Value Alignment

Team C:

Jessica Glaab, Michelle Carlin, Leila Thomas, and Susan Ayala

Odell Brown

MGT_475

June 16, 2011

Value Alignment

Company values are reflected through individual and personal actions within an organization. Aligning individual values of Team C with Subway’s culture and shared values will help the company meet long term objectives (Pearce & Robinson, 2009). Analyzing Team C’s values along with the organization’s values according to Subway’s plans and actions, this paper will analyze the origin and subsequent evolution of Team C’s workplace values. Furthermore, explaining how Team C’s values drive actions and behaviors along with the alignment between the team’s values, actions, and behaviors will be addressed in detail for better understanding. Additionally, the degree of alignment between Subway’s stated values and the actual plans and actions will be evaluated and discussed. Finally, an explanation of differences according to the degree of alignment between Team C’s values and Subway’s values reflected by the organization’s plans and action will be given.

Origins and Evolution of Values

Subway originated in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965, using only a thousand dollars founder Fred Deluca opened the first store. The sole purpose of starting the Subway restaurant chain was to help put Fred Deluca through college; however, after the success of Subway grew, thousands of stores began to pop up in countries around the globe. The humble beginnings of Subway are the origins of the businesses success with a simple yet effective mission statement according to Subway (2010): “To delight every customers so they want to tell their friends—with great value through fresh, declisious, made-to-order sandwiches, and an exceptional experience” (Welcome to Subway Restaurants, para. 1). This simple mission statement lays the framework for this simple, yet effective company with a business model that clearly outlines the companies purpose and workplace values. As a team we carry similar values, first by taking care of ourselves and effectively communicating with our team. Subway invests a great deal of time into the success of the franchise portion of the business. A franchise is similar to the team dynamic implemented by the University of Phoenix. Teams typically form with similar values and beliefs, these beliefs guide them to perform to the best of his or her ability. The same idea is behind the franchise business of Subway. In the respect that the main company’s branding and training model guides the franchises to succeed, and as a team we follow that same model. Subway also makes an effective effort to donate and organize sponsored events for American Heart Association and the United Way (Subway, 2010, p. 5). These philanthropic efforts also align with our team, who makes a sustained effort to donate and be part of organizations such as Austin Pets Alive, and a plethora of other organizations.

Individual Drivers

Team C’s values can be described as beliefs in a particular ideology that affect our actions. These values that are initially personal can later be passed on to various parts of our lives (Carver & Scheier, 2001). Personal values have been the main source of motivation for most of our current leaders through political, social, or economical standards. Thus, they are important in the running of the organization such as Subway. An organization is a group of people who come together so that they can achieve a particular goal. Most of the organizations are formed because of economic purposes. These organizations are run by individuals whose actions determine the way the organization should be run (Carver & Scheier, 2001).

One way Team C’s values can act as a source of motivation for our actions and behaviors is making business decisions and plans. Team C’s belief in a particular value influences their actions in any environment. These values and beliefs act as a driving force in all aspects of life from birth to the working force (Carver & Scheier, 2001). Our perception of values may change throughout life depending on circumstances that may arise that will affect our actions and the way we may approach a particular issue (Carver & Scheier, 2001).

Team C’s actions, values, and behaviors are determined by personal values including actions that are reflected through behaviors in a business setting. People have different values in an organization; this often leads to different opinions for running the organization that can lead to conflict. A careful analysis can help plan the company’s objectives, goals, and values before are implemented (Carver & Scheier, 2001). For example, the Human Resources department hires individuals who posses similar values to reflect Subway’s mission statement. Managers, who motivate employees, are tasked with the responsibilities of determining the core values and encouraging employees to support Subway’s vales. Managers may need to involve employees in training seminars to align the values of the employees with Subway’s values (Carver & Scheier, 2001).

Degree of Alignment

Subway is not typical sandwich shop. Subway values the health of their consumers. A typical American sandwich menu is a minefield of salt and fat (Hurley & Liebman, 1995). Subway menu item consists of low fat items, low fat condiments, various types of bread such as whole wheat and parmesan, yogurt, and fruit. Subway offers nutritional information for each item on their menu. Expert advice for healthier living is offered on the Subway website by Lanette Kovachi, RD and JJ Virgin. The healthier living is offered to adults as well as children. Subway assists in living healthy lifestyles by providing information and choices so consumers are well informed of their meal choices (2011).

Subway’s Actions and Plans

Subway has taken steps to continue their ongoing process of advertising and providing a healthier community. Jared Fogle, who lost 245 pounds using Subway, his milestone to success has started the Jared Foundation. The Jared Foundation educates families about obesity and other related illnesses while emphasizing the importance of exercising and healthy eating habits. Subway supports the Biggest Loser and offers a pound for pound challenge with a wake up work out mix for an extra push toward an individual’s goal. Subway will continue to keep their healthy promise.

Differences

Overall, Team C’s values align parallel to the values of Subway. Several individual values make up Team C’s values that differ slightly in several ways. Some difference stem from each upbringing and background that make up Team C. Although we may not agree on which Subway sandwich is the healthiest or most appetizing, Team C’s values strongly support Subway’s values. Team C agrees with Subway’s encouragement to their customers to live and eat healthier by providing suggestions, tips, and resources to accomplish their goals. Based on Subway’s plan and actions along with the Jared Foundation and supporting the Biggest Loser, Subway has followed though with actions to support their value since the first store opened in 1965.

Fred Deluca, founder of Subway, began inspiring communities with made-to-order sub sandwiches in 1965. Since the first restaurant was opended, Subway has become known throughout the world in 98 countries. Subway’s mission statement supported by their values lead to their success. Team C’s values, as well as Subway’s values; have been analyzed and explained through a reflection of the organization’s plans and actions. Drivers of individual and personal actions for behaviors have been stated. Moreover, the alignment of values between Team C and Subway have been addressed in detail including hiring individuals with similar values to support Subway’s vision of the company and mission statement. Additionally, the degree of alignment of the organization’s actual values to the organizations actual plans and actions has been explained in detail including ways to live healthier. Differences between Team C’s values and Subway’s values reflected by Subway’s plans and actions were explained in this paper.

Reference

Carver, C. Scheier, M.F. (2001). HYPERLINK “http://books.google.com/?id=U9xi8wlfWccC&printsec”On the self-regulation of behavior. New York: HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge_University_Press” o “Cambridge University Press”Cambridge University Press.

Hurley J, Liebman B. (1995, April). Inside sandwiches. Nutrition Action Health Letter. Retrieved, June 13, 2011, from https://search.ebscohost.com

Pearce, J.A. II, & Robinson, R.B. (2009). Strategic management: Formulation, implementation, and control (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Subway. (2010). Student Guide to Subway. Retrieved from http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/AboutSubway/StudentGuide.pdf