1. Overview of the organization or corporation
Starbucks opened its first store in 1971 at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. It was incorporated in 1985. Today, it is known as the premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee worldwide. The company sells several coffee and tea varieties and other beverages and an assortment of fresh food items. Starbucks’ head office is located at 2401 Utah Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98134.
The mission of Starbucks is “to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time”. Starbucks Corporation is a global company because as of September 29, 2013, it has 19,767 retail stores in over 60 countries.
2. Partial analysis of the organization or corporation The political factors which affect Starbucks are the relationships between the US and other foreign governments. Some foreign governments intervene in the coffee industry wherein the local companies are favored, while foreign ownership is highly restricted. The political uncertainties and heightened risk of terrorism in some countries pose a threat to the operations of Starbucks.
The legal and regulatory factors that affect Starbucks are the protective measures adopted with regards to the export and customs duties and tariffs, restrictions on foreign investments, importation of raw materials and the business licensing requirements. The intellectual and property and contract rights also affect the operations of Starbucks. The regulations on foreign exchange transactions in countries where they operate are limitations which Starbucks has to deal with. Labor laws and other local laws sometimes make it difficult for Starbucks to operate in other countries.
Because of the global operations of Starbucks, it is highly dependent on information technology. Its administrative function, point-of-sale processing and payment, purchasing, distribution and management of its supply chain, among others, all rely on technology. A failure in the company’s technological system may greatly impact their operations.
One discovered that global companies like Starbucks face a lot of international challenges. A major challenge is the diverse culture which it has to contend to in opening stores in various parts of the world. The product preferences and store appearances may have to be adjusted depending on the country where they put up a store. Identifying local partners is another complicated issue which Starbucks must address. Choosing the right partners is crucial as these are the people who know the community to be served. They could also provide the necessary financial back-up to support the expansion.
Further research on Starbucks reveals that it is a multi-awarded corporation. For the years 2003 to 2012, it was included in Fortune’s “Most Admired Companies in America”. Moreover, for the years 1998–2000, 2002–2012, it was included in Fortune’s list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For”. Starbucks was also voted as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere from 2007-20012. The awards that have been conferred to Starbucks prove that the company is indeed a very successful global company. Its innovativeness and commitment to serving the highest quality of coffee to customers at all times have contributed to its success.
One considers working at Starbucks as a dream job. Aside from being a very profitable corporation, it is also dedicated to helping the society to move forward through its commitment to its social responsibilities. Starbucks also treats its employees as partners, giving them opportunities to achieve their personal best. Starbucks’ employees are given a total pay package called “Your Special Blend”, which includes health coverage for the employee and its dependents, discounted stock purchase options, educational support, in-store discounts and time-off programs.
Given the above information, one strongly believes that Starbucks is the company where one wants to work.
References
Starbucks Coffee Company. (2012). Starbucks company recognition. Retrieved from globalassets.starbucks.com: http://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/5e71c94483a44a5db41abf79581fbf22.pdf
Starbucks Coffee Company. (2014, January). Starbucks company profile. Retrieved from globalassets.starbucks.com: http://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/e12a69d0d51e45d58567ea9fc433ca1f.pdf
Starbucks Corporation. (2013). Starbucks Fiscal 2013 Annual Report. Washington, DC.
Starbucks Corporation. (2013). Working at Starbucks. Retrieved from starbucks.com: http://www.starbucks.com/careers/working-at-starbucks
