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Introduction
Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) is an entrepreneurial company with a successful formula. Expansion is very much in their plans. In order to grow successfully, founder and President Kathy Kudler will need to work with her management team to build on their strengths, identify and resolve weaknesses, and ensure that the successful formula they have nurtured to this point will survive and grow with the company.
Organizational Culture
The apparent culture at KFF is one of independence stemming from founder, Kathy Kudler. In our text, this would be described as employee self management. (Gomez-Mejia & Balkin, 2002, ch. 5, p.2) Kudler played a major role in financing and growing this specialty food company on her own. Kudler was able to fund the business for 6 months as well as expand it to two other San Diego locations in a short amount of time. Kathy's direction promotes a culture that is team oriented yet flexible. KFF delegated tasks such as management, stock, sales, inventory, and accounting to employees with adequate training and made that their sole responsibility. This allows an employee the chance to make the job his or her own and feel as if their position is of value. The text states that in an employee self managed organization, duties and responsibilities are well defined and employees can function without close supervision. (Gomez-Mejia & Balkin, 2002, ch. 5) This is an important aspect of a KFF employee; with three locations throughout the San Diego area, Kathy cannot physically be at each location at all times. The culture is one of se ...