Tom's of Maine
To what extent is Tom Chappell’s spiritual perspective responsible for the company’s organizational culture and the company’s successes/failures?
Tom and Kate Chappell believe it is crucial not to compromise your beliefs in order to turn a profit. The Chappell’s expressed strong personal values of respect for both people and nature. Through conflicts between the companies’ new talent and the Chappell’s, Tom enrolled at Harvard Divinity School where he immersed himself in writings of great moral and religious philosophers. Having new knowledge and a deeper understanding of the direction he wanted his company to go in he “devoted much time to formulating the company’s mission and beliefs and to molding a corporate culture that embodies these tenets.” (p. 177)
What risks might an organizational encounter when encouraging the expression of spiritual values in the workplace? What are its advantages?
Tom’s of Maine might have risks involving the lack of understanding between employees and the company’s vision. However to avoid the Chappell’s believe that “there is a difference between requiring a workforce to embrace one’s religious beliefs and empowering all employees through a spiritual framework.” (p. 179)
One advantage would be the Chappell’s setting the example. They are committed to donating 10% of the company’s pre-tax profits to nonprofit organizations. By giving back to their community (county, state, nation and world) they are a shining example of what they would like their employees to do. They also encourage their employees to do this by providing a “generous benefit package, including four weeks of parental leave for both mothers and fathers, as well as offers flexible work schedules, job sharing, and work-at-home programs. Child-care and elder-care referral service is provided, and child care is partially reimbursed for employees earning less than $32,500 annually.” (p. 178)
Works Cited:
Canas, K.A. & Sondak, H. (2nd ed). Opportunities and
Tom and Kate Chappell believe it is crucial not to compromise your beliefs in order to turn a profit. The Chappell’s expressed strong personal values of respect for both people and nature. Through conflicts between the companies’ new talent and the Chappell’s, Tom enrolled at Harvard Divinity School where he immersed himself in writings of great moral and religious philosophers. Having new knowledge and a deeper understanding of the direction he wanted his company to go in he “devoted much time to formulating the company’s mission and beliefs and to molding a corporate culture that embodies these tenets.” (p. 177)
What risks might an organizational encounter when encouraging the expression of spiritual values in the workplace? What are its advantages?
Tom’s of Maine might have risks involving the lack of understanding between employees and the company’s vision. However to avoid the Chappell’s believe that “there is a difference between requiring a workforce to embrace one’s religious beliefs and empowering all employees through a spiritual framework.” (p. 179)
One advantage would be the Chappell’s setting the example. They are committed to donating 10% of the company’s pre-tax profits to nonprofit organizations. By giving back to their community (county, state, nation and world) they are a shining example of what they would like their employees to do. They also encourage their employees to do this by providing a “generous benefit package, including four weeks of parental leave for both mothers and fathers, as well as offers flexible work schedules, job sharing, and work-at-home programs. Child-care and elder-care referral service is provided, and child care is partially reimbursed for employees earning less than $32,500 annually.” (p. 178)
Works Cited:
Canas, K.A. & Sondak, H. (2nd ed). Opportunities and
Cited: Canas, K.A. & Sondak, H. (2nd ed). Opportunities and Challenges of Workplace Diversity: Theory, Cases and Exercises. Upper Saddlebrook, NJ. Prentice Hall.