certain an extra percentage along with my pay. I also encourage Macy’s customers to open a credit line with the business in order to receive other great deals and discounts.

Macy’s want their employees to experience a positive work environment at all times. So, the company’s attention is focused on servicing the customers and staying focused on the job at hand. Whenever anyone is experiencing a difficult situation, Macy’s have what is called “SolutionsInStore.” This is where employees can discuss issues they are experiencing in the store in order to resolve any inconvenience in a timely manner. The company in fact demonstrates appreciation for their employees by throwing a party or offering a gift when a goal is reached. Even when a goal is not reached, they still show appreciation towards the employees. They look to find new ways to motivate everyone and provide opportunities when they present themselves.

Culture Influencing Ethical Behavior

Ethics are a set of moral principles that help guide individuals behavior. Whereas, ethical behavior is based on a set of written and unwritten codes of principles and values within society. In terms of human behavior, ethics reflect people’s beliefs about what is just and unjust or what’s right or wrong. According to Rae and Wong, individuals make certain decisions because they feel as if they adhere to their company’s policies and procedures that they are doing what is right. Sometimes that is not the case. On the other hand, culture simply describes the way of doing things or a collective way of life which reflects the moral and ethical beliefs and standards to how people should behave and interact with others. Culture can also vary among different races, organizations or countries.

One of the most important steps towards being a good leader is to lead by example. By doing this, an individual would be leading to build trust. When my supervisor need extra help, I volunteer to stay past my shift to make sure the goal is met for the day, for example. Demonstrating credibility is another way a person can become valuable.

For a group leader, it is essential that an individual communicate and listen to others. This will assure clear and consistent boundaries amongst one another. As a leader, modeling active listening allows others to give accurate feedback. Displaying curiosity about others shows that an individual is capable to be trustworthy which leads to building relationships with others, for instance. Giving voice to values is what a company needs to help employees to take action. At least three times a week, the store manager gather everyone in a huddle before the store opens to discuss ways to improve business. This is when everyone as well as myself give suggestions about what actions we should take to serve each other and the customers.

Working for Macy’s has given me an in-site on how a business should be run properly. Employees within the company are able to easily make ethical decisions that promote the company’s values. The reason for this is because everyone’s personal values matches the company’s norms. The culture of this institution grant me the opportunity to apply what I learn to improve my business ethics on a daily basis in society.

References

Hanson, K. (2017, June 12). The History of Macy's: From Humble Beginnings to Stunning Success. Retrieved from https://www.visitmacysusa.com/article/history-macys-humble-beginnings-stunning-success

Rae, S., & Wong, K. (2013). A Judeo-Christian Approach to Business Ethics Beyond Integrity.