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Mr Milbourn’s analysis of the downside to opening a franchise while trying to operate within a Christian worldview is well stated. A franchise offers a potential buyer a level of security because of name recognition and proven marketplace success. However, individualism is not always allowed as part of the contractual obligation between the owner and the franchise. Without flexibility, Betty could place herself in a position where she is bound to requirements set by the franchise that are not in line with her desires or beliefs.
A major compromise that Betty would make as a franchise owner is the requirement to conform to rules she did not create. Zahorsky (n.d.) states, “Franchisees are required to share financial information and conform to uniform operating procedures. An independent business owner makes all the business decisions.” (para. 8). Would the established policies and procedures allow for Betty to incorporate her Christian worldview in to her business? It would be doubtful at best that Betty would be afforded that level of freedom under a franchise. Repeatability and predictability are two hallmarks of successful franchises in the marketplace. Customers expect to receive the same experience
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at each franchise location, which would make it challenging for a franchise to allow for any individual owner variances. Religion in the marketplace is polarizing for both sides of the fence Businesses that publically proclaim religion, or have policies surrounding religion, have come under considerable scrutiny in the media.
For example Chick-fil-A has had considerable negative press due to its stance on multiple societal issues. Whether or not the corporation is biblically correct was lost on society as a whole. Schmall (2007) states, “It is the only national fast-food chain that closes on Sunday so operators can go to church and spend time with their families; franchisees who don’t go along with the rule risk having their contracts terminated.” (para. 3). Running a franchise, or any business for that matter, from a Christian worldview is not without
challenges. Betty has a blessed opportunity to create her own business that is local, individualized and glorifying to God. She will have the daily trials of being a small business owner as well potentially some of the challenges a corporation like Chick-a-Fil has regarding religion in the marketplace. However, if she trusts in God’s plan for her then she will be spiritually prepared for these challenges. 1 Peter 4:10 proclaims, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (NIV).
Harris, Patricia Sowell. None of Us Is as Good as All of Us: How McDonald's Prospers by Embracing Inclusion and Diversity. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2009. Print.
Moore continues by using an example that states, “A corporation wishing simply to expand or to experiment with new markets might easily tread over local customs and unconsciously quash the spirit and destroy the natural religion of an area” (150).
Panera Bread Company is an intriguing business operation that came to be an exceptional “fast casual” restaurant through observing, learning, acquiring, and divesting of unprofitable assets. Panera’s history began when Pavailler, a French oven manufacturer, opened a demonstration bakery in Boston by the name of Au Bon Pain in 1976. In 1978 an adventure capitalist by the name of Louis Kane purchased Au Bon Pain. Kane had great aspirations for expanding Au Bon Pain, but had little success. In 1981 Robert Shaich, a Harvard Business graduate, small business owner, and master baker, merged his own cookie bakery with that of Kane’s bread bakery forming Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. With Shaich’s smart business sense and Kane’s business connections the two partners, and co-CEOs, were able to successfully expand Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. while at the same time reducing debts incurred by Kane’s initial unsuccessfulness. In 1985 Kane and Shaich successfully transitioned their bakery into a “fast casual” restaurant by adding sandwiches to their menu. The year 1991 marked perhaps the greatest accomplishment for Kane and Shaich as this was the year they took Au Bon Pain public.
Mission/Vision, Goals Statement of The Organization (Oliver) S. Truett Cathy established Chick-fil-A in 1946 with a commitment to fundamental principles, vision, and mission statements that have helped the Company remain a fast-food industry leader for decades. Its mission statement is "to be America's best quick-service restaurant at winning and keeping customers," while the vision statement is “to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A” (Pereira). Customer happiness, expansion, and a broad reach across numerous states result from the business's efforts to integrate religious tolerance with its overall objectives. What distinguishes this
First, Chick-Fil-A is pretty much unrivaled in their signature sandwich. Of course most fast food chains serve some form of a chicken sandwich, but none have been out up against Chick-Fil-A’s and won in any public survey. Second, many competitors simply lack the desire to dedicate themselves to public service as they have. We know as Christians, God requires that we serve our brother with a glad heart. With Chick-Fil-A being a Christian based company, they have a moral commitment to this that other main competitors have not. Very few companies can say that have had a steady rise in both revenue and market share value over the entire history of the company. Their focus on the customer has gained them an immense amount of public loyalty, something that can be very difficult to oppose for competing chains.
Who do you think of, when you think franchise owner? The truth is many of us don’t think of a franchise owner when we look at the world around us. When we visit our nearby McDonalds, Family Dollar, or Motel 6 we think of the corporation, not the people who own and operate these essential businesses. Who is a franchise owner? A franchise owner or franchisee is a person that buys a business that is part of a chain such as Big O Tires, McDonald’s, Super 8, or Kiddie Academy. These chain store reach across all types of retail such as automotive, food, travel and tourism, as well as education and several other categories. Most of the places that you visit frequently are most likely ran by a franchise owner. The first step to buying a franchise is researching as much as you can about the franchise you want to invest in. The second step to buying a franchise is to negotiate with and observe how the franchisor operates. Make in an investment and begin what can be a long contract with the franchisor.
There is always a wrong and a right way to run a business, and the right was is to establish codes of conducts that all employers and employees operate by. As a leader one should practice being ethical in all business and personal affairs. Good employees will have problem maintaining set ethical standards when properly informed of what is expected as an employee. Ruddell (2004) believed, those who conduct their business in an ethical manner will do well in the long-run. Grade (2003), demonstrated that employer/employee relationships are were established to glorify God and benefit the company. Although God provides great opportunities through employer/employee relationships does not mean that temptation will not arise and cause sin through dishonesty
This first section the authors bring up that continued “corporate ethics violations” have created a need for discussion of “moral issues” in the business world, including that of “corporate social responsibly” and indoctrination in managerial programs of ethical practices (Kim et al., 2009, p. 115). The authors point to the growing trend of business leaders following Christian practices, such as the founder of Chick-fil-A, Truett Cathey (Kim et al., 2009, p. 115). The authors then question how modernism affects the mainstream culture and marginalized the usefulness of worldview ethics that could provide “insight and guidance” to researchers and businesses alike (Kim et al., 2009, p. 116).
The strategic focus, decision making process, and actions of Greyston Bakery and the Greyston Foundation suggest a deep belief in Kant’s theory of universal free will. A deontological framework, Kant state that individuals should treat each other how they would want to be treated, not to see individuals as a means to an end, and their actions should be based on that duty in determining what is morally right from wrong (Stanwick & Stanwick, 2016). Glassman stepped down as president of the company in 1997 (Leipziger, 2016). Glassman’s successors have continued operate the business based on the same fundamental social principles the company was founded on.
Steve Kafka, a franchise owner for Chicago Style Pizza, is contemplating the options of opening a new franchise into the country of the Czech Republic, the country of his family's origin. Though Steve has made several trips into the Czech Republic, speaks the language and knows many people, he must seriously consider all of the opportunities and potential barriers to this new venture. I will explore the cultural differences between the United States and the Czech Republic. Next, potential competitive advantages are examined along with Hofsteade's Primary Cultural Dimensions to reveal clues to the culture pertaining to the new business. Finally, trade barriers and price income and elasticities are discussed.
Not having to answer to a corporate boss is the dream of many and the flexibility that owning a business franchise creates provides this option. Success is not reached by simply creating a business, however. The level of success is measured by the size and efficiency of the business. Business growth is the driving force of the economy. The additional jobs and revenues created when a business expands allow the economy to grow at exponential rates. One of the fastest and most popular ways to increase the size of a business is to turn it into a franchise, which can then be purchased by individuals. Franchising provides opportunities that are beneficial to both the parent company and the purchaser. The company that owns the business can expand without having to pay such a large initial cost to open a new store since the franchise purchaser pays a cost to open the business. As well, the company can regulate many of the business activities so that there is a sense of consistency throughout all of the locations. The purchaser is allowed to use the trademarks and goods of the franchise which already have a large market presence. As well, they are provided with training and work standards by the company to help their business run smoothly (Kalnins & Lafontaine, 2004, p.761). Looking at the business model of the world’s largest food retailer, McDonald’s, provides great insight into franchising and business growth in general as well a better understanding of a global business that utilizes the franchising technique.
In America, the idea of homosexuality is more accepted, than around the world, but this is still a very controversial area of discussion with many lobbying against LGBT rights (Oldham, Tasman & Riba, 1993, p. 15). In 2012, Starbucks along with many other corporates supported the Washington state bill to legalize same-sex marriages (Smith, 2013). Howard Schultz is quoted saying, “If you feel respectfully that you can get a higher return [than] the 38% you got last year, it's a free country” (Smith, 2013). He went on further to say that Starbucks “embraces all kinds of diversity”, and with more than 200 000 employees the respect of individuality is paramount (Smith, 2013). To maximize competitive advantage, the ability to adapt to the pressures from local responsiveness is vital for a multinational such as Starbucks (Monash South Africa, 2014). These pressures include many aspects with focus on customer tastes and preferences (Monash South Africa, 2014).
However, some examples of discrimination be seen as positive to certain employers. Many employers run their businesses based on their personal beliefs; for example, the Salvation Army runs off of Christian beliefs. In some cases, businesses can express their views and beliefs through their business. Sometimes these ideas are spread in either negative or positive
The most effective approach in actively participating in social responsibility is a three pronged approach. Those pillars are that of legal, ethical, and social behavior. Often time’s companies demonstrate involvement by giving back to the community that surround them. It is important for companies maintain a positive image within the community, it is in fact one of the most effective ways to drive commerce. Chick-fil-A is a great example of a socially responsible company. Chick-fil-A’s website pronounces, “Live by your convictions: When you live by your convictions, people respect that. It’s important to be consistent in living your convictions – business, religious or personal beliefs” (Chick-fil-A . 2014). Chick-fil-A is well known for being closed on Sundays, this is to positively impact their employees by allowing them to attend church and spend time with their families. Continuing on with the Christian theme, Chick-fil-A plays Christian music within their restaurants. Fiscally Chick-fil-A is committed to hel...
7-Eleven focuses on teamwork and encourages all franchisees to train every employee to be a leader instead of a follower. As an employee in 7-Eleven, I have been always told to dream as if one day I would be franchisee of a 7-Eleven store. One other thing the corporate tells the owners to look at is hire someone who would become a franchisee one day. Managers are expected to give out extrinsic rewards, and be a charismatic leader.