Case Study
The CEO of Starbucks and the Practice of Ethical Leadership
, ALEKSANDRA GORZYCKA-SIKORA 2
Creating Community:
Did Johnson use Starbucks’ shared values as the cornerstone of his decision making
after the arrests? Yes, Johnson did use Starbucks’ values as the basis of his decision making
after the arrest incident of two black men. Following the event, he issued a statement indicating
that anyone can use Starbucks' facilities without a necessary purchase. Furthermore, Johnson
emphasized that Starbucks' primary goal is to foster a sense of belonging among its customers, a
culture in which everyone is accepted.
Did his decision to close all Starbucks stores for unconscious bias training and to
create a new “Third Space Policy” align with Starbucks’ mission and goals? Yes, Johnson’s
decision aligned with the firm’s mission and goals. Everyone is welcome at the company, which
is dedicated to promoting a culture of belonging. I believe that shutting down the businesses was
critical because it allowed the company's management to communicate this mission to its
employees. Furthermore, the decision to close the business was a gesture of regret and an act of
taking full responsibility on what happened.
Did his handling of the incident promote positive relationships between employees
and customers? Yes, his handling of the incident promoted a positive relationship between
customers and employees. Johnson apologized for the incident and promised that any act of
harassing could not and would not be tolerated in his shops. Prior to the incident, Starbucks did
not have a policy for customers and left all decisions to the store manager. A month after the
arrest, Starbucks released “Use of Third Place Policy” and also explains that Starbucks seeks to
create “a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome.” This in a natural way
promotes a sense of connectivity and positive vibe environment for both employees and
customers.
The CEO of Starbucks and the Practice of Ethical Leadership
, ALEKSANDRA GORZYCKA-SIKORA 2
Creating Community:
Did Johnson use Starbucks’ shared values as the cornerstone of his decision making
after the arrests? Yes, Johnson did use Starbucks’ values as the basis of his decision making
after the arrest incident of two black men. Following the event, he issued a statement indicating
that anyone can use Starbucks' facilities without a necessary purchase. Furthermore, Johnson
emphasized that Starbucks' primary goal is to foster a sense of belonging among its customers, a
culture in which everyone is accepted.
Did his decision to close all Starbucks stores for unconscious bias training and to
create a new “Third Space Policy” align with Starbucks’ mission and goals? Yes, Johnson’s
decision aligned with the firm’s mission and goals. Everyone is welcome at the company, which
is dedicated to promoting a culture of belonging. I believe that shutting down the businesses was
critical because it allowed the company's management to communicate this mission to its
employees. Furthermore, the decision to close the business was a gesture of regret and an act of
taking full responsibility on what happened.
Did his handling of the incident promote positive relationships between employees
and customers? Yes, his handling of the incident promoted a positive relationship between
customers and employees. Johnson apologized for the incident and promised that any act of
harassing could not and would not be tolerated in his shops. Prior to the incident, Starbucks did
not have a policy for customers and left all decisions to the store manager. A month after the
arrest, Starbucks released “Use of Third Place Policy” and also explains that Starbucks seeks to
create “a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome.” This in a natural way
promotes a sense of connectivity and positive vibe environment for both employees and
customers.
