InfoTrac Exercises

Chapter 2 The Environment and Corporate Culture

1. "To surprise and delight"

Canada's cable mogul has led the industry in North America while pursuing his most important goal: to please his customers. Kirsten Beck
Full Text: COPYRIGHT 2002 Reed Business Information
CED, Nov 2002 v28 i11 pSSSS20(2)
Record: A94222943

Abstract: Ted Rogers of Rogers Communications has the reputation for being a hard-driving executive of a national empire. He has a strong personal work ethic and demands excellence from his employees. An outline of Rogers’ life and the rise of Rogers Communications is highlighted.

1. What type of corporate culture is Ted Rogers promoting with his personal behaviour?
2. Would you feel comfortable working for Ted Rogers? Why or why not?
3. How has Ted Rogers responded to the changing nature of the television cable market? How can this approach be adapted for other industries?

2. Corporate coaches support global network. (Coca-Cola Co.)

(1994 Optimas Award Winners) (Cover Story)
Dawn Anfuso.
Full Text: COPYRIGHT ACC Communications Inc. 1994
Personnel Journal, Jan 1994 v73 n1 p58(1)
Record: A15004337

Abstract: Atlanta, GA-based Coca-Cola Co is the winner of the 1994 Optimas Award for Global Outlook. The award, conferred by Personnel Journal, is a tribute to the company's success in developing a standardized corporate culture that unifies its personnel in over 195 countries. The company has operating units in North America, Asia Pacific Rim, North East, Middle East and Africa, and employs around 31,000 employees. The six operating divisions all have a full HR organization that is directly accountable to the Atlanta HR staff. The personnel function at the head office supports the company's international units by orienting their HR professionals on the processes they should be involved with and by developing standard policies and procedures to be adopted throughout the world.

1. How does the centralized human resource management decision-making benefit Coca-Cola?
2. What are some key issues to consider when placing employees overseas?
3. Why does Coca-Cola want to standardize its culture globally? How is this an advantage for Coca-Cola?