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Video: "How To Write Articles The Quick and Easy Way"
Video: "How To Write Articles The Quick and Easy Way"
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Saturday, February 25, 2012
Patagonia Inc. and its Franciscan Values
By Aaron S. Robertson
The following is a paper submitted by the author on February 22, 2012 for a class assignment. The author is currently pursuing a master of science in management degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
Abstract
The author analyzes Patagonia Inc., a Ventura, California-based company, in the context of Franciscan Values, demonstrating that it is possible to work for monetary gain while remaining within the boundaries of an ethical and moral framework that sees the value and dignity of each employee and the world beyond.
Introduction
In the world of business, more and more companies are starting to realize the value that comes with operating within an organizational culture that encourages, nay, demands, excellence through lifelong learning, ethics, and a view of the world that acknowledges, and attempts to address, concerns that do not necessarily affect the company or its bottom line. One of these companies is Patagonia Inc., based in Ventura, California. The company has become well-known for the progressive philosophy it espouses when it comes to the way it deals with its employees and the broader world, which has resulted in its abilities to attract and retain both a loyal customer following and top talent among its employee ranks.
In the following paper, this student will offer an overview of Patagonia Inc. and analyze the company through the lens of Franciscan Values and sound business practices that help it retain competitive advantage.
Overview of Patagonia Inc.
Patagonia Inc., founded by environmentalist Yvon Chouinard and in business for 35 years now, is a retailer of outdoor equipment and clothing. When Chouinard, who is still active in the business, started the company, he had a vision for it that would combine a love for lifelong learning, a fun workplace, a deep appreciation and respect for the environment, and an overall human resources strategy that would bring out the best in each and every employee through benefits, incentives, and other opportunities that would render it a difficult decision to want to leave the company (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, pp. 30-31).
Patagonia, in addition to providing health insurance to all of its employees, whether they are working full- or part-time, also offers a daycare facility on the campus of its corporate headquarters in Ventura. Employees also have an opportunity to take sabbaticals for up to two months – at full pay – on the condition that they work for environmental organizations during that time. College tuition reimbursement of up to 50% is also available for employees wishing to pursue a degree path in the earth/environmental sciences realm (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 30). With these kinds of programs and opportunities in place for its employees, it is no wonder, then, that Patagonia is taking in on average some-900 resumes per job opening (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 31). Lisa Myers, an employee of the company, notes that, “It’s easy to go to work when you get paid to do what you love to do” (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 30).
A Look at Patagonia Inc. Through the Lens of Franciscan Values
What has become known as the Franciscan Values has its roots in the teachings and guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy). Francis Bernardone, who lived from 1182-1226, is not only revered in the Roman Catholic Church, but also highly regarded by other Christian denominations, as well, for his humility, sincerity, passion for the teachings of Jesus, devotion to the poor, and love for all creatures and peoples (Office of Mission and Identity of Cardinal Stritch University, 2002, pp. 9-10). The four core Franciscan Values are creating a caring community; showing compassion; reverencing all of creation; and making peace (Office of Mission and Identity of Cardinal Stritch University, 2002, p. 4).
In analyzing the corporate philosophy of Patagonia, it is clear that the company espouses at least three of the Franciscan Values, with the fourth one, that of making peace, not so clear-cut, but arguably likely. Patagonia creates a caring community by treating its employees with the utmost respect and dignity through such means as providing health insurance regardless of full- or part-time status, and also by making available on-site daycare for the children of employees at its headquarters. Taking this concept of a caring community further, the company takes every opportunity to aid in developing the full and true potential of each employee, not just in terms of the employer-employee relationship, but simply in human terms – as human beings with unique interests, talents, and goals. Patagonia accomplishes this through various educational, volunteer, and training opportunities that might not necessarily have anything to do directly with the company’s operations, but rather lead to a more well-rounded and enlightened person in a broader context. The company demonstrates the showing of compassion and the reverencing of all creation by advocating for positive social change, acting as a caretaking steward of resources rather than as an indiscriminate consumer, and working to not only preserve the environment, but also to teach others about the importance of preservation.
Further Analysis
The Franciscan Values, though originating from a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, are universal, in the sense that it does not matter one’s own guiding religious beliefs or philosophy – they are easy to understand and appreciate as mere human beings with the ability to reason and feel. However, those searching for a more secular analysis of Patagonia’s guiding principles and resulting corporate culture need not look further than what are known as The Magnificent Seven: General Moral Principles for Managers, developed by Kent Hodgson. These seven principles are dignity of human life; autonomy; honesty; loyalty; fairness; humaneness; and the common good (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 24).
Patagonia would be classified as a company that subscribes to a management philosophy known as Theory Y. The set of beliefs that constitute Theory Y were formalized by Dr. Douglas McGregor. Managers subscribing to this viewpoint see employees as naturally motivated, eager to take on responsibility, and willing to use their skill sets for the good of the organization if simply allowed to do so. Contrast this philosophy with what has become known as Theory X, also formally spelled out by McGregor. Theory X assumes the polar opposite of employees (Jones & George, 2011, pp. 58-59).
With its commitment to the environment and the many opportunities it provides its employees, Patagonia has managed to develop a loyal customer base and attract some of the best talent available. Its employee incentives, highly desirable, especially in an overall tough economic and job climate, make it difficult for employees to want to look for other employment opportunities. These rewards and incentives, many of which are not typically seen at other companies in corporate America, alone are enough to keep employees motivated and striving to be their best.
Conclusions
In a capitalistic society, it is possible for a company to work for monetary profit while simultaneously being conscious and mindful of the larger world. Patagonia Inc. has demonstrated in its three and a half decades in business that being in business is not a necessary condition for disregarding an ethical and moral framework that takes into account how one’s actions can come to have a far-reaching impact on many others.
Because of its unwavering principles, Patagonia has been able to attract and retain many loyal and satisfied customers, as well as employees. And when a company can accomplish both of these feats, the result is a business that will see not only profits, but longevity and sustainability, as well. Working within ethical principles that take into consideration the larger world is simply good for business.
References
Jones, G. R., & George, J. M. (2011). Contemporary management (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2010). Organizational behavior (9th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Office of Mission and Identity of Cardinal Stritch University. (2002). Catholic franciscan values. Milwaukee, WI: Cardinal Stritch University.
The following is a paper submitted by the author on February 22, 2012 for a class assignment. The author is currently pursuing a master of science in management degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
Abstract
The author analyzes Patagonia Inc., a Ventura, California-based company, in the context of Franciscan Values, demonstrating that it is possible to work for monetary gain while remaining within the boundaries of an ethical and moral framework that sees the value and dignity of each employee and the world beyond.
Introduction
In the world of business, more and more companies are starting to realize the value that comes with operating within an organizational culture that encourages, nay, demands, excellence through lifelong learning, ethics, and a view of the world that acknowledges, and attempts to address, concerns that do not necessarily affect the company or its bottom line. One of these companies is Patagonia Inc., based in Ventura, California. The company has become well-known for the progressive philosophy it espouses when it comes to the way it deals with its employees and the broader world, which has resulted in its abilities to attract and retain both a loyal customer following and top talent among its employee ranks.
In the following paper, this student will offer an overview of Patagonia Inc. and analyze the company through the lens of Franciscan Values and sound business practices that help it retain competitive advantage.
Overview of Patagonia Inc.
Patagonia Inc., founded by environmentalist Yvon Chouinard and in business for 35 years now, is a retailer of outdoor equipment and clothing. When Chouinard, who is still active in the business, started the company, he had a vision for it that would combine a love for lifelong learning, a fun workplace, a deep appreciation and respect for the environment, and an overall human resources strategy that would bring out the best in each and every employee through benefits, incentives, and other opportunities that would render it a difficult decision to want to leave the company (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, pp. 30-31).
Patagonia, in addition to providing health insurance to all of its employees, whether they are working full- or part-time, also offers a daycare facility on the campus of its corporate headquarters in Ventura. Employees also have an opportunity to take sabbaticals for up to two months – at full pay – on the condition that they work for environmental organizations during that time. College tuition reimbursement of up to 50% is also available for employees wishing to pursue a degree path in the earth/environmental sciences realm (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 30). With these kinds of programs and opportunities in place for its employees, it is no wonder, then, that Patagonia is taking in on average some-900 resumes per job opening (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 31). Lisa Myers, an employee of the company, notes that, “It’s easy to go to work when you get paid to do what you love to do” (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 30).
A Look at Patagonia Inc. Through the Lens of Franciscan Values
What has become known as the Franciscan Values has its roots in the teachings and guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi (Italy). Francis Bernardone, who lived from 1182-1226, is not only revered in the Roman Catholic Church, but also highly regarded by other Christian denominations, as well, for his humility, sincerity, passion for the teachings of Jesus, devotion to the poor, and love for all creatures and peoples (Office of Mission and Identity of Cardinal Stritch University, 2002, pp. 9-10). The four core Franciscan Values are creating a caring community; showing compassion; reverencing all of creation; and making peace (Office of Mission and Identity of Cardinal Stritch University, 2002, p. 4).
In analyzing the corporate philosophy of Patagonia, it is clear that the company espouses at least three of the Franciscan Values, with the fourth one, that of making peace, not so clear-cut, but arguably likely. Patagonia creates a caring community by treating its employees with the utmost respect and dignity through such means as providing health insurance regardless of full- or part-time status, and also by making available on-site daycare for the children of employees at its headquarters. Taking this concept of a caring community further, the company takes every opportunity to aid in developing the full and true potential of each employee, not just in terms of the employer-employee relationship, but simply in human terms – as human beings with unique interests, talents, and goals. Patagonia accomplishes this through various educational, volunteer, and training opportunities that might not necessarily have anything to do directly with the company’s operations, but rather lead to a more well-rounded and enlightened person in a broader context. The company demonstrates the showing of compassion and the reverencing of all creation by advocating for positive social change, acting as a caretaking steward of resources rather than as an indiscriminate consumer, and working to not only preserve the environment, but also to teach others about the importance of preservation.
Further Analysis
The Franciscan Values, though originating from a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, are universal, in the sense that it does not matter one’s own guiding religious beliefs or philosophy – they are easy to understand and appreciate as mere human beings with the ability to reason and feel. However, those searching for a more secular analysis of Patagonia’s guiding principles and resulting corporate culture need not look further than what are known as The Magnificent Seven: General Moral Principles for Managers, developed by Kent Hodgson. These seven principles are dignity of human life; autonomy; honesty; loyalty; fairness; humaneness; and the common good (Kreitner & Kinicki, 2010, p. 24).
Patagonia would be classified as a company that subscribes to a management philosophy known as Theory Y. The set of beliefs that constitute Theory Y were formalized by Dr. Douglas McGregor. Managers subscribing to this viewpoint see employees as naturally motivated, eager to take on responsibility, and willing to use their skill sets for the good of the organization if simply allowed to do so. Contrast this philosophy with what has become known as Theory X, also formally spelled out by McGregor. Theory X assumes the polar opposite of employees (Jones & George, 2011, pp. 58-59).
With its commitment to the environment and the many opportunities it provides its employees, Patagonia has managed to develop a loyal customer base and attract some of the best talent available. Its employee incentives, highly desirable, especially in an overall tough economic and job climate, make it difficult for employees to want to look for other employment opportunities. These rewards and incentives, many of which are not typically seen at other companies in corporate America, alone are enough to keep employees motivated and striving to be their best.
Conclusions
In a capitalistic society, it is possible for a company to work for monetary profit while simultaneously being conscious and mindful of the larger world. Patagonia Inc. has demonstrated in its three and a half decades in business that being in business is not a necessary condition for disregarding an ethical and moral framework that takes into account how one’s actions can come to have a far-reaching impact on many others.
Because of its unwavering principles, Patagonia has been able to attract and retain many loyal and satisfied customers, as well as employees. And when a company can accomplish both of these feats, the result is a business that will see not only profits, but longevity and sustainability, as well. Working within ethical principles that take into consideration the larger world is simply good for business.
References
Jones, G. R., & George, J. M. (2011). Contemporary management (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Kreitner, R., & Kinicki, A. (2010). Organizational behavior (9th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Office of Mission and Identity of Cardinal Stritch University. (2002). Catholic franciscan values. Milwaukee, WI: Cardinal Stritch University.
Free Sales Advantage Course Preview Webinar 2/28/12
Free Sales Advantage Course Preview Webinar
Tuesday, February 28th at 9 -10 am
Join us as we preview the Sales Advantage Course via the internet! You only need to set aside approximately 60 minutes on Tuesday, February 28th to participate in this exciting event. The webinar will begin at 9am and end at 10am.
Take a sneak peek during this 60-minute preview webinar! Learn how the Sales Advantage Course will:
• Empower you to move far beyond your comfort zone
• Help you stretch for and attain your breakthrough goals
• Learn the 5 Drivers of Sales Success
We look forward to your participation in this exciting Free Sales Advantage Course Preview Webinar on Tuesday February 28th.
The Details:
Date: Tuesday February 28th Time: 9-10am
Where: The comfort of your own computer, on the Web!
Space is Limited ~~ Register Now!
Register by email:
Craig.Lesser@DaleCarnegie.com
Subject line: Free Sales Advantage Preview Webinar
Body of email: Your contact information
Name
Company
Address
Phone
Let us know what you are looking to get out of the webinar?
Please Forward to your connections.
Have A Phenomenal Day!
Craig A. Lesser
Executive Director
SGB and Associates, LLC
Dale Carnegie Training
6737 W. Washington St, Suite 2220
West Allis, WI 53214
Office: 414-777-DALE (3253)
Cell: 262-613-4142
Fax: 414-771-5114
Email: Craig.Lesser@DaleCarnegie.com
www.sewis.dalecarnegie.com
Tuesday, February 28th at 9 -10 am
Join us as we preview the Sales Advantage Course via the internet! You only need to set aside approximately 60 minutes on Tuesday, February 28th to participate in this exciting event. The webinar will begin at 9am and end at 10am.
Take a sneak peek during this 60-minute preview webinar! Learn how the Sales Advantage Course will:
• Empower you to move far beyond your comfort zone
• Help you stretch for and attain your breakthrough goals
• Learn the 5 Drivers of Sales Success
We look forward to your participation in this exciting Free Sales Advantage Course Preview Webinar on Tuesday February 28th.
The Details:
Date: Tuesday February 28th Time: 9-10am
Where: The comfort of your own computer, on the Web!
Space is Limited ~~ Register Now!
Register by email:
Craig.Lesser@DaleCarnegie.com
Subject line: Free Sales Advantage Preview Webinar
Body of email: Your contact information
Name
Company
Address
Phone
Let us know what you are looking to get out of the webinar?
Please Forward to your connections.
Have A Phenomenal Day!
Craig A. Lesser
Executive Director
SGB and Associates, LLC
Dale Carnegie Training
6737 W. Washington St, Suite 2220
West Allis, WI 53214
Office: 414-777-DALE (3253)
Cell: 262-613-4142
Fax: 414-771-5114
Email: Craig.Lesser@DaleCarnegie.com
www.sewis.dalecarnegie.com
Tips And Tricks For Traveling Like The Pros
Traveling away from home can be, equally scary or delightful. On the one hand, it can mean leaving the comforts of home and security of knowing the area you are in. On the other hand, travel means getting to see new places and do new things. The outcome of a trip is often determined by the preparation and knowledge going in. This article has tips to help you sway the outcome of your pending travel before you set one foot out the door.
Use a good quality suitcase or bag when traveling. Cheap suitcases or bags can be flimsy, easily damaged and difficult to maneuver. When you are traveling on public transportation, the last thing you want is for your suitcase or bag to split open and have all your personal belongings fly everywhere.
Take a good book with you to read when traveling. If you always have something interesting to do, you will be less likely to get frustrated or bored during layovers and other time delays that are beyond your control. Buy a new title that you have been wanting to read so that you have something to look forward to.
When traveling, it's a good idea to bring a hanging shoe organizer. In the hotel room, hang the organizer on the door and fill it with your toiletries. It is best to have a clear organizer so you will be able to see what's inside. This is very useful to organize things in your hotel room.
If you are planning to travel to another country, prepare a few cards that state what foods you are allergic to in the native language of your destination. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, you can use this idea to let your servers know what you can and can't eat. The cards will make it more likely that you will have a pleasurable dining experience while you are away.
Instead of putting your liquids in a plastic bag to prevent them from leaking, try unscrewing the lid and putting a piece of plastic from a grocery bag over the top and screwing the lid on over it. While a zip-lock bag will prevent spills from ruining things, this method will prevent things from spilling in the first place.
If you are worried about cleanliness while traveling, consider using your t-shirt as a pillowcase in your hotel room. Turn your shirt inside out and put it over your pillow. While it may not be as clean as you would like, it beats not knowing who or what was on the pillow before you arrived.
As you can see, there is a lot more to traveling than most people think. It requires a lot of research and planning, but it will be worth it in the end to have a great trip. By following the above tips, you are well on your way to becoming a smarter traveler.
About the Author:
To get more useful information, please go to Disney World Florida; optionally you should also go to soon.
Easy Techniques To Maintain Your Natural Beauty
Some tips on how to start with beauty makes a great start for beginners. Below are some tips that will hopefully assist you into making better decisions and to start applying things properly. You need to look well, so it is to your benefit to learn something from these tips.
If you hate the problems of clumpy and matted eyelashes, try using an eyelash curler. This will make the eyelashes thick and full without using any products. When using the curler, start at the roots and only use on lashes that are clean. Over time your lashes will become fuller, thicker, and beautiful.
Add volume to your hair. You are able to easily do this by blow drying your hair upside-down for at least ten minutes. When your hair is dry, give it a calme blast of air to set the volume in. You are able to make your hair have much more bounce and volume just by doing this.
'Pretty in pink!' Put on pink lipstick when your pores and skin isn't looking its best! Makeup artists rely on the power of pink to draw the attention from issues around the encounter. It can detract from acne and red puffy eyes. Try this small trick the next time your skin is not cooperating with you!
Keep some fabric softener sheets on hand for beauty emergencies. Fabric sheets can be used to tame a static skirt that wants to stick you your hose. It can do the same for wild hair. Another thing it is good for is running through your hair to quell obnoxious odors like smoke.
When making use of make up you would like to be sure that you get it done in a gentle way. In the event you use strokes which are as well powerful you can have two issues. The very first of these is that the abrasive naturel of the strokes can harm the skin. Secondly, it leads to an absence of manage and even worse makeup.
Use a deep conditioner at least once a week for extra soft and healthy hair. Pick one day of the week to take a bath and read a magazine or listen to music while the deep conditioner soaks into your hair before rinsing. Many hair product lines include a matching deep conditioner.
Now you should be much more prepared when it comes to beauty. If you thought that you were ready before, now you should be an expert! The tips that were given should have provided you some advice that can help you get started with creating or refining your own beauty regimen.
About the Author:
To get additional useful tidbits, please check out Vintage Fashion; as an option you can also check out for more details.
Friday, February 24, 2012
WCTC Grow Your Business Expo on 4/4/12
 |
| Waukesha County Technical College Small Business Center Presents: |
**Grow Your Business Expo**
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
WCTC Richard T. Anderson Education Center
800 Main Street, Pewaukee
Cost: $35
Expo Capacity: 128 Attendees
Online Registration Required: www.wctcexpo.eventbrite.com
(Registration Deadline Monday, April 2 at Noon)
The Grow Your Business Expo is a semi-annual event designed to help small business entrepreneurs network, connect and grow their businesses. All registered attendees receive one seat at the Expo along with a half table display to showcase their products/services to other attendees at no additional cost. The Expo will help you make some great connections while encouraging you to show your products and services rather than just talk about them.
Important Table Display Rules attached along with the agenda and map. No elaborate table displays please!
Be sure to cast your vote for your favorite table display where you must be present to win! In addition, the event features a powerful 15-minute workshop on a topic guaranteed to get your mind racing with new, innovative and creative ideas! Come with your networking hat on and bring plenty of business cards as you open network, visit table displays, foster win/win relationships, and above all, GROW YOUR BUSINESS!
We listened to attendees of the September 2011 Expo and modified the room setup to better facilitate conversations while allowing you to decide how much time you spend at your table display vs. visiting other displays. See agenda for all the details.
Join us on April 4 for this very powerful networking opportunity. And with only 128 seats available, we’ll look forward to welcoming those of you who register early enough to secure one of those seats before they’re all gone!
Hope to see you in April!
Russ Roberts
Manager, Small Business Center
Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main Street, Room Q315
Pewaukee, WI 53072-4601
Ph: 262.695.3468 Fax: 262.695.7810
Threads By Jane
Hello, my name is Jane Pipia and I own a local embroidery company, Threads By Jane.
We are family owned, serving businesses, organizations, and schools. Knowing workmanship and price are very important, we do our embroidery in-house, allowing for quality control. We require NO MINIMUMS, and can work within your budget! I would personally work with you or a member of your team to insure all orders from start to finish.
I would be happy to talk to you at any time, show you samples of my work and answer any questions. Please feel free to call me at the number listed below.
Garments with your corporate identity on them are always in demand and great advertising!!
Jane Pipia
The Pipia Companies
www.pipia.com
(262) 366-0922
We are family owned, serving businesses, organizations, and schools. Knowing workmanship and price are very important, we do our embroidery in-house, allowing for quality control. We require NO MINIMUMS, and can work within your budget! I would personally work with you or a member of your team to insure all orders from start to finish.
- I have no hidden charges
- I will guarantee the best customer service
- I offer guaranteed workman ship
- I can embroider on your garments or ones I provide
I would be happy to talk to you at any time, show you samples of my work and answer any questions. Please feel free to call me at the number listed below.
Garments with your corporate identity on them are always in demand and great advertising!!
Jane Pipia
The Pipia Companies
www.pipia.com
(262) 366-0922
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