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Coffee and Starbucks

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Coffee and Starbucks
Running head: Starbucks

Starbucks:

HR Practices Help Focus on the Brew, Weather the Recession and Prepare for Growth

Abstract This paper is a discussion of the challenges currently facing Starbucks. Starbucks, a Seattle based coffee store with a mission to “inspire and nurture the human spirit is recognized worldwide, and is known for its unique coffee drinking experience. In the past few years, the company has experienced some challenges form the economic downturn in 2007 when the recession as well as competitors such as Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds provides similar products for much less. Starbucks has faced store closings and lost revenue. By taking a look at Starbucks ' organization, its customers, its leaders, and its current downsizing compared to its overall effectiveness, we will bring further insight into how Starbucks lapsed into this current challenge that includes its “people management” strategy.
Starbucks: HR Practices Help Focus on the Brew, Weather the Recession and Prepare for Growth The focus of this case study is on Starbucks because this coffee house has become a cultural phenomenon. Although Starbucks began operation in Seattle in 1971, it was not until its current CEO Howard Schultz took the reins in 1987 that the company has transformed into a cultural sensation. Its unique blend of selective music from every part of the world played continuously is available for purchase. The music, ambiance, product displays and offerings is representative of multiple cultures and pulls you in regardless of the price of their products. Customer identifies with each lifestyle expressed to include the intellectual appeal of being surrounded by individuals who always seems to be engaging in some sort of debate, study or just simple savoring the taste of any of Starbucks.
1. Discuss the organization type and the audience served and its approach to their Partners. Starbucks is a retailer of specialty coffees and teas, and a



References: Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart and Patrick (2013). Human Resources Management: Gaining a competitive advantage. New York: McGraw-Hill Jahara, Starbucks Barista, personal communication. June 20, 2013. Michelli, J. A. (2007). The Starbucks experience: 5 principles for turning ordinary into extraordinary. New York: McGraw-Hill. Mui, Y (2008, February). Expresso yourself: Starbucks takes a break. The Washington Post, C01. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/26/AR2008022602699.html Starbucks Corporation. (2012). Fiscal 2013 annual report. Retrieved June 22, 2013 from http://investor.starbucks.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=99518&p=irol-reportsAnnual

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